Daihatsu Taft Gets a Tougher Look and Smarter Safety for 2026

Daihatsu has given its pint-sized Taft crossover a meaningful refresh for the Japanese market, six years after the kei car first hit the streets. The update introduces two sharp new special editions, the Rugged Venture and the Active Mode, along with a digital instrument cluster and a beefed-up safety suite.

Prices start at just $8,800, making it a budget-friendly contender against rivals like the Suzuki Hustler and Mitsubishi Delica Mini.

The Rugged Venture edition stands out with a smoked chrome grille, black tailgate garnish, and gunmetal 15-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it gets matching dark accents. The Active Mode takes a stealthier approach with darker finishes, but buyers can opt for the Active Mode Style kit, which adds orange accents to the grille, wheels, fog lights, and reflectors.

Both editions are built on the higher-spec G and G Turbo trims, targeting drivers who want a bit of personality without breaking the bank.

Under the hood, the Taft keeps its familiar 658cc three-cylinder engine, available in naturally aspirated form with 51 horsepower or a turbocharged version with 63 horsepower. A CVT is the only transmission, and buyers can choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The big news is the upgraded safety tech: new sensors now detect cyclists, oncoming traffic when turning right, and pedestrians crossing at intersections.

The pedestrian collision avoidance system works up to 50 mph, and both adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist have been recalibrated for smoother operation. Prices top out at $11,900 for the fully loaded Active Mode with turbo and 4WD.