Daihatsu Taft

Model Overview

The Daihatsu Taft is a mini crossover SUV (K-Car SUV) produced by Japan's Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., with the second-generation model launched in June 2020 currently on sale. The name "Taft" is an acronym for "Tough & Almighty Four-wheel Touring vehicle", denoting a new form of four-wheel drive vehicle engineered to tackle diverse road conditions. Underpinned by Daihatsu's DNGA-A platform, the current Taft is the third model to utilise this next-generation architecture following the Tanto and Rocky. It is positioned as a "reliable partner that excels from daily commutes to leisure getaways, injecting fun into everyday drives", with its chief rival in the Japanese domestic market being the Suzuki Hustler. As of June 2026, the Taft is offered in four variant grades: X, G, Chrome Venture, and Dark Chrome Venture, priced between RM1,410,900 and RM1,760,000 (inclusive of tax).

Design Language

The current Taft features a rugged, boxy silhouette. While strictly complying with Japanese K-Car dimension limits, it projects an authentic SUV stance via generous ground clearance and chunky tyres. In terms of dimensions, it measures 3,395 mm in length, 1,475 mm in width, and 1,630 mm in height, with a 2,460 mm wheelbase. Minimum ground clearance stands at 190mm, complemented by approach and departure angles of 27 degrees and 58 degrees, respectively.

Up front, a rectangular radiator grille with chrome garnishes seamlessly connects to the headlamp clusters on either side, while the rear features vertically stacked tail lamps linked by a black central garnish. Robust black cladding wraps around the lower body to accentuate its off-road styling. A vibrant palette of exterior colours is available, alongside dual-tone paint options. At the 2025 "FIELDSTYLE JAPAN" outdoor expo, aftermarket tuner Brat showcased a retro-inspired custom Taft sporting a classic Rocky-style front fascia, a lifted suspension, and a roof rack with wood-grain accents, garnering widespread acclaim.

The cabin adopts a "Backpack Style" design concept, dividing the interior into a front "Crew Space" and a rear "Flexible Space", distinguished by contrasting door card trims and seat upholstery designs. The dashboard combines strong horizontal and vertical lines, reflecting a utilitarian, off-road-inspired design ethos.

Powertrain & Performance

Powering the Taft is a 658 cc inline-three DOHC petrol engine complying with Japanese K-Car regulations, offered in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged guises:

• Naturally aspirated version: Delivers a maximum output of 52 PS (38 kW) and peak torque of 60 N·m (6.1 kg·m).

• Turbocharged version: Produces a maximum output of 64 PS (47 kW) and peak torque of 100 N·m (10.2 kg·m).

The turbocharged unit has been optimised for the DNGA platform, incorporating multi-spark ignition technology to accelerate combustion velocity and curb engine knocking. Across the board, power is routed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with a choice of front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (4WD) configurations.

Chassis & Handling

Riding on Daihatsu’s DNGA-A platform, the Taft delivers marked enhancements in structural rigidity, high-speed stability, and weight reduction compared to older Daihatsu models. Suspension duties are handled by a front MacPherson strut setup and a rear torsion beam layout. Its 190 mm ground clearance, along with a 27-degree approach angle and a 58-degree departure angle, affords the Taft light off-roading capabilities beyond typical K-Cars. Meanwhile, the 4WD variant ensures reassuring traction and composure across wet, snowy, or unpaved terrain.

Cabin & Equipment

Inside, the Taft strikes a neat balance between everyday practicality and modern tech. Headlining the standard kit is the "Sky Feel Top" panoramic glass roof—a first in the K-Car segment—flooding the cabin with natural light. The rear seats fold flat to form an even cargo floor flush with the boot; the load area features a durable resin finish that is easy to wipe down after outdoor or water activities, while a concealed underfloor compartment provides extra storage.

On the infotainment front, higher trims boast a 9-inch central touchscreen display (a 6.8-inch unit on entry variants) equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity as well as Daihatsu Connect services. Other notable creature comforts include an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, heated front seats, and automatic climate control.

Safety & Driver Assistance

The Taft comes equipped as standard across the range with Daihatsu's "Smart Assist" active safety suite. Utilising cameras and sensors, the suite bundles Collision Mitigation Braking (Autonomous Emergency Braking), Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control (with follow-to-stop functionality), Auto High Beam, and Pedal Misoperation Control, among others. Passive safety comprises dual front and side airbags, with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) standard across all variants.

Market Performance & Reception

The Taft enjoyed an overwhelmingly positive reception upon its debut. Within just a month of going on sale in June 2020, bookings surged to 18,000 units, far outstripping the carmaker's initial forecasts. Thanks to its rugged crossover cues, standard panoramic glass roof, and the robust safety and dynamic qualities of the DNGA platform, the Taft successfully carved out a niche in the mini crossover segment.

In Japan's 2025 K-Car sales charts, the Taft took 11th spot overall. As of June 2026, the Taft is in its sixth production year, having received periodic rolling updates—notably in May 2021 (the addition of the Turbo X grade and Chrome Venture special edition), September 2022 (Dark Chrome Venture special edition), and November 2024 (safety equipment upgrades). Japanese dealer sources indicate another round of running updates slated for July 2026, focusing on regulatory compliance (such as Event Data Recorders, EDR) and reinforced cybersecurity; the Chrome Venture and Dark Chrome Venture editions may also make way for refreshed special-edition trims. Furthermore, an all-new full model change is currently in development, which is expected to retain the signature Sky Feel Top glass roof while gaining larger digital instrument displays and infotainment touchscreens.

While the Taft moniker traces its lineage back to the 1974 original rugged 4x4 (which was offered in hardtop and soft-top guises powered by a 958 cc inline-four engine, before being succeeded by the Rugger in 1984), the modern-day Taft has evolved from a pure utilitarian workhorse into a stylish lifestyle crossover that blends SUV flair with compact K-Car practicality, capturing a dedicated following among young buyers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.