Hino began U.S. operations in 1984 and continues to strengthen its presence through key operational facilities across the country.
Hino’s U.S. corporate headquarters are located in Novi, Michigan, where Hino Motor Sales and Hino Motors Manufacturing operate side by side — fostering close collaboration between sales, manufacturing, and support teams. Hino’s assembly plant in Mineral Wells, West Virginia, and its parts distribution centers in Southaven, Mississippi, and Ontario, California, support the brand’s nationwide network of dealers and customers. Training centers are located both at the Novi headquarters and at the Ontario, California, distribution facility.
Hino sells a medium-duty L-series (L6 and L7), and a heavy-duty XL-series (XL7 and XL8). Having looked at the smaller L-Series previously, this time we will focus on the larger XL-series.
“Hino has been committed to providing customers in the U.S. with the premier medium-duty truck combined with the Ultimate Ownership Experience. This commitment extends to the Hino XL Series. It started with great aerodynamics, functionality, durability, and has continued with the development of Hino Edge, a leading telematics and case management system designed to help keep trucks on the road and reduce downtime. The Hino XL Series sports an automotive grade interior, an optional advanced Safety Suite and larger cab configurations for more versatility than ever before,” according to Hino.
All Hino vehicles come equipped with Cummins engines and Allison transmissions, with the transmission backed by an exclusive five-year, unlimited-mile warranty offered as standard. Each truck also includes a wide range of safety features, multiple configuration options, and the flexibility to meet the unique needs of any fleet.
UNDER THE HOOD
The XL-series comes equipped with a Cummins L9 six-cylinder inline, four-cycle, water-cooled, wet cylinder lined diesel turbocharged engine. It outputs 300 to 360 horsepower, and 800 to 1,150 pounds/feet of torque mated to a six-speed automatic Allison transmission with neutral at stop. The turbocharger is a variable geometry version with integrated engine braking.
The truck comes equipped with a single 50-gallon fuel tank as standard, with optional single 90-gallon, or dual 50-gallon tanks. Each XL-series also comes with a 7.4-gallon DEF tank, or an optional 15.5-gallon tank (with four battery option only).
CONFIGURATIONS
XL-series comes in two cab sizes, with differing wheelbases. The biggest is the Extended Cab, which seats five and comes in five wheelbase sizes. The Day Cab, seats three, and comes in a plethora of wheelbase sizes. The Straight Truck is available is 4×2 or 6×4 configuration. A 4×2 tractor option is also available for the XL Series.
Two XL-Series models are available, XL7 and XL8. Both come standard with the L9 engine outputting 300hp mated to the 3000 RDS transmission. Both are available with a L9 330hp model with a 3000 HS transmission, or a L9 360hp mated to a 3500 RDS transmission.
CAPABILITIES
XL7 has a GVWR of 33,000 lbs, with weight capacities of 12,000 to 14,600 lbs (for front axle range), and 21,000 to 23,000 lbs (for rear axle range). The XL8, has a GVWR of 34,200 to 60,600 lbs, with the weight capacities being 12,000 to 14,600 lbs (front axle range), and 21,000 to 46,000 lbs (for rear axle range. Hino trucks also offer a standard 120,000 PSI frame, with multiple RBM options.
FEATURES
XL-series is available with Hino Safety Suite, which offers collision mitigation system with adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, antilock brake system, and electronic stability control.
Other popular optional features available on the XL are Allison FuelSense 2.0 + NAS w/ Dynactive; Allison FuelSense 2.0 + NAS w/ Dynactive and Acceleration Rate Management; differential lock and controls; engine idle shutdown three, five, or 10 minute; back-up alarm; cab paint, exterior – custom (factory); exhaust system – vertical stack type; Jacobs engine brake; mirrors, single arm fender mounted (both sides or either side option) – chrome or black; mirrors, outside rearview – chrome or black; mirrors, power heated – chrome or black; convex Passenger side look down mirror; power windows and door locks (with or without keyless entry); programmable speed limit 65/70/75 mph; trailer brake package; rear of cab work light; SAF Holland FW17 or FW35 fifth wheel (stationary); and battery disconnect and jump stud.
HINO EDGE
Finally, Hino Edge is offered on the XL Series as the company’s connected vehicle solution, creating a digital link between the customer, Hino’s dealer network, the Hino Ultimate Support Center, and telematics service providers. Hino Edge includes both telematics and case management capabilities and is available to all Hino customers free of charge for five years. Its open-platform design allows fleets to choose their preferred telematics service provider, enabling a broader range of features, reporting options, and system integrations.
According to Hino, “this integrated connection ensures fleets have real-time access to the information and resources they need to stay on the road, enhancing operational efficiency and delivering the Ultimate Ownership Experience.”
about the author
Mario Cywinski is the editor of Modern Work Truck Solutions and has worked in the automotive industry for over 20 years, both as an automotive journalist and working for a local dealership. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada. He can be reached at mario@mwsmag.com.
