Toyota Pixis Truck: Complete Guide

Overview & History

The Toyota Pixis Truck is a Daihatsu Hijet with a Toyota badge on the grille. That is the entire engineering story. Every bolt, every weld, every wiring harness is designed and manufactured by Daihatsu at their Osaka and Oita plants. Toyota does not touch the production line. They receive finished trucks, apply their emblem, and sell them through Toyota dealerships across Japan.

This OEM supply arrangement launched in December 2011, when Toyota added the Pixis Truck and Pixis Van to their domestic lineup. The timing was not coincidental. Toyota had been gradually absorbing Daihatsu, first taking a majority stake in 1998, then fully integrating the company as a subsidiary in 2016. By offering rebadged Daihatsu kei vehicles under the Toyota name, the parent company could tap into the massive Japanese kei market without building a single new vehicle. If you are unfamiliar with this vehicle class, our explainer on what a kei truck actually is covers the fundamentals.

The name "Pixis" comes from "pixie," reflecting the compact nature of Toyota's kei vehicle series. The lineup includes the Pixis Epoch (rebadged Daihatsu Mira e:S), the Pixis Van (rebadged Hijet Cargo), and several kei car models that have come and gone over the years. The Truck has remained in continuous production since launch and is still sold new in Japan today.

For American buyers, the Pixis Truck presents an interesting situation. No Pixis Truck is old enough to import under the federal 25-year rule. The earliest 2011 models will not become eligible until 2036. But the Pixis matters for three reasons: it captures "Toyota kei truck" search traffic, it introduces the concept of kei truck rebadging to buyers who might not know the Hijet exists, and it gives forward looking buyers a reason to start planning.

Why Toyota Sells a Rebadged Daihatsu

The business logic is straightforward. Japan's kei vehicle market accounts for roughly 35 to 40 percent of all new vehicle sales in the country. That is an enormous market segment, and Toyota, the world's largest automaker, had no presence in it. Building a kei vehicle from scratch would require dedicated platforms, engines, and production lines that duplicate what Daihatsu already operates. Instead, Toyota leveraged its subsidiary relationship to enter the market immediately with proven products.

This arrangement is not unique to Toyota. The kei truck market is full of OEM rebadges. Subaru sells the Daihatsu Hijet as the Subaru Sambar (since 2012). Mazda sells the Suzuki Carry as the Mazda Scrum. Nissan sells the Suzuki Carry/Mitsubishi Minicab as the Nissan Clipper. The practice keeps dealer networks stocked with commercial vehicles without requiring every manufacturer to develop their own platform.

For the Pixis Truck specifically, Toyota dealers in rural Japan benefit from offering a light commercial vehicle to their farming and small business customers who might otherwise buy from a Daihatsu or Suzuki dealer. Brand loyalty runs deep in Japan's automotive market, and some buyers simply prefer to purchase from their local Toyota dealer regardless of who actually built the truck.

Generations & Chassis Codes

The Pixis Truck has spanned two generations, both tracking the Daihatsu Hijet exactly.

Generation 1 (December 2011 to September 2014): Chassis codes S201U (2WD) and S211U (4WD). This corresponds to the ninth generation Daihatsu Hijet (S200/S210 series), which had been in production since 1999. The Pixis arrived late in this generation's lifecycle, so only about three years of production exist under these codes. Powered by the KF-VE engine with a 3-speed automatic or 5-speed manual. Available trims included Special, Special with air conditioning and power steering, Extra, and a dedicated farming version.

Generation 2 (September 2014 to present): Chassis codes S500U (2WD) and S510U (4WD). This corresponds to the tenth generation Daihatsu Hijet (S500/S510 series), which brought significant updates including a new 4-speed automatic transmission replacing the old 3-speed unit, improved fuel economy, enhanced safety features (Smart Assist collision avoidance on higher trims), and a longer cargo bed. Current trims include Standard, Extra, and farming special variants. The SA III (Smart Assist III) designation on later models indicates the inclusion of automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and pedestrian detection.

Both generations share the same fundamental layout as the Hijet: front engine mounted under the cab floor, rear wheel drive (S500U/S201U) or part time four wheel drive (S510U/S211U), and a flat bed cargo area behind the cab.

Specifications

The specs below apply to the current S500U/S510U generation, which has been in production since 2014.

• Engine: 658cc KF-VE DOHC 3-cylinder with DVVT (Dynamic Variable Valve Timing)
• Power: 46 hp at 6,800 rpm (Standard), 53 hp at 7,200 rpm (Extra/higher trims)
• Torque: Approximately 44 lb-ft
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: FR (rear wheel drive) or part time 4WD with hi/lo transfer case
• Payload capacity: 770 lbs (350 kg)
• Cargo bed length: 1,945 mm (76.6 inches) from guard frame to rear gate
• Overall dimensions: 3,395 mm L x 1,475 mm W x 1,780 mm H (134" x 58" x 70")
• Curb weight: ~1,590 lbs (2WD MT) to ~1,720 lbs (4WD AT)
• Fuel economy: 17.6-19.6 km/L (41-46 mpg) depending on drivetrain and transmission
• Fuel tank: 38 liters (10 gallons)
• Tires: 145/80R12 or 145/80R13
• Turning radius: 3.7 meters (12.1 feet)
• Seating: 2 passengers

The first generation S201U/S211U models used the same KF engine but paired it with a 3-speed automatic instead of the current 4-speed unit. Fuel economy was lower at 15.6-16.8 km/L (37-40 mpg), reflecting the older transmission and fewer efficiency optimizations.

These specifications are identical to the corresponding Daihatsu Hijet generation because the vehicle is mechanically the same truck.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Toyota badge recognition: The Toyota name carries weight in the US, even on a kei truck. When Pixis Trucks eventually become import eligible, the Toyota branding may ease interactions with DMV offices, insurance agents, and mechanics who are unfamiliar with Daihatsu.
• Complete Hijet parts compatibility: Every mechanical component, body panel, and electrical part is interchangeable with the equivalent Daihatsu Hijet. Search for Hijet part numbers at Amayama or Megazip and you will find parts that bolt directly onto the Pixis.
• Modern safety features: The S500U/S510U generation offers Smart Assist III on higher trims, including automatic emergency braking. No other kei truck in the importable age range offers anything close to this level of active safety.
• Improved fuel economy: The current generation achieves up to 19.6 km/L (46 mpg), making it one of the most efficient kei trucks available.
• Full Hijet aftermarket access: Every lift kit, LED conversion, tire upgrade, and bed liner designed for the S500/S510 Hijet fits the Pixis Truck without modification. Our off road mods guide covers the full range of options.

Cons

• Not importable yet: The earliest Pixis Trucks (December 2011) will not be eligible for US import under the 25-year rule until December 2036. This is a decade away.
• No unique engineering: Toyota contributed nothing mechanical to this truck. You are paying Toyota dealer markup in Japan for a vehicle built entirely by Daihatsu.
• Higher new price in Japan: The Pixis Truck costs slightly more than the equivalent Hijet at a Toyota dealer due to branding and distribution overhead. This price difference will carry over to auction prices when the trucks reach import age.
• Limited trim differentiation: Toyota offers fewer trim levels and special editions compared to Daihatsu's Hijet lineup. No jumbo cab option is available under the Pixis name.
• No turbo option: Unlike the Hijet, which has historically offered turbocharged variants, the Pixis Truck has only been sold with naturally aspirated engines.

Parts Compatibility with the Daihatsu Hijet

This is the most important practical detail about the Pixis Truck: it shares a 100 percent parts catalog with the Daihatsu Hijet. The relationship is not "compatible" or "similar." The parts are identical. The same factory installs the same components on the same assembly line. The only differences are cosmetic badging items: the grille emblem, steering wheel center cap, and tailgate lettering.

When sourcing parts for a Pixis Truck, search under both "Toyota Pixis Truck" and "Daihatsu Hijet" part numbers. The Hijet has been in production since 1960 and has a vastly larger parts ecosystem. Suppliers like Amayama cross reference both nameplates. OEM parts diagrams on Megazip list the Pixis and Hijet side by side, confirming identical part numbers for every mechanical component.

This parts interchangeability extends to aftermarket accessories. Any lift kit, exhaust system, roof rack, or bed accessory designed for the S500/S510 Hijet bolts directly onto the S500U/S510U Pixis Truck. Check our kei truck parts sourcing guide for a full list of suppliers.

How to Identify a Pixis Truck vs. a Hijet

Telling them apart requires looking at the badges and not much else.

• Front grille: Toyota emblem vs. Daihatsu emblem
• Steering wheel: Toyota logo center cap vs. Daihatsu logo center cap
• Tailgate: "PIXIS TRUCK" lettering vs. "HIJET" lettering
• Model code: Pixis codes end in "U" (S201U, S211U, S500U, S510U). Hijet codes omit the "U" suffix (S201, S211, S500, S510).

Under the hood, the engine stampings, chassis VIN structure, and wiring harness connectors all trace back to Daihatsu. A mechanic looking at the engine bay would not be able to distinguish the two without checking the exterior badges.

US Import Status

The Toyota Pixis Truck is not currently importable to the United States under standard regulations. The federal 25-year exemption for vehicles not originally sold in the US market is the only viable import pathway, and no Pixis Truck meets this age threshold.

Here is the timeline:

• December 2011 production: Importable starting December 2036
• September 2014 (Gen 2 start): Importable starting September 2039
• Current 2025/2026 models: Importable starting 2050/2051

For buyers who want a Toyota badged kei truck right now, the honest answer is that one does not exist in the importable market. The closest alternative is the Daihatsu Hijet from the 1990s, which is the same truck built by the same company, just without the Toyota emblem. The Hijet S200/S210 generation (1999-2014) shares the same KF engine family as the Pixis Truck and is entering the import window now.

If you are set on the Toyota name specifically, your only current option is to buy a clean Hijet and wait for 2036. Or accept that the Toyota badge on a kei truck is purely cosmetic and buy the Hijet today. Our state legality guide covers registration requirements for imported kei trucks, and the dealer directory lists importers who stock Hijets.

Pricing in Japan

Since the Pixis Truck cannot be imported yet, US pricing does not exist. However, Japanese market pricing provides a benchmark for what these trucks will eventually cost at auction.

New prices in Japan (MSRP, current generation):

• Standard 2WD MT: approximately 900,000 yen ($6,000-$7,000 USD)
• Standard 4WD MT: approximately 1,050,000 yen ($7,000-$8,000 USD)
• Extra 2WD AT: approximately 1,100,000 yen ($7,500-$8,500 USD)
• Extra 4WD AT: approximately 1,250,000 yen ($8,500-$9,500 USD)

Used prices in Japan (via Goo-net Exchange):

• 2012-2014 models (Gen 1): 300,000-600,000 yen ($2,000-$4,000 USD)
• 2014-2018 models (Gen 2): 500,000-900,000 yen ($3,500-$6,000 USD)
• 2019-2024 models: 700,000-1,200,000 yen ($5,000-$8,500 USD)

These prices are FOB Japan and do not include shipping, customs duties, the 25 percent truck tariff (Chicken Tax), port processing fees, EPA/DOT compliance, or state registration costs. When Pixis Trucks eventually reach import eligibility, expect total landed costs in the US to run $8,000-$16,000 depending on condition and mileage, comparable to what Daihatsu Hijets and Suzuki Carries from the 1990s sell for today.

Who Should Care About the Pixis Truck

The Pixis Truck matters to a few specific audiences.

Forward planning buyers: If you know you want a kei truck and prefer the Toyota name, understanding the Pixis Truck now means you will be ready when the import window opens. Track auction prices, learn the chassis codes, and build a relationship with an importer who handles Daihatsu/Toyota kei vehicles.

Current Hijet owners: If you own a Daihatsu Hijet S500 or S510, you already own the same truck as the Pixis. Every maintenance procedure, parts source, and modification guide for the Pixis applies to your Hijet and vice versa.

Kei truck enthusiasts: Understanding the OEM rebadge network helps you navigate the market more effectively. When you see a "Toyota Pixis Truck" listed at a Japanese auction alongside a "Daihatsu Hijet," you know they are the same vehicle and can compare them purely on condition, mileage, and price rather than brand.

Parts sourcing: Knowing that the Pixis Truck exists expands your search when hunting for Hijet parts. Some Japanese parts suppliers index under "Toyota Pixis" rather than "Daihatsu Hijet," so searching both names can surface inventory that you would otherwise miss.

Comparison with Other Rebadged Kei Trucks

The Pixis Truck is one of several OEM rebadge arrangements in the kei truck market. Understanding the full network helps buyers make informed decisions.

The pattern is consistent: two companies, Daihatsu and Suzuki, build the actual trucks, and everyone else buys them wholesale. Toyota and Subaru get their trucks from Daihatsu. Mazda and Nissan get theirs from Suzuki (or Mitsubishi, depending on the generation). The engineering differences between rebadged versions are zero.

For US buyers shopping the importable market today, this means the Daihatsu Hijet and Suzuki Carry are the two trucks that actually matter. Everything else is one of those two trucks wearing a costume.

Insurance & Registration (Future)

When the Pixis Truck eventually becomes importable, insurance and registration will follow the same process as any kei truck. Hagerty is the most widely used insurer for agreed value kei truck policies, with annual premiums typically running $200-$600 depending on state and coverage level. Our kei truck insurance guide covers carriers, policy types, and real world costs.

The Toyota badge may actually simplify DMV interactions compared to less recognized brands like Daihatsu. State DMV systems are more likely to have "Toyota" in their vehicle databases, potentially reducing the paperwork friction that plagues kei truck registrations. Check our state by state legality guide for current registration requirements.

The r/keitruck community on Reddit is the best source for real world registration experiences with rebadged kei trucks.

The Bottom Line

The Toyota Pixis Truck is a Daihatsu Hijet with a Toyota logo. That is not a dismissal. It is the fact that makes this truck easy to understand. Every specification, every maintenance procedure, every aftermarket part, and every known issue that applies to the Hijet applies identically to the Pixis Truck. Toyota did not engineer this vehicle. They purchased it from their subsidiary and sold it through their dealer network.

For American buyers in 2026, the Pixis Truck is a future prospect, not a current purchase option. The earliest models will not become import eligible until 2036. If you want what the Pixis Truck offers right now (a reliable, efficient, capable kei truck built by Daihatsu) buy a Daihatsu Hijet from the 1990s or early 2000s. You will get the same engineering pedigree at a price point that exists today, with a parts supply chain that is already established.

Frequently Asked Questions

When 2036 rolls around and the first Pixis Trucks clear customs, the Toyota badge may command a slight premium over equivalent Hijets at auction. Whether that premium is worth paying depends entirely on how much value you place on the name on the grille. Under the skin, the truck does not care whose logo it wears.