If the cab-forward layout is allowed for the big-rigs, why not in light-duty ones?
 

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They're pretty much capable to perform any task a regular bonnetted truck can do.

workaround ideas to discuss among friends: Cab-forward light-duty trucks: why not to give them a chance in the American market?

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Why would a random full-size with a boat-anchor V8 be needed when a Hyundai with a 4-pot turbodiesel under 3.0L can get the job done, such as this one with a fully-functional wrecker platform.
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Really, really need a dually for your landscaping business?
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Wanna impress the ricers with your sporty-looking truck?
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For some reason, maintaining a high speed up a steep grade while towing several tons is important for light duty vehicles in the US.

Also, crash standards. If I recall, cab-forward designs only have to pass the most rudimentary of crash tests in Japan, and will definitely not pass NCAP certification elsewhere.

It's not impossible to throw a small-block V8 (or a more powerful turbodiesel) into a Hyundai HR :D


Nothing that a safety cage can't solve :D

The Hyundai and Kei trucks in general don't need all that power to go fast... I've seen several that were quite capable of exceeding the local speed limits in mere seconds.

I actually want to get myself a cabover QD or Nissan at some point. They use relatively small, efficient diesel engines and have plenty of leftover frame for whatever I need it to hold, accomplish, etc.

I believe the QD trucks [cab and chassis] come standard with an Isuzu BD39T, a 3.9 Liter I4 turbo similar to the Cummins 4BT in power and weight.

It will help, but the additional cost is prohibitive... and having hard structures close to the driver is a no-no on NCAP.

Crush space is important, so the trucks will need a nose, anyway. Many new cab-forwards are getting rudimentary noses to meet the (still lax) crash requirements for cab-forwards in Japan.

There were gasser versions for the Hyundai with the 2.4L 4-pot in Mexico, and it won't disappoint one who considers the performance of a 2.2L S10 acceptable. But I'd rather get a Diesel one anytime...

Toyota had to stop selling the Hi-Ace in Europe on safety grounds.

The Kia trucks posted above don't have a good reputation for reliability here. Let's just say they disappeared almost as quickly as they appeared.

There are a good number of cab-forward models (I think Izusu, Mercedes, etc) in the light commercial market here. As for why they don't get into the non-commercial market, it's probable for the same reason American pickups are built so high off the ground, have quad-cabs and 4-foot long beds, and are bulked up with a lot of extra sheet metal.

Isuzus are quite a bit bigger, and Mercedes don't make a true cab forward any more, ie where the driver sits over the wheels (engine access is from inside the cabin), not behind them.

I have an older cab forward MB100, it's the same size at a Hyundai Iload (wheels forward), but only has 4.3m2 or cargo space vs 6.2 for my MB100. A much more compact layout.

Although the engine cover is a bit of a pain to remove, nothing quite like sitting comfortably in the driver's seat while changing spark plugs!

We have already had the conventional cab vs cab forward debate recently.

What is the gain with cab forward besides a little more maneuverability in close quarters and potentially a slight weight loss?

There are real safety issues that come along with being seated ahead of the front axle.

Who is going to buy a new truck with a cage in the cab to climb over/through?

It's not like they've been legislated out of existence; if the market said we really, really want cab forward pickups, we'd have them. The cabs could be hardened without cages.

We DID have them: VW, Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, and Willys all offered forward control vans and pickups. And now we don't.

BTW I love cab-forward designs- I like how they look and I think they are fun to drive. I'm just not seeing any huge advantage to it, that can outweigh the disadvantages.