The Daihatsu Hijet Truck (S500P/S510P) is Japan's best-selling Kei truck, and for good reason. It has been the go-to vehicle for farmers and construction workers since 1960. The 2019 model (10th Generation) introduced the "Jumbo" cabin option with extra space behind the seats and improved safety sensors. It is a rugged, no-nonsense tool that punches well above its weight class.

Kei trucks are about torque, not speed. Manual transmission is preferred for work.

• 660cc Non-Turbo (Code: S500P / S510P) RECOMMENDED
  Features the KF-VE engine. Matched with a 5-speed manual, it is surprisingly capable. S500P is RWD; S510P is 4WD with a differential lock (essential for farms).

• Standard vs Jumbo: The standard cabin is tight for tall drivers. The "Jumbo" model extends the cabin backwards, allowing the seats to recline and offering dry storage space behind the seats for tools.
• Washable Cabin: The floor is vinyl and the plastics are hard. You can wipe out mud and dust easily with a damp cloth.

• Smart Assist IIIt: The "t" stands for Truck. 2019 models often have collision avoidance sensors located in the top of the windshield—a high-tech feature for a farm truck.
• Diff Lock: The 4WD models feature a button-operated rear differential lock. This locks the rear wheels together, providing immense traction in mud or wet grass.

• Farm Economy: 14–16 km/l (Varies wildly with load)
• Maintenance: Minimal. No timing belt (uses chain), simple leaf springs, and easy engine access (tilt the seat).
• Spares: Available. Shares engine parts with the Hijet Van and Mira.

• Ground Clearance: At 160mm, it is good. But the short wheelbase is the real advantage—it won't beach itself on mounds like a long pickup.
• 4WD Capability: A 4WD Hijet Truck with Diff Lock will go places a Toyota Hilux 2WD cannot. It floats over mud rather than sinking into it. Ideally suited for tea farms in Kericho or horticulture in Naivasha.

It is a simple machine. The manual gearbox is preferred for durability. The only safety concern is the "cab-over" design; there is very little crumple zone in front of your legs, so drive defensively.

The following are estimated showroom prices for fresh imports (duty-paid) in major Kenyan cities including **Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret**.

The Daihatsu Hijet Truck is the best employee you will ever hire. It never complains, eats very little, and works in any weather. For small-scale farmers and hardware stores, it offers 80% of the utility of a pickup for 30% of the price.