Hino has produced some of the most durable trucks and buses from Japan that have proven to be reliable workhorses. Then there’s the Hino Profia, a heavy-duty truck that traces its lineage to the Super Dolphin; which was Hino’s first in the class. It was introduced about forty years ago, and in 2003, it was rebadged as the Hino Profia. Today it is part of the Hino 700 series. It is one of the best-selling trucks in the history of Japan.

The truck has a brilliant looking exterior, that is stylish and practical at the same time. If you’re thinking of getting a model from 2017 and onwards, you’ll find one that has been facelifted. It has been updated with a more aesthetic grill, headlamps, and a bumper. The 700 series is versatile enough to be used a variety of applications such as dumping, hauling, and freight carrying.

A prime reason for the Hino Profia truck’s popularity is its brilliant powertrain. You’ll get a choice of many straight-six diesel engines, with 12L, 8.9L, or the now discontinued, 10.5L one. The power outputs are large and plenty, ranging from a maximum of 2157Nm to 1961Nm. Transmissions available are a 6-, 7-, or 9-speed manual. Also available are a 12-Speed semi-automatic, or the state-of-the-art 16-speed automated manual. If you’re in the domestic market, only the former is available, however.

The cabin in the Profia brings a lot of comfort with measures to reduce vibration and noise. The insides help the driver with a good driving position and a slightly curved dashboard which functionality along with visibility. So, the driver can drive around comfortably and get some work done; but while also sitting in the natural position of the body.

You also get ceiling consoles that enhance the Profia’s storage capabilities to keep notes, documents, and other small items. Also included is a spacious bed area. It has a soft, cushioned mat structure, which is a great alternative for a bed. This setup ensures that the driver has a place to recover from fatigue and tiredness after driving for lots of hours, and not rely on Truckstop rooms. There is also a bumper step mounted in front of the cabin to make the front easier to clean.

The Profia features an extensive range of configurations. There are five different bodies available for the rigid truck style, named FR, FS, ZS, FY and ZY respectively. The first three models all have six wheels but the FR only comes in 2WD while the other two offer 4WD. The FY and ZY are more heavy-duty, as they offer a larger lift capacity, and eight wheels with four being powered. The gross vehicle weights range from 26 to 56 thousand kilograms.

You can also get four tractor configurations, named SH, SS, SR, and SV, respectively. Apart from the first one, all have six wheels with two- or four-wheel drivetrains. These can handle more weight than the rigid truck configurations, from 45.5 to a 100 thousand kilograms based on the trim.

The Hino Profia complies with the strict Japanese regulations regarding environmental friendliness. It utilizes Euro technology which leaves a lower carbon footprint along with a higher efficiency.

As tough as Hino builds their vehicles, maintenance is key if you want to keep them running for a long time. Hino parts are available all over the world and are some of the cheapest in the market. The Hino Profia utilizes a frame that boasts high strength and is very rigid to help it last for a long time. It also features side rails that are larger, coupled with precise molding. It also won’t succumb to rust due to its anti-corrosiveness.

For maintenance, Hino allows the driver to easily tilt over the cab to take a look at the underside. This feature utilizes an electric switch and so it doesn’t add strain to the driver’s back unlike many other big rigs.

Some models come with an optimized front lid of the truck, which helps the driver with its wide angle of opening. This makes it easier for the operator to inspect and maintain the truck on a regular basis.

The Profia comes with ABS to prevent brakes from locking up in case of sudden stoppage. It also features well-tested leaf-spring suspension that keeps the ride safe while also maintaining comfort. It also features a V-sort setting with an overlay elastic mount rather than the standard torque bar. The Profia’s cabin also has EGIS to protect the occupants in case of a crash.

Some Profia trims come with a differential lock that provides traction no matter the weight being hauled or carried. The lock ensures that the wheels receive adequate power when the tires are at the risk of slipping. This feature helps in driving over slippery terrains, such as mud.

Hino covers the new vehicles for two years. For a used Profia, if you get a recent model, you could be covered in the warranty. The rest depends on the dealership you buy it from.