Daihatsu Hijet: Regular Cab Fixed-Bed Mini Trucks
Daihatsu Hijets are the most popular mini trucks, and these models with the regular cabs are the most popular Hijets. Read on to discover more about these 4×4 off-road workhorses.
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Recent History
Daihatsu has been a leader in the mini truck market since 1960. However, here at Mini Truck Depot, our focus is on the latest models, particularly the 11th generation Hijet, which debuted at the end of 2021.
What stands out with this 11th generation is Daihatsu’s commitment to refinement over reinvention. At first glance, the changes may seem subtle, but there were significant upgrades keep the Hijet at the forefront of the mini truck segment. A key example is the introduction of CVT transmission, which delivers up to 25% better fuel efficiency compared to the outgoing 10th generation’s three-speed automatic transmission.
To provide some context, the 9th generation Hijet, produced from January 1999 to November 2011, marks an earlier phase of Daihatsu’s evolutionary development strategy. The 4WD variants in this generation included the S210P (1999 to 2007) and then the updated S211P (late 2007 to 2011). Although mechanical improvements were introduced at that midway point in the cycle, the overall exterior design remained largely unchanged. These earlier models are getting old now, so are much less common here at Mini Truck Depot.
Moving to the 10th generation, some examples of which you’ll find for sale here, Daihatsu continued to improve the Hijet’s balance of practicality and performance. Below is an example of a lightly customized black model:
And now the latest 11th generation, launched at the end of December 2021. The model designation remains unchanged from the 10th generation (S510P for the 4WD variant), and while significant updates occurred under the surface—such as the introduction of CVT transmission mentioned earlier—the exterior design tells a different story. The changes, at first glance, are minimal:
The latest 11th generation model retains the S510P designation from the 10th generation and carries over much of the same exterior design. Some variants feature subtle updates, such as squared-off fog lights in the front bumpers, adding a slightly more aggressive look. While design preferences are subjective, many still consider the 11th generation to be the best-looking Hijet regular cab mini truck in recent years.
Selection For Sale
Here are just a few of the Hijet regular cab 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 exterior color options.)
Body Colors
Now, it’s impossible to talk about looks without mentioning body colors. While white remains the best-selling option, it’s fair to say it’s also the most understated choice. Beyond that, Daihatsu offers some standout niche colors that give these mini trucks a presence few other off-road UTVs can match.
To start, here are the body colors available for the 10th generation S510P Hijet in its final iteration. In the US market, green metallic—sometimes referred to as khaki—was by far the most popular option. You can still find many nearly new or very lightly used regular cab models in this color for sale here.
The 11th generation S510P Daihatsu Hijet has introduced new color options while discontinuing some previous favorites. Two notable omissions are the striking Mist Blue Metallic and Mint Metallic colors from the preceding generation, which have been replaced by the more subdued and conservative Ice Green. Of course, color preferences are subjective.
On the positive side, popular options like Green Metallic, Orange Metallic, and Black remain available. Silver Metallic, often overlooked, is also worth considering. While it may seem like a standard metallic choice, its subtle bluish tint and high reflectivity give it a bright, distinctive appearance.
Here are the available color options for the 11th generation regular cab fixed-bed Hijet:
Cab Interior
The exterior of your mini truck is, of course, important. It reflects something about who you are, and since it will be sitting there on your property, you may as well pick a color that’s pleasing to look at.
However, most of the time when you’re actually using your Japanese mini truck, you won’t be admiring its exterior. Whether it’s Ice Green, Orange, or White won’t make much difference when you’re behind the wheel. What really matters will be your experience on the inside—whether as the driver or passenger.
Daihatsu mini trucks come equipped with thoughtful features and creature comforts that are either unavailable on, or well beyond the standard offerings of a typical UTV. So, with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the interior
As you can see, it’s a well-designed space, built with practical, durable materials and surrounded by a tough steel safety shell. What’s not immediately visible in the photo is the width of the cabin—4 feet 5 inches—making it the widest interior of any mini truck on the market. Here are a few more details that highlight the practical nature of this Hijet’s interior:
- Durable, waterproof seats: The fabric seat covers are extremely hard-wearing and waterproof, a critical feature when you’re getting in and out frequently in all kinds of weather.
- Easy access: The doors open the widest of any mini truck brand—67 degrees, to be exact—providing a 3-foot 6-inch opening for effortless entry and exit.
But there’s more…
- Key-free convenience: Some models feature key-free access and push-button engine start for added ease.
- Adjustable driver’s seat: With 5.5 inches of front-to-rear sliding adjustment—the most of any kei (Japanese mini) truck—you can easily find the most comfortable driving position.
- Fold-in door mirrors: Selected models offer push-button, electrically retracting “fold-in” mirrors, ideal for parking in tight spaces.
- Power windows: Some models come with power windows, while others feature manual wind-up options.
- Efficient climate control: Multiple adjustable vents allow you to direct the standard AC or heater airflow exactly where it’s needed for comfort. Warm air can also be directed at the windshield to prevent fogging.
- Ample storage: The cabin offers plenty of storage options beyond the glove compartment. There’s a spot for your phone, a secure place for your keys, and even convenient cup holders for your water bottle or coffee mug.
It’s worth emphasizing again: the cabin of your off-road Hijet mini truck represents a significant upgrade in comfort compared to a typical UTV.
Engine And Transmission
Of course, all the exterior good looks, standout colors, and interior comforts mean little without the off-road capability to back them up. So what powers these Hijet regular cab models? Let’s take a closer look at the engine and transmission.
Engine
When it comes to off-road capability, the Hijet regular cab delivers where it matters most, thanks to its proven Daihatsu KF-type engine. The KF engine is a 3-cylinder, water-cooled design equipped with electronic fuel injection and a 10.8 compression ratio. It delivers maximum power at 5,700 rpm, with peak torque available at a lower 4,000 rpm. The result is strong pulling power to keep you moving and hauling across challenging terrain.
Although engine capacity is capped at 660cc under Japanese regulations, Daihatsu has refined the KF engine over time for improved efficiency and reliability. The latest 11th generation models introduce new fuel economy optimizing tech. Even before this, the 10th generation already achieved significant gains in fuel economy. With this new technology, the 11th generation automatic variants now offer an additional 25% improvement over their predecessors.
Despite its focus on capability, the KF engine meets NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) standards far beyond what you would expect from an off-road utility vehicle. The result is smooth, quiet operation that reduces fatigue during long workdays, whether hauling loads or traversing rough ground.
Maintenance remains simple and practical. The Hijet runs on regular gasoline, and essential components like air and oil filters are widely available and easy to replace. In colder climates, standard precautions apply—like using anti-freeze—to ensure smooth operation. Its straightforward design means most regular maintenance tasks can be easily handled on your own.
The engine’s placement is another practical advantage. Located under the cab and mounted low, just behind the seats, it provides excellent weight distribution and a low center of gravity. This design enhances stability, safety, and off-road performance.
One final note: all Hijet regular cab mini trucks available in the US are equipped with naturally aspirated engines.
Below: A cutaway view of the KF engine showcasing its internal design.
Transmission
The 9th and 10th generation Hijet regular cab 4×4 models came with multiple transmission options to suit a wide range of off-road needs:
- 5-speed manual
- 5-speed manual with hi-lo range and locking rear differential (commonly known as the “Farming Package”)
- 4-speed automatic
With the launch of the 11th generation at the end of 2021, Daihatsu introduced significant updates while retaining some key configurations. So, the options now look like this:
- 5-speed manual
- 5-speed manual with hi-lo range and locking rear differential (still referred to as the “Farming Package”)
- CVT with rear differential
The addition of the CVT transmission marks a notable advancement. Combined with the updated KF engine, the 11th generation achieves 25% better fuel economy compared to the 4-speed automatic models from the previous generation. Beyond improved efficiency, the CVT also delivers smoother, more seamless power delivery—ideal for navigating uneven terrain or tackling long days of off-road use.
Another highlight is the availability of the rear differential with the automatic CVT transmission. In previous generations, this feature was reserved exclusively for the 5-speed Farming Package with its manual transmission. Now, unless you require the added precision of a hi-lo range gearbox for extreme off-road conditions, the 11th generation’s CVT-equipped Hijet offers a highly capable and efficient alternative that also has a locking rear diff.
Below: A cutaway view showing the inner workings of the CVT transmission.
4WD System
First, it’s important to be clear—since all the mini trucks for sale here are intended for off-road use only, they are all equipped with 4WD. While the fundamentals of the 4WD system have remained consistent for many years, there were slight changes introduced with the latest 11th generation model:
On earlier generation models, the system is controlled by a button on the dashboard that allows you to switch 4WD on or off as needed. Why would you want to turn it off? Powering all four wheels requires more energy than driving in 2WD, which means higher fuel consumption. In conditions like a dry gravel track, 2WD is sufficient, so switching out of 4WD allows you to conserve fuel. When conditions change—say you’re moving off that same gravel track onto a muddy or uneven field—a quick press of the button re-engages the 4WD system, delivering the traction and grip needed for the terrain.
For example, here’s the 10th generation Hijet’s dashboard, where you can see the 4WD control button located in the center dash console:
Once again, the 11th generation Hijet takes things to a new level. Instead of requiring you to reach for a button every time you want to switch into 4WD or back to 2WD, the automatic CVT model introduces a new Auto 4WD mode. This system allows you to leave the decision-making to the mini truck itself. Under normal conditions, it automatically determines whether 4WD is needed or not. If the extra traction isn’t required, the system switches seamlessly into the more fuel-efficient 2WD setting without any input from you.
For those moments when you’re tackling particularly strenuous off-road tasks, there’s still a 4WD Lock override switch. This allows you to manually force the truck to stay in 4WD, ensuring maximum grip and control when the conditions demand it.
That said, the practicality of the Auto 4WD mode speaks for itself. It’s a lot like the manual settings on a camera—you know they’re there, and they sound appealing in theory. You might try the 4WD Lock feature a couple of times, just to see how it feels. But, before long, you’ll likely leave it in Auto 4WD and let the Hijet handle things for you. After all, it’s designed to do the hard work while you focus on the job at hand.
Hi-Lo Range
If you’re considering the 5-speed manual model, this would usually be the reason why: The manual transmission is designed for serious off-road work in extreme conditions, where you need every bit of control and capability the truck can offer. Without those challenges, it’s just extra effort with no real advantage. But when conditions demand more—like climbing a steep incline, crawling through rugged terrain, or controlling your descent—the hi-lo switchable range gives you the tools to get it done.
On the Hijet regular cab, the models equipped with the hi-lo range come with what’s often referred to as the Farming Package. It’s a feature set that also includes a locking rear diff that’s designed for environments where ordinary capability simply isn’t enough. Check the mini trucks for sale page here, and you’ll often see these models available.
So, what does the hi-lo range do? It provides an additional set of ultra-low gears beneath first gear, giving you two key advantages: extra pulling power when climbing and enhanced engine braking when descending — plus greater pulling power when towing. It’s the kind of capability that makes short work of tasks other mini trucks or UTVs might struggle with.
Most of the time, you won’t need it. On a dry track or gravel path, switching into hi-lo range will just make the mini truck move at a crawl. But leave the path behind—head into mud, uneven terrain, or a steep slope—and those ultra-low gears become essential. In those moments, you’ll appreciate having this option at your fingertips. The small lever, located near the parking brake, is simple and intuitive to operate.
While hi-lo range isn’t something you’ll use every day, when you need it, it can really make a big difference. It’s a feature designed for those moments when the work gets tough and the terrain gets tougher.
Load Bed
At 6 feet 8 inches in length, the load bed floor of the Daihatsu Hijet regular cab is the longest of any mini truck. Positioned just over 2 feet off the ground, it offers easy access for loading and unloading. The 11-inch-deep side walls fold down—not just at the rear, but on both sides as well—allowing for versatile access to the bed. Whether you’re loading equipment, tools, or materials of varying shapes and sizes, this design makes the process straightforward.
This regular cab Hijet load bed is rated to carry up to 1,500 lbs, giving you plenty of capacity for heavy or bulky loads. You can fold down the rear gate, the rear gate plus one side, or all three sides—whichever suits the job best. Like this:
If you’re working after dark, the Hijet has you covered. The load area lamp (some models), mounted on the rear of the cab, provides clear LED lighting so you can keep going when the sun goes down. A quick flip of the switch near the steering wheel turns it on, giving you a well-lit view of the load bed and everything you need to handle back there.
Practical features like this are no accident. Over decades and millions of sales, Daihatsu has continually refined these mini trucks, shaped by generations of customer feedback. The result is a machine that delivers exceptional utility and capability in off-road environments.
How To Buy A Regular Cab Daiahtsu Hijet
These models are incredibly popular, and you’ll find plenty of 11th generation Hijets, as well as some 10th generation examples, here at Mini Truck Depot. While this page has focused on the fixed load bed version, the same regular cab Hijet is also available with a dump bed. If you’re interested in dump mini trucks, click here to explore these options. And if you think you might need a little extra space in the cab, take a look at the Hijet Jumbo model details page here.
