Daihatsu Hijet Cargo, Atrai Gain Up to 6.4% Better Fuel Economy
Daihatsu has updated its Hijet Cargo and Atrai mini commercial vans in Japan, improving official WLTC fuel economy by as much as 6.4 percent through revised vehicle controls. The gasoline models went on sale nationwide on November 2, 2026, while the electric e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai gained a new optional 9-inch smartphone-linked display audio system.
The change is a running update rather than a new generation. Daihatsu did not announce new engines or transmissions; instead, it attributes the higher test figures to control-system revisions. Both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions are included in the published figures.
Fuel-economy gains range from 4.0 to 6.4 percent
| Model and grade group | Transmission | Drive | Previous WLTC | Updated WLTC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hijet Cargo Cruise Turbo | CVT | 2WD / 4WD | 14.7 km/L | 15.5 km/L |
| Hijet Cargo Cruise, Deluxe, Special Clean, Special and Deck Van G/L | CVT | 2WD / 4WD | 15.6 km/L | 16.6 km/L |
| Same Hijet Cargo grade group | Manual | 2WD / 4WD | 14.9 km/L | 15.5 km/L |
| Atrai RS, X and Atrai Deck Van | CVT | 2WD / 4WD | 14.7 km/L | 15.5 km/L |
The largest numerical improvement applies to non-turbo CVT Hijet Cargo grades, which rise from 15.6 to 16.6 km/L. That is an increase of about 6.4 percent. The manual group improves by about 4.0 percent, while the Cruise Turbo and Atrai groups each gain about 5.4 percent.
These are laboratory-cycle figures, not a guarantee of real-world consumption. Daihatsu notes that weather, traffic, air-conditioner use and driving style can change actual fuel economy. The company’s announcement does not provide revised prices, so shoppers will need to confirm local dealer pricing in Japan.
The electric vans get a larger display option, not a new battery
The e-Hijet Cargo and e-Atrai are not part of the gasoline fuel-economy table. Their November update is a new manufacturer-option 9-inch display audio system with smartphone connectivity. Daihatsu did not announce a battery, motor or driving-range change, and it did not list the price of the new display option.
For context, Daihatsu’s February 2026 launch specifications give both electric vans a 36.6-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery and a claimed 257-km WLTC range. A 50-kW fast charger can take the battery from the low-charge warning level to 80 percent in about 50 minutes under the company’s stated test conditions.
The e-Hijet Cargo also retains a maximum 350-kg payload in four-seat form. Both electric models include a 1,500-watt AC outlet, a CHAdeMO fast-charging inlet and vehicle-to-home capability when used with separately purchased V2H equipment. Daihatsu’s existing recommended prices are ¥3,146,000 for either e-Hijet Cargo seating configuration and ¥3,465,000 for the e-Atrai RS; the November release does not say those figures have changed.
What the update means
For commercial operators, the gasoline update is primarily an operating-cost change: the same compact cargo format now carries better certified consumption figures. Electric-van buyers gain a larger infotainment choice without a claimed change to range or cargo capacity.
The models are Japan-market vehicles, and Daihatsu’s announcement does not state plans for U.S. sales. For another recent small-vehicle launch with explicitly confirmed U.S. availability, see Chiefs Review’s report on the 2027 Fiat Topolino low-speed vehicle.
Featured image: A current-generation 2022 Daihatsu Hijet Cargo Deluxe in Japan. This is an archive photo and may not show the exact 2026 specification. Photo by Mr.choppers, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; source file.
