2026 Daihatsu Taft
By Lorenzo Bianchi July 16, 2026
Rugged Venture and Active Mode expand the Taft lineup.
Safety systems gain improved pedestrian, cyclist, and intersection detection.
Existing naturally aspirated and turbo engines continue with FWD and 4WD.
The Daihatsu Taft has never tried to be the fastest or most luxurious kei crossover. Its appeal has always been simple: compact dimensions, honest practicality and just enough rugged styling to make it stand out in a crowded segment.
Six years after its debut, Daihatsu has given the formula a careful refresh instead of starting over. The 2026 Daihatsu Taft arrives with two new special editions, updated safety systems and a handful of cabin improvements, all aimed at keeping pace with newer rivals like the Suzuki Hustler and Mitsubishi Delica Mini.
Small Styling Changes, Bigger Personality
The biggest talking point is the arrival of the Rugged Venture and Active Mode editions.
Rugged Venture leans into the SUV look with smoked chrome trim across the grille and tailgate, while gunmetal 15 inch alloy wheels give the little crossover a tougher stance than before. Matching interior accents continue the theme once you climb inside.
Active Mode takes a different route. Most of the exterior details receive a darker finish, giving it a cleaner appearance. Buyers wanting something less subtle can add the optional Active Mode Style package, which introduces orange accents around the grille, wheels, fog lamps and rear reflectors. It changes the personality of the Taft without changing the body itself.
Interestingly, the regular Taft barely changes at all. Aside from a new Spark Orange paint option, the standard model keeps the same styling introduced back in 2020.
Technology Catches Up
The cabin doesn't look dramatically different, but it feels more current.
A seven inch digital instrument display replaces the previous setup with clearer graphics, while the optional nine inch infotainment screen remains available. Daihatsu has also added a removable storage box beneath the luggage floor, a practical touch that owners will probably appreciate more than any decorative trim. The panoramic glass roof also returns.
Safety Gets the Biggest Upgrade
The real improvements are found in the software rather than the styling.
Updated sensors now allow the Taft to recognise cyclists, pedestrians and oncoming traffic at intersections more effectively. The pedestrian collision avoidance system works at higher speeds than before, while Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist have both been retuned for smoother, more natural operation. These aren't flashy updates, but they're the sort of improvements owners notice every day.
No Mechanical Surprises
Under the bonnet, everything stays familiar. Buyers can still choose between a 658 cc naturally aspirated three cylinder with 51 hp or a turbocharged version producing 63 hp. Both send power through a CVT and remain available with either front wheel drive or four wheel drive.
Prices in Japan start at ¥1,435,500 and rise to ¥1,930,500 for the fully equipped Active Mode Turbo 4WD. Rather than reinventing the Taft, Daihatsu has focused on polishing a package that already worked, adding enough new features to keep one of Japan's most recognizable kei crossovers feeling current.