Japanese carmaker Daihatsu has introduced a sporty makeover for its Rocky compact SUV in Indonesia, updating the model’s appearance while retaining its powertrain lineup. The refreshed design, which applies to select non-hybrid variants, gives the Rocky a bolder and more off-road-inspired look as competition in the small SUV segment intensifies.
The Daihatsu Rocky shares its platform, engine, and most interior components with the Toyota Raize, making the two models nearly identical aside from branding and minor styling details. Daihatsu develops and builds both vehicles under the DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) platform, with Toyota offering its own version, the Raize, in several markets, including the Philippines. Because of their shared origin, updates to the Rocky often hint at potential design or feature changes to the Raize in the future.
The latest Rocky facelift features a redesigned honeycomb-patterned grille with the Daihatsu name prominently placed across the front. A more pronounced bumper design, vertical LED daytime running lights, and gloss-black 16-inch alloy wheels add to its tougher appearance. The rear end gets a new black garnish and decorative bumper intakes, while gloss black side mirror caps and subtle decals complete the sporty look.
Inside, the updated trims introduce red accents on the dashboards and seats, paired with a 9-inch infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, and an 8-inch subwoofer. For convenience, the updated Daihatsu Rocky features a storage tray under the passenger seat, a pop-out cup holder beside the air conditioning vent, and more storage space beneath the center console.
Under the hood, the Daihatsu Rocky retains its powerplants in the form of a 1.2-liter non-turbo engine, a 1.0-liter turbo engine, and a range-extended hybrid version sourced from Japan. Daihatsu clarified that the sporty updates are only applied to the non-hybrid versions, while the base and hybrid versions retain their current look. Daihatsu has also confirmed that its locally assembled e-Smart hybrid system will arrive in 2026, signaling the brand’s gradual shift to electrification in Southeast Asia.
In the Philippines, the Toyota Raize remains a popular model in the entry-level crossover segment, valued for its practicality and compact size. If Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) adopts Daihatsu’s styling or introduces the hybrid powertrain for the Raize, it could expand the brand’s hybrid lineup, offering Filipino car buyers a more affordable entry point to electrified driving.
