The Daihatsu Rocky is a popular compact SUV with an affordable price, but there are also many people who regret their purchase. On the other hand, we also hear negative comments such as “it’s uncool” and “people regret buying it.” In this article, we will get to the bottom of these opinions and explain in detail the points you should know before purchasing.
Is Rocky’s reputation really “avoid it”?
A thorough explanation of Rocky’s reviews and ratings
As of June 2024, when searching for the Daihatsu Rocky, many searches result in “Rocky regret” and “Rocky is lame.” The Rocky’s reputation has been met with mixed reviews on social media, automotive media, review sites, and more.
Car Sensor Daihatsu Rocky reviews
Carview Daihatsu Rocky reviews
5 reasons why you might regret buying a Daihatsu Rocky and how to deal with it
The Daihatsu Rocky is a popular compact SUV, but there are also many people who regret their purchase afterward. Here we will explain five common reasons for regret and how to deal with them.
- Poor fuel economy: There is a large discrepancy between the catalog fuel economy and the actual fuel economy, and fuel economy is particularly poor when driving around town, which makes many people feel that their gas bills are high.
- Countermeasures: Try to improve fuel efficiency by driving eco-friendly and choosing hybrid models.
- Unsatisfactory driving performance: Lack of power when starting and accelerating, and poor stability on the highway have been pointed out.
- Countermeasures: Choose a turbo or hybrid model, use your accelerator skill, and drive appropriately for the situation.
- Narrow rear seats: Legroom and headroom are limited, so you may feel cramped during long rides.
- Solution: Test drive the car before you buy and check the back seat space.
- Poor interior quality: Many people feel that the interior has a strong plastic feel and is cheap.
- Solution: Customize the interior to your liking with seat covers, interior panels, etc.
- High price: Some people may find it expensive considering the equipment included.
- Solution: Pick only the essentials and keep options to a minimum. It’s also worth considering a used car.
What are the regrets about the Daihatsu Rocky?
Here are some things you may regret after buying a Rocky:
Rear seat space and comfort
The Daihatsu Rocky functions as a compact SUV, but the rear seat space can feel cramped. Many users are dissatisfied with the rear seat comfort, especially when considering long drives or family use. It’s important to actually sit in the rear seats and check their comfort before purchasing. The Rocky’s rear seats have limited legroom and headroom, making them feel cramped, especially for adults.
Dissatisfaction with fuel economy and engine performance
Although the Rocky’s fuel economy is excellent according to its catalog specifications, it may not perform as expected in actual driving conditions. In particular, fuel economy may worsen if you drive mostly in urban areas or use the air conditioner frequently. Also, some users may find the engine performance to be sluggish, so it is important to check the actual performance through a test drive.
Some people are dissatisfied with the Rocky’s fuel economy, as there is a large discrepancy between the catalog fuel economy and the actual fuel economy. Also, some people point out that the engine performance is lacking in power.
新旧愛車 乗り換え言うてもおかんが乗るからいつでも乗れるけど(笑)見た目はロッキーのが好きやけど、色と乗り心地は…RVRかなぁ。笑 pic.twitter.com/zUJxZYbhQi
— 🍌おさる🍌YZF-R3@ (@monkey_R3) September 2, 2023
Is the Daihatsu Rocky design ugly? What buyers think
The Rocky’s design expresses the strength of an SUV while also being urban and stylish. However, there are still some who think it’s “ugly.”
- Negative opinions:
- The front mask is too bulky
- Overall, it’s angular and unrefined.
- It has a strong personality compared to other compact SUVs.
- Positive comments:
- Unique and good
- You can feel the power of an SUV.
- Simple and timeless design
Since evaluating design is highly subjective, it is important to actually see it and make a judgment.
Controversy over the design
The Rocky’s design expresses the strength of an SUV while also combining it with urban stylishness. However, the design has been met with mixed reviews, with some saying it’s “too bulky” and “unique compared to other compact SUVs.” On the other hand, there are also many positive comments, such as “it’s unique and good” and “I like its presence,” and opinions on the design are divided widely.
Dissatisfaction with the quality of the interior
The Rocky’s interior is simple and functional, but some people have complained that it feels “plasticky and cheap.” Many people feel that the materials and design around the instrument panel are particularly cheap. Some also say that the seat material and shape make them tiring to drive for long periods of time.
Complaints about driving performance
The Rocky is equipped with a 1.0L turbo engine, which provides ample power for city driving. However, many people feel that it lacks power on the highway or on hills. Some people also feel that the ride is uncomfortable because the suspension is set on the stiffer side. There are many complaints, especially about the ride comfort in the back seats.
Complaints about fuel economy
| Specifications | New Rocky Hybrid |
New Rocky | New Rocky |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,995mm | ||
| Overall width | 1,695mm | ||
| Overall height | 1,620mm | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,525mm | ||
| engine | 1.2L inline 3-cylinder engine + motor |
1.2L inline 3-cylinder engine |
1.0L inline 3-cylinder turbo engine |
| Maximum power | 60kW (82ps) / 5,600rpm |
64kW (87ps) / 6,000rpm |
72kW (98ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 105Nm (10.7kgfm) / 3,200-5,200rpm |
113Nm (11.5kgfm) / 4,500rpm |
140Nm (14.3kgm) / 2,400-4,000rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
78kW (106ps) | – | – |
| Motor Max Torque |
170Nm (17.4kgm) | – | – |
transmission |
Electric continuously variable transmission |
D-CVT | D-CVT |
| Drive system | 2WD | 2WD | 4WD |
| Minimum turning radius | 4.9 to 5.0 m | ||
| Tire size | 195/60R17 | ||
| WLCT mode fuel economy | 28.0km/L | 20.7km/L (2WD) | 17.4km/L (4WD) |
| JC08 mode fuel economy | 34.8km/L | 23.6-24.6km/L (2WD) | 21.2km/L (4WD) |
The Rocky is equipped with a 1.0L turbo engine and has a WLTC mode fuel efficiency of 17.4km/L, but its actual fuel economy appears to be around 11km/L.
ロッキーの１Ｌターボ乗ってるけど長距離走るなら燃費良いかも知れないけど近場は燃費悪いよ‼️
釣り具積むなら狭いし😅— ぶぅちゃん (@EP85ZhzSbMWwAKo) April 29, 2024
ロッキー、1.0ℓターボ4WD、予想外に高速燃費悪かった
所沢まで往復450キロ、無給油でイケると思ったらギリギリでアセりました。
燃料タンクも小さすぎるな
ハイブリッドは4WDないしね— 𝕚𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕣𝕠 𝕏 (@totemism100) February 24, 2024
The Rocky Hybrid’s fuel economy is said to be 28.0km/L in WLTC mode. However, many people say that the actual fuel economy is around 20-18km/L, and some people are dissatisfied with the difference from the catalog fuel economy.
ですねー！
下道だとリッター25kmから23kmくらいで、高速だとリッター17kmくらいです。
タンク容量が36リットルなので、伸びて900kmくらいですかね〜
E-POWERで特にロッキーはモーターが弱いので、高速は110km巡航がギリギリ快適ではないくらいです…140km出すと燃費が鬼ほど悪くて悲しい😢— ザマ (@zama259) June 19, 2024
Complaints about the price
The Rocky is priced relatively reasonably among compact SUVs, but some people say it’s too expensive considering the equipment and performance it offers. In particular, the price rises significantly when safety and comfort features are added, which seems to be a source of dissatisfaction.
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | 1.2L inline 3-cylinder engine |
D-CVT | 2WD | 1,667,000 yen |
| X | 1,810,000 yen | |||
| Premium G | 2,039,000 yen | |||
| L | 1.0L inline 3-cylinder turbo engine |
D-CVT | 4WD | 1,944,800 yen |
| X | 2,086,700 yen | |||
| Premium G | 2,318,200 yen | |||
| X | 1.2L inline 3-cylinder engine + motor |
Electric continuously variable transmission |
2WD | 2,116,000 yen |
| Premium G | 2,347,000 yen |
Impressions compared with competing models
Compared to rival models such as the Toyota Raize, Yaris Cross, and Honda Vezel, the Rocky’s design gives off a more distinctive and powerful impression. This may make it less appealing to those who prefer simple and sophisticated designs.
Choosing a Rocky so you won’t regret it
If you are considering purchasing a Rocky, we recommend that you pay attention to the following points when making your selection.
- Design: Rocky’s design is a matter of personal preference, so it’s important to see the actual car and see it for yourself.
- Interior: Check the texture of the interior and the comfort of the seats to see if you can stay comfortable even on long drives.
- Driving performance: Take a test drive to experience the acceleration and ride comfort. We also recommend driving on the highway and up hills.
- Fuel efficiency: When making your selection, consider not only the catalog fuel efficiency but also the actual fuel efficiency.
- Price: Consider your budget and the equipment you need to choose the best grade.
Evolutionary points of the new Daihatsu Rocky
The new Rocky underwent a minor change in November 2021, with the following improvements:
Main changes and additional features of the new model
- Design: The design of the front grille and bumper has been changed to give a more sophisticated impression.
- Safety features: Adaptive cruise control with full-speed tracking and lane keep control are standard equipment.
- Comfort features: Equipped with an electric parking brake and auto-hold function.
Features and advantages of new hybrid vehicles
The new Daihatsu Rocky features a hybrid model that offers significantly improved fuel economy. Hybrid vehicles are characterized by quietness, improved acceleration, and eco-friendly driving. This allows for comfortable driving on long distances and in urban areas. The new Rocky’s hybrid model, the “e-SMART HYBRID,” adds a newly developed “1.2L inline 3-cylinder engine (WA-VEX) + motor” system . Its small displacement achieves a simple structure and compact size. This hybrid system excels at low and medium speeds, making it ideal for small cars frequently used in urban areas. It boasts an impressive WLCT mode fuel economy of 28.0km/L (2WD).
Evaluation of advanced equipment and driver assistance systems
The new Rocky is equipped with “Smart Assist III” with two cameras. It also comes with “Next Generation Smart Assist” which adds functions such as “ACC with all-speed tracking function” (optional only for higher grades). It uses a stereo camera, is pedestrian-detecting, and has an expanded operating speed range. It is a “Safety Support Car S (Wide)” eligible vehicle (Support Car S (Wide) eligible vehicle). It is equipped with a full range of advanced safety features and driver assistance systems, and is highly acclaimed for its safety performance.
Electric parking brake specifications
The top-of-the-line “Z” grade and hybrid vehicles are equipped with an ” electric parking brake ” and ” auto brake hold .” All models except the higher grades have a handbrake that requires a lever to be pulled. Since manual handbrakes do not have the automatic stopping and holding function required for ACC (adaptive cruise control), it is probably best to choose a higher grade if possible for comfort.
Differences between Daihatsu Rocky gasoline and hybrid vehicles
The Rocky is available in two versions: gasoline and hybrid.
Comparison of fuel economy and driving performance
When comparing gasoline and hybrid Daihatsu Rocky models, there is a big difference in fuel economy. Hybrid cars have good fuel economy and are economical even for long-distance drives. On the other hand, gasoline cars have a powerful engine and offer a sporty driving experience. It is important to choose a car that suits your lifestyle. Hybrid cars have better fuel economy than gasoline cars. On the other hand, gasoline cars have more powerful driving performance.
The advantages and disadvantages of each option
The advantages of gasoline-powered vehicles are that they are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. However, their fuel economy is inferior to that of hybrid vehicles. The advantages of hybrid vehicles are that they have excellent fuel economy and allow for eco-driving. However, their disadvantages are their high initial cost and the need for battery maintenance.
- Gasoline vehicles: They are inexpensive and offer powerful driving, but have poor fuel economy.
- Hybrid cars: They have good fuel economy and are environmentally friendly, but are expensive.
User reviews and ratings
Looking at user reviews, gasoline vehicles are highly rated for their driving performance. On the other hand, hybrid vehicles are highly rated for their fuel efficiency and quietness. It’s important to decide which model is best for you based on your priorities. Many people rate gasoline vehicles for their low price and driving performance. Many people rate hybrid vehicles for their good fuel efficiency and quietness.
summary
The Rocky is a car that has mixed reviews in many aspects, including its design, driving performance, and price. If you are considering purchasing one, it is important to make a comprehensive decision by taking into account not only negative opinions but also positive ones.
By taking a thorough test drive and checking out the actual car, and choosing a car that suits your lifestyle and preferences, you will be able to enjoy your car life with Rocky.
Why are so many people dissatisfied with the quality of the Daihatsu Rocky’s dashboard?
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The Daihatsu Rocky’s dashboard is made with a lot of plastic, likely to cut costs. This makes it seem like it lacks a luxurious feel and texture. Some people may also find the design simple and uninteresting.
Why is the narrowness of the Daihatsu Rocky’s rear seats a problem?
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Since the Rocky is a compact SUV, the rear seat space is limited. The legroom is particularly narrow, so you may feel cramped during long rides. Headroom is also not sufficient, so tall people may feel cramped.
