Daihatsu Hijet Jumbo Cab Mini Trucks
Daihatsu Hijet Jumbo models are the second most popular Daihatsu model. US buyers love them due to the more spacious nature of their “jumbo” size extended cabs.
Jump To Section
Introduction
The Daihatsu Hijet Jumbo models are the second most popular pickup-style option in the Daihatsu lineup, ranking just behind the regular cab Hijet. In the US, these Jumbo cabs are especially favored by buyers who value the added comfort and practicality of the extended cab, which provides more interior space compared to standard models. To give you a clearer idea of what the Hijet Jumbo offers, here are images of both the 10th generation (top) and 11th generation (bottom) models.
First, take a look at this 10th generation Jumbo. It features a 3-inch lift kit and 25-inch 10-ply tires, making it well-suited for rugged off-road tasks. Shown here in the popular green (khaki) metallic color, it delivers a bold and functional appearance that underscores its practical capabilities
Now, here’s the 11th generation Hijet Jumbo. This one is in the new and rare red metallic color.
One key feature of the Hijet Jumbo is the extra vertical window at the rear of the cab and the slightly raised roofline. Compared to the regular cab Hijet, these elements are immediately noticeable and highlight the Jumbo’s extended cab design. This results in additional interior space, including increased headroom. Let’s take a closer look at what the Jumbo cab offers inside.
Selection for Sale
Here are just a few of the Hijet Jumbo models with the fixed beds that we have here at Mini Truck Depot. Click on any of them to see more details, or click here to see all the mini trucks we have of this particular model. (If you just want to keep reading about Daihatsu Hijet regular cab mini trucks, scroll down to to go to the next section about the interior of the Jumbo cab.)
Cab Interior
Before you even step into the fully weatherproof cab, there are a couple of features worth noting that make living with a mini truck noticeably more convenient than running a standard UTV. Take a closer look at this orange Hijet Jumbo and see if you can spot them:
That’s right. The cab sits relatively high, providing an excellent view of the surrounding terrain, while the step up remains low for easy access. The wide-swinging doors create a generous opening, making it simple to climb aboard, and the addition of convenient grab handles further enhances entry. These features ensure a comfortable experience before you even start driving—a significant advantage, particularly if you frequently need to get in and out while working on your ranch or farm.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the interior. What sets the Hijet Jumbo apart as a ‘Jumbo’? The key is its larger cab, which offers extra room behind the seats. These seats also feature adjustable backrests for added comfort. Take a look:
As you can see, the additional space behind the seats isn’t cavernous, but it’s certainly practical. It’s ideal for storing a bag or two — or tools that you need within easy reach but want to keep protected from the elements. Then there’s the added headroom—an important feature for taller drivers. If you’re over 6 feet tall, this alone makes the Jumbo a compelling option. Also, take note of the lined roof and the storage shelf at the front—a detail you wouldn’t typically find in a standard UTV. This level of attention to detail is a hallmark of Japanese mini trucks, and the Hijet Jumbo exemplifies it well.
When you climb in and settle into the seats, you immediately notice how different they feel compared to the more spartan designs you might find in a typical UTV. If this is your first time in the cab of a Daihatsu Jumbo, you will instinctively reach for the seat adjustment—and you’ll find it exactly where you’d expect, allowing you to fine-tune your driving position within seconds.
Unlike the regular cab model, which only allows the seat base to slide forward and backward, the Jumbo cab offers enhanced adjustability. The driver’s seat can move back and forth by up to 5.5 inches, while the passenger seat provides a range of up to 4 inches. (These measurements are shown below in millimeters.) Additionally, the extra space behind the seats in the Jumbo cab enables the inclusion of reclining functionality, ensuring even greater comfort and adjustability. With this range of movement, almost anyone, regardless of height, can find a comfortable position quickly and easily.
The Hijet Jumbo’s interior isn’t just about comfortable seats—though those are certainly a key feature. As noted earlier, the extended cab provides valuable additional storage space behind the front seats. But that’s not all. Look up, and you’ll find more room to stow items above eye level. That extra bulge in the roof isn’t just for headroom; it also houses a built-in shelf. This handy space is perfect for keeping small essentials—like gloves, a hat, or even a tissue box—within easy reach without cluttering the main cabin.
There’s no shortage of storage options elsewhere in the cab, either. The interior includes a glove box, door pockets, and spots for your phone and other gear. And no matter the season, you’ll want to bring along your beverage of choice, so the Hijet Jumbo also comes equipped with drink holders to keep you warm and awake in winter or cool and hydrated in summer. Take a look at this view of the 11th generation Hijet Jumbo interior and see how thoughtfully it’s designed. The practical storage solutions and attractive yet durable plastic materials make it a functional and pleasant space.
This particular model features a manual transmission with a hi-lo range (note the small lever located between the gear shifter and the parking brake) and power windows. However, the Jumbo is also available with wind-up windows or a CVT automatic transmission, offering options to suit different users’ needs.
Â
Now, take a look at the convenient overhead shelf mentioned earlier:
Body Colors
Step out of the Jumbo through one of those wide-opening doors, and let’s take a closer look at the exterior—specifically, the color options. Japanese mini trucks, and the Hijet Jumbo in particular, have a distinctive personality, and the available paint colors help highlight that character. While your mini truck is undoubtedly a hardworking vehicle, it’s also your mobile workspace—an essential part of your day. Why not choose a color that reflects your style and makes it a pleasure to use?
Here are the colors available for the 10th generation Hijet Jumbo:
Here’s an example of that very rare Mint Metallic exterior color.
With the introduction of the 11th generation S510P Hijet Jumbo, the color palette has seen some changes. Unfortunately, the striking and rare Mist Blue Metallic and Mint Metallic color you can see above have been discontinued, replaced by the more unconventional Ice Green. Of course, color preferences are subjective, and some may find this new shade appealing. Longstanding favorites such as Green Metallic, Orange Metallic, and Black remain available, offering classic options. Additionally, the sophisticated Red Metallic, exclusive to the Jumbo model, adds a unique touch not found on other Hijet variants.
Here are the available color options for the 11th generation Hijet Jumbo:
As a sharp-eyed reader, you may have noticed a couple of things about the color options shown here. First, only one of these mini trucks is a Jumbo—the others are regular cab Hijets. For now, focus on the colors rather than the cab shapes. Second, the only difference in the color palette between the regular cab and the Jumbo is the addition of Red Metallic (or, as it’s officially known in Japan, ‘Fire Quartz Red Metallic’)—a color exclusive to the Jumbo model. You can see a photo of a Jumbo in this striking color further up the page.
However, you’re unlikely to encounter many Jumbos in Red Metallic. For one, Green Metallic remains the most popular choice among US buyers. Additionally, Red Metallic is only available on the top-of-the-line Jumbo Extra model, which makes it less common due to its higher price point. Still, with a total of seven colors available—ranging from classic white to the more unconventional Ice Green—there’s something to suit every taste.
Engine And Transmission
The Hijet Jumbo models combine rugged, off-road capability with a comfortable and practical interior, making them an excellent choice for working in the fields around your farm or ranch. But while appearance and comfort are important, performance is key. So, how does the Jumbo handle getting you to those fields and navigating them once you’re there? Let’s take a closer look at the powertrain.
Engine
The Hijet Jumbo is powered by the same engine found across all Hijet body styles, including the regular cab model. This is Daihatsu’s KF-type 3-cylinder, water-cooled engine with electronic fuel injection. It features a compression ratio of 10.8, delivering its maximum power at 5,700 rpm and peak torque at a lower 4,000 rpm. This balance provides strong pulling power, making the engine well-suited for handling challenging terrain and hauling tasks.
With the engine’s capacity capped at 660cc to comply with kei truck regulations, Daihatsu has not made fundamental changes to the design over the years but has focused on gradual refinements that have improved both efficiency and reliability. The latest 11th generation models introduce fuel-saving technology designed to minimize unnecessary fuel use during idle periods. Even before this, the 10th generation Hijets already offered approximately 50% better fuel economy compared to UTVs. With the addition of this innovation, the automatic variants of the 11th generation deliver an additional 25% improvement over their automatic Hijet predecessors, setting a new standard for efficiency.
Daihatsu, as a Toyota subsidiary, builds its engines to meet their high NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) standards. This ensures a smooth and quiet ride, resulting in less fatigue during long hours of work, as well as the ability to operate around highly strung animals without disturbing them. While engine noise may not be one of your primary concerns, a quiet engine does play a significant role in enhancing overall comfort when using the vehicle throughout the day.
In terms of maintenance, these engines are straightforward to manage. They run on regular gasoline, and air and oil filters are both readily available and easy to replace. For cold climates, standard anti-freeze precautions apply, just as with any other vehicle. Their simplicity makes regular maintenance tasks accessible, allowing you to take care of most upkeep yourself if you prefer.
The engine’s placement is also worth noting. It’s mounted under the cab, positioned low and just behind the seats. This setup provides excellent weight distribution and contributes to the vehicle’s low center of gravity, enhancing safety and off-road stability. These features combine to make the Hijet a practical and capable workhorse.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that all Hijet mini trucks available in the US feature naturally aspirated engines.
Take a closer look at the details of the KF engine in this cutaway view, showcasing its inner workings.
Transmission
The 9th and 10th generation Hijet regular cab 4×4 models offered several transmission options, providing versatility different use cases:
- 5-speed manual
- 5-speed manual with hi-lo range and locking rear differential (commonly referred to as the ‘Farming Package’)
- 4-speed automatic
With the launch of the 11th generation model at the end of 2021, significant updates were made to the available configurations:
- 5-speed manual
- 5-speed manual with hi-lo range and locking rear differential
- CVT with rear differential
The introduction of the CVT transmission in the 11th generation, paired with the latest engine updates, brought the 25% improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous 4-speed automatic model mentioned above. Beyond the fuel savings, the CVT also delivered a step up in smooth power delivery, enhancing overall performance and comfort.
A noteworthy addition in this 11th generation is the ability to combine the CVT transmission with a rear differential—a feature previously exclusive to the 5-speed ‘Farming Package’ models. This change broadens the appeal of the automatic models. For most applications, unless extreme off-road capability is absolutely essential, the 5-speed with hi-lo range may no longer be required, making the Hijet Jumbo with a CVT transmission an excellent alternative for many buyers.
Here’s a cutaway view showcasing the inner workings of the CVT automatic transmission:
4WD System
Let’s start with an important point: all the mini trucks for sale here are for off-road use only, and every model comes equipped with 4WD. While the fundamentals of the 4WD system have remained consistent, there were some updates introduced with the 11th generation model. In earlier generations, a dashboard button allows you to toggle the 4WD system on or off.
Why is this feature useful? Powering all four wheels requires more energy than running in 2WD, so turning off 4WD helps conserve fuel. For example, if you’re driving on a dry gravel track, 2WD is usually sufficient. A simple press of the button switches off 4WD to save gas. But if you transition from that track onto a muddy field, pressing the button again re-engages the 4WD system, giving you the additional grip needed for challenging terrain.
Here’s the location of the 4WD button on the center dash console of the 10th generation model. As shown, this particular vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission:
The 11th generation Hijet introduces a significant upgrade with its new ‘Auto 4WD’ system, available on the CVT models. This feature eliminates the need to manually toggle between 4WD and 2WD. Under normal conditions, the system automatically determines whether 4WD is required. When it detects that additional traction isn’t necessary, it seamlessly switches to the more fuel-efficient 2WD setting.
For particularly demanding off-road tasks, the ‘4WD Lock’ override allows you to manually engage 4WD continuously. However, for most situations, the automatic system proves more than capable of handling the transition between settings, letting you focus on your work without needing to make constant adjustments.
Think of it like the manual mode on a camera—while it offers precise control, most users find themselves relying on the automatic mode after experimenting for a short time. Similarly, the ‘4WD Lock’ button might come in handy on occasion, but you’ll likely leave it in auto mode and let the truck’s advanced system make the decisions, so you can concentrate on the task at hand.
Hi-Lo Range
If you’re going for a 5-speed manual model, the chances are that this feature will be the reason why. Why opt for a manual unless you’re planning to tackle the most challenging off-road conditions? For general use, a manual transmission is a lot of extra work without much reward. But when you’re up against steep inclines, extremely slippery terrain, or the need to tow heavy trailers, the hi-lo range selector becomes a crucial tool to help ensure your Hijet Jumbo makes it through. This feature is also available on that regular cab Hijet models which are often referred to as the ‘Farming Package’ models. Be sure to check out our mini trucks for sale page—you’re likely to find plenty of these options listed there.
So, what does the hi-lo range lever actually do? It’s quite straightforward. It provides an extra set of ultra-low gears, effectively giving you more power for climbing tough hills or enhancing engine braking for safer descents. Think of it as adding gears below first gear, and you’ve got the basic idea.
You won’t need this feature all the time—using it on a standard gravel path will make your mini truck painfully slow. But when the terrain becomes truly demanding, you’ll be glad your Hijet has this extra capability in its arsenal. And when you do need it, engaging the hi-lo range is simple, thanks to the conveniently placed lever near the parking brake.
Load Bed
Let’s test your attention to detail. There’s a unique feature you can see in the Hijet Jumbo’s load bed that you won’t find on the regular cab model. Can you spot it? Take a look. Here’s the Hijet Jumbo first:
Now the regular cab Daihatsu Hijet. Same generation. Slightly different load bed design. Can you see what that difference is?
That’s right—the Hijet Jumbo features a notch at the base of the cab, allowing for a longer load bed floor than would otherwise be possible if the rear panel of the cab was completely flat. While the deeper cab inevitably reduces the length of the overall load area slightly, the designers have minimized that impact with this clever design. Now, let’s take a closer look at the bed dimensions, which remain quite impressive:
The load space is not only impressively spacious, but it’s also designed with practical features to make loading and unloading easier and less physically demanding. The tailgate folds down for lip-free access at the rear, while both side panels can also be flipped down. This allows you to make full use of the long load area without needing to stretch awkwardly to reach items further in. It’s a thoughtful design feature, honed over 60 years and more than 7 million mini trucks sold, to simplify your work and spare your back.
Buying A Daihatsu Hijet Jumbo Mini Truck
These models are extremely popular among our US customers, who often choose them as replacements for work UTVs from brands like John Deere, Can-Am, and Kubota. They offer the best of both worlds: a long, versatile load bed, robust off-road 4WD capability, and the comfort of a spacious, fully weatherproof steel cab. Take a look at our Daihatsu Jumbos for sale, and you’ll see how they compare favorably in value and functionality to those same competitor UTV brands.
