The Daihatsu Gran Max is a smart, practical contender in New Zealand’s light commercial vehicle segment, offering excellent versatility, simple maintenance, and proven Toyota-Daihatsu engineering. Designed to handle both urban errands and small-scale logistics, the Gran Max combines compact exterior dimensions with a spacious and flexible interior that supports various business or family needs.

Available in van, pickup, and chassis cab configurations, the Gran Max is aimed at tradespeople, delivery operators, and small business owners who value practicality, efficiency, and reliability over luxury. Its compact size allows effortless navigation through narrow city streets and tight loading zones, while its robust suspension and capable 1.5L petrol engine deliver dependable performance for daily transport duties.

Competing directly with the Toyota TownAce, Nissan NV200, and Suzuki Every Carry, the Gran Max holds its ground through cost-effectiveness and simplicity. It may not offer the same level of refinement or modern features as some rivals, but its mechanical toughness, easy servicing, and affordable parts make it a strong choice for buyers prioritizing long-term ownership value.

Whether used for urban deliveries, small-scale construction work, or family-business logistics, the Daihatsu Gran Max represents a reliable and no-nonsense solution. It’s especially appealing to those seeking the same Toyota-backed reliability in a more affordable, straightforward package.

If you’re considering purchasing a Daihatsu Gran Max, be sure to check out our comprehensive Buyer’s Guide, which covers what to inspect when buying used, common wear points, and key maintenance tips to ensure lasting performance.

Engine Options

The 2024 Daihatsu Gran Max comes with:

1. 1.5L 2NR-VE Petrol Engine – A naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine producing 97–104 hp and 134–138 Nm of torque. Shared with several Toyota and Daihatsu models, it delivers reliable, efficient performance suited for daily delivery and light commercial use. Paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, it offers smooth drivability and proven dependability.

2. 1.5L 3SZ-VE Petrol Engine (Earlier Models) – An older but durable petrol engine found in pre-facelift Gran Max units. Produces around 97 hp and 134 Nm, known for its robust construction and straightforward maintenance. It has since been replaced by the newer, more efficient 2NR-VE in recent models.

3. 1.3L K3-DE/K3-VE Petrol Engine (Selective Markets) – A smaller-capacity engine used in base trims and select export models. Offers around 87 hp and moderate torque, prioritizing fuel economy over performance.

Transmission Options

All Daihatsu Gran Max variants are available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Both setups are designed for durability and low maintenance, featuring gear ratios tuned for urban commuting and light hauling. While not performance-oriented, they deliver consistent power delivery and reliability under typical commercial workloads.

2024 Daihatsu Gran Max Grades

• Standard / STD – Basic and functional trim built for commercial users. Includes vinyl flooring, steel wheels, manual air conditioning, and simple cabin finishes designed for easy cleaning and durability.

• DX – Adds subtle upgrades like power windows, improved cabin trim, and the option for automatic transmission. Ideal for small business owners who need a bit more comfort without sacrificing utility.

• GL / High Trim (Market Dependent) – Passenger-oriented configuration featuring dual sliding doors, better interior materials, upgraded seating, and optional color-coded exterior finishes. Suited for mixed business and family transport use.

2024 Daihatsu Gran Max Interior

The interior of the Daihatsu Gran Max emphasizes functionality, durability, and ease of use. The driver’s area is straightforward yet ergonomic, featuring clear analog gauges, a simple multi-information display, and intuitively arranged controls for everyday convenience. Seating is upright and supportive for city driving, while higher trims feature improved fabric or vinyl upholstery, adjustable headrests, and additional storage spaces to enhance comfort during long working hours.

In van and passenger configurations, the rear cabin can seat up to five occupants, offering generous headroom and practical legroom for short to mid-range trips. Sliding side doors make entry and exit easy in narrow spaces, while the flat floor layout in cargo models ensures effortless loading and unloading of goods.

Storage compartments are sensibly placed, including door pockets, dashboard trays, and under-seat compartments for everyday tools or documents. In higher trims, added features such as dual cupholders, tie-down hooks, and grab handles contribute to overall practicality and passenger convenience.

2024 Daihatsu Gran Max Exterior

The exterior design of the Daihatsu Gran Max balances compact proportions with commercial-purpose practicality. Its boxy shape maximizes internal space efficiency while maintaining easy maneuverability in city environments. Van models feature flat side panels ideal for company signage or branding, while pickup and chassis variants adopt a clean, professional look suitable for various trades.

Wide sliding side doors and tall rear openings allow excellent cargo or passenger access. The high-mounted headlights improve nighttime visibility, and vertical taillight clusters enhance safety in tight urban traffic. Pickup versions come with a reinforced cargo bed built to withstand daily loading demands, featuring strong load hooks and anti-slip flooring for added durability.

Black bumpers, mirrors, and wheel arch trim resist scratches and minor dings, reflecting the vehicle’s work-ready nature. Overall, the Gran Max presents a simple yet modern design, built to handle professional use while maintaining a tidy, businesslike appearance on the road.

2024 Daihatsu Gran Max Cargo Capacity

Cargo space depends on the body style chosen. Van variants feature flat floors and low step-in heights, making them ideal for deliveries, small-scale logistics, or light freight. The pickup version offers a practical cargo bed with a payload capacity of around 1 tonne, suitable for trades, construction materials, or bulky items.

Sliding side doors and wide rear access optimize usability in tight urban streets or suburban areas, while passenger versions retain flexible storage thanks to removable or foldable rear seats, accommodating both passengers and cargo as needed.

2024 Daihatsu Gran Max Fuel Consumption

• 1.5L Petrol Manual / Automatic: approximately 8.5–9.5 L/100 km under combined city and suburban driving conditions.

• Fuel tank capacity: 45 liters.

Actual fuel economy may vary based on payload, driving style, and transmission type, but the Gran Max remains highly economical for a light commercial vehicle.

2024 Daihatsu Gran Max Performance

The 1.5L engine delivers sufficient acceleration for city streets, suburban routes, and moderate cargo loads. Steering is light and predictable, making maneuvering through tight roads straightforward.

2024 Daihatsu Gran Max Reliability

The Daihatsu Gran Max is widely regarded as a durable and dependable light commercial vehicle. Its 1.5L petrol engine is proven across multiple Daihatsu and Toyota models, and the S400 platform is simple, robust, and low-maintenance.

With regular servicing—including oil changes, brake inspections, and suspension checks—the Gran Max delivers long-term reliability, making it a solid choice for urban businesses, tradespeople, delivery services, and small commercial operators. Its straightforward engineering ensures minimal downtime and predictable maintenance costs.

If you’re considering buying a used Gran Max, our separate Buyer’s Guide details what to check, common wear points, and tips for avoiding pitfalls in older units.

2024 Daihatsu Gran Max Maintenance Schedule

Routine servicing for the Gran Max includes:

• Engine oil and filter replacement every 10,000 km

• Inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluid levels

• Periodic checks of the transmission and cooling system

Parts are generally affordable and widely available, while simple service procedures make it easy to maintain in both urban and regional areas. Proper upkeep ensures the Gran Max remains reliable for years of daily commercial use.

2024 Daihatsu Gran Max Competitors

• Toyota TownAce

• Nissan NV200

• Suzuki Every Carry

• Mitsubishi Minicab

• Honda Acty

If you’re considering purchasing a Daihatsu Gran Max, be sure to check out our comprehensive Buyer’s Guide, which covers what to inspect when buying used, common wear points, and key maintenance tips to ensure lasting performance.