Discover the top 10 most popular car models in Kenya. From reliable family cars to stylish luxury vehicles, there’s something for everyone. Toyota Corolla, Toyota Hilux, Subaru Impreza, Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V, Toyota Prado, Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Toyota Vitz, and Mitsubishi Lancer are among the favorites. Find the perfect car model that suits your preferences and needs in Kenya’s diverse automotive market.
The Toyota Corolla was the first among the Top 10 Most Popular Car Models In Kenya and also the world’s best-selling car in 2022, with sales of 1.12 million cars, according to new data. The sales data was compiled by the respected provider of market and consumer data, Statista – and was sourced from new-car sales figures in 162 countries.
When it comes to car models, Kenya has a diverse automotive market with a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a reliable family car or a stylish luxury vehicle, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 most popular car models in Kenya.
Toyota Vitz
The Toyota Vitz, also known as the Yaris, is a compact hatchback that is loved for its fuel efficiency and affordability. It’s a popular choice for urban driving due to its compact size.
The Vitz is the most popular subcompact hatchback in the country and has existed for three generations or two decades.
- Toyota Vitz would make for an excellent first car. It’s easy to drive, fuel-efficient and not intimidating in size. You also have all the necessities a new driver needs to commute comfortably and safely.
- The Toyota Vitz has a fuel average of 15 to 32 KM/L in the city and 18 to 34 KM/L on the highway. The fuel average of Vitz varies upon variant, transmission, fuel type and driving style.
- The 1.3L model is the recommended model for Vitz.
- Toyota Vitz is said to be very reliable though most of the complaints have been centered on vehicles with high mileage levels.
- There may be battery issues, fuel pump, and filter issues in these cars. The solutions in these cases would be to avoid dirty fuel and replace the fuel filter.
- The Vitz has been in the market for a long time and does not have significant problems even after long-term use, making the car much more attractive.
- That is why the resale value for the car remains at a certain range. Toyota is also constantly working towards providing the latest technology and reducing the problems associated with the Vitz.
Price of Toyota Vitz in Kenya
| Model Year | Price |
|---|---|
| 2014 | KES 750,000 ~ 900,000 |
| 2015 | KES 880,000 ~ 1,000,000 |
| 2016 | KES 970,000 ~ 1,100,000 |
| 2017 | KES 1,280,000 ~ 1,400,000 |
| 2018 | KES 1,400,000 ~ 1,600,000 |
| 2019 | KES 1,500,000 ~ 1,800,000 |
| 2020 | KES 1,700,000 ~ 2,000,000 |
Toyota Probox Van
The Toyota Probox has a reputation for reliability, no doubt. The vehicle has been christened a workhorse in almost all markets that it has been sold in huge numbers.
The Probox comes with 1300cc and 1500cc engine variants. The 1300cc one boasts only a two-wheel drivetrain. The 1500cc variant is the more widely available one and comes in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Toyota Probox is equipped with the technology VVTi, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence for enhancing the engine performance. It has the capacity of loading 400 kilogrammes and therefore it is also promoted as a “work horse”. It is also available with rear shock absorbers. It is not a guzzler.
The Toyota Probox can be had with either a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine or a 1.3L 4-cylinder engine. These engines may pair with a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
The 1.3L engine models may deliver a fuel economy of approximately 18km/L while the 1.5L engine models may achieve a fuel economy of 15.0km/l.
Price Of Toyota Probox In Kenya?
| Year | Price |
| 2014 | 900,000 ~ 1,100,000 KES |
| 2015 | 970,000 ~ 1,100,000 KES |
| 2016 | 1,100,000 ~ 1,400,000 KES |
| 2017 | 1,400,000 ~1,600,000 KES |
| 2018 | 1,750,000 ~ 1,990,000 KES |
| 2019 | 1,950,000 ~ 2,100,000 KES |
| 2020 | 2,100,000 ~ 2,500,000 KES |
| 2021 | 2,500,000 KES |
Toyota Corolla Fielder
Toyota Corolla Fielder is one of the perfect cars you could ever think of since this car has everything that an ideal advanced car need. Tons of extensive features, high quality amazing powerful engine is a proof of its worth. Toyota Fielder is a successful car offered in the Corolla line.
Toyota Fielder is available with either a 1.8L I4 engine or 1.5L 1NR I4 engine. They may pair with a 4-speed AT super ECT (which is a four-speed automatic transaxle U140E), CVT, a 5-speed MT, or a Z Aero Tourer-specific 6-speed MT. When it comes to fuel efficiency, Toyota Fielder’s 1.5L engine may deliver a fuel economy of up to 18.0km/L, while the 1.8L engine may deliver up to 15.0km/L.
Price Of Toyota Fielder In Kenya
The price of Toyota Corolla Fielder in Kenya range from 500,000 KES to around 1,000,000 KES for locally used cars.
Here are the prices for newly imported Toyota Fielder:
| Year | Price |
| 2014 | 1,380,000 ~ 1,550,000 KES |
| 2015 | 1,380,000 ~ 1,550,000 KES |
| 2016 | 1,520,000 ~ 1,620,000 KES |
| 2017 | 1,680,000 ~ 1,900,000 KES |
| 2018 | 2,000,000 ~ 2,100,000 KES |
| 2019 | 2,300,000 ~ 2,500,000 KES |
| 2020 | 2,400,000 ~ 2,700,000 KES |
| 2021 | 2,900,0000 KES |
| 2022 | 2,900,0000 KES |
Mazda Demio
The Mazda Demio has a reputation for being a reliable car, with a low rate of mechanical issues and a long lifespan. This means you can count on it to get you where you need to go without any unexpected breakdowns.
The engines featured in the 2008 Mazda Demio offer better acceleration and quicker pedal response than their Vitz counterparts. Overall, the 2008 Toyota Vitz is the better vehicle if you are most interested in fuel efficiency or need the most cabin space possible.
The four-cylinder engine comes with 46 kW / 63 PS, variant with 55 kW / 75 hp. Here, the Mazda Demio achieves a maximum speed of 160 km / h and the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in 13 seconds mastered.
The Mazda Demio new model boasts impressive SkyActiv technology, which sets it apart from its competitors. The SkyActiv-G engine combines exceptional fuel efficiency with powerful performance, providing an exhilarating driving experience
Price Of Mazda Demio In Kenya
The typical model price of a new Mazda Demio in Kenya is Ksh. 2,500,000. However, like with any car, the cost might vary based on things like trim level, extra equipment, and regional market circumstances.
Toyota Corolla Axio
The tenth-generation Corolla (E140) was released in Japan on 10 October 2006. The saloon is now known as the Corolla Axio. The Axio name was created from the Greek word “axia”, meaning “things with value”. The estate version retains the Corolla Fielder name.
Toyota Corolla Axio is a good car,a very decent car for its price. Considering the absurd market of vehicles nowadays, a Corolla Axio E140 is a very decent buy. Neat ones still cost you around 2.0 – 2.5 Million kshs
There are two types of engines for Toyota Axio: 1.5 liter and 1.8 liter, both in-line 4‐cylinder engines.
The Corolla Axio E160 has four engine options: a 1.3L I4 petrol engine, a 1.5L I4 petrol engine, a 1.5L I4 petrol hybrid engine, or a 1.8L I4 petrol engine. The 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine is good for up to 20.6 Km/L, the mid-range 1.5L I4 petrol engine returns up to 18.2 Km/L, and the 1.8L I4 petrol engine achieves up to 15 Km/L. The 1.5L I4 petrol hybrid engine is the most efficient, delivering up to 35 km/L fuel economy.
The fuel economy of Axio HYBRID is 33.8km/L, making it a highly efficient hybrid vehicle. While the vehicle is quiet – as all hybrids are supposed to be – and the turning in a small radius, giving the driver a satisfying driving experience.
Price of Toyota Corolla Axio in Kenya
| Year | Price |
| 2014 | 1,150,000 ~ 1,400,000 KES |
| 2015 | 1,250,000 ~ 1,400,000 KES |
| 2016 | 1,400,000 ~ 1,480,000 KES |
| 2017 | 1,500,000 ~ 1,680,000 KES |
| 2018 | 2,000,000 ~ 2,200,000 KES |
| 2019 | 2,300,000 ~ 2,480,000 KES |
| 2020 | 2,400,000 ~2,780,000 KES |
| 2021 | 2,900,000 KES |
| 2022 | 3,000,000 KES |
Honda Fit
Honda Fit, regardless of the model year, is consistently ranked in the top five for subcompact cars, with an average reliability rating of around 4.5 stars out of five.
The Honda Fit gets fuel efficiency of up to 8.1L/100 km* in the city, 6.4L/100 km on the highway, and 7.3L/100 km* over an average day of driving.
The 1300cc engines in the Honda Fit get 26km/l on average, the 1500cc get 21km/l, and the 1500cc hybrid gets 36km/l on average. These figures demonstrate that running a Honda Fit is cost effective and that it is an excellent value when looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle.
Price Of Honda Fit In Kenya
| Model Year | Price |
|---|---|
| 2014 | KES 900,000 ~ 1,050,000 |
| 2015 | KES 980,000 ~ 1,100,000 |
| 2016 | KES 1,150,000 ~ 1,400,000 |
| 2017 | KES 1,350,000 ~ 1,750,000 |
| 2018 | KES 1,700,000 ~ 2,000,000 |
| 2019 | KES 1,850,000 ~ 2,500,000 |
| 2020 | KES 2,400,000 ~ 2,900,000 |
| 2021 | KES 2,800,000 ~ 3,300,000 |
Nissan Note
Nissan Note excels when it comes to performance. Its fuel efficiency and effective engine options provide a comfortable and dynamic driving experience, making it a great alternative for anyone concerned about their carbon impact
The 2nd generation Note models in Kenya may feature a 1.2 liter three-cylinder petrol engine, a 1.2 liter three-cylinder supercharged petrol engine, or a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine. There is also a 1.5-liter diesel engine variant. The 1.2 liter petrol engines, which are most common, can return up to 25.2 kilometers to the liter; the diesel engine can achieve a fuel economy of 27.7 km/l.
Price of Nissan Note in Kenya
| Model Year | Price |
|---|---|
| 2014 | KES 750,000 ~ 850,000 |
| 2015 | KES 850,000 ~ 1,000,000 |
| 2016 | KES 950,000 ~ 1,100,000 |
| 2017 | KES 1,100,000 ~ 1,500,000 |
| 2018 | KES 1,300,000 ~ 1,600,000 |
| 2019 | KES 1,400,000 ~ 1,600,000 |
| 2020 | KES 1,550,000 ~ 1,800,000 |
| 2021 | KES 1,800,000 ~ 2,100,000 |
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru vehicle with the highest mpg ratings is the 2022 Subaru Impreza, which offers up to 36 highway mpg and 28 city mpg.
The Subaru Impreza has an average reliability rating from RepairPal of 3.5 out of 5.0. Common problems with the Subaru Impreza include engine issues, sudden and abrupt acceleration, transmission failure, and air bag problems
Subaru is dropping the Impreza sedan and focusing efforts in the market for entry-level cars with a redesigned 2024 Impreza hatchback, giving the sixth-generation compact improved performance, upgraded safety and infotainment systems and a resurrected hot hatch RS trim level.
In Sport trim, the 2024 Subaru Impreza starts at $24,995, while the RS begins at $28,975
Subaru is a rather high-cost of maintenance vehicle brand for a few reasons.
Fuel consumption of Subaru Impreza in Kenya-The WLTC mode catalog fuel efficiency of the Impreza G4 is 13.0-14.1km/L for 2WD vehicles and 12.4-13.5km/L for 4WD vehicles.
Toyota LandCruiser VX
There’s no universal nomenclature, but this letters usually refer to trim levels. For example, Toyota has an SUV called the “Prado”, the VX version is the highest trim which includes leather seats, sunroof, infotainment and other things, lesser versions might be called the GX.
The real lioness of four-wheel drives and one of the most popular used cars in Kenya, the classic VX is proudly perched number 10 in our analysis of the most popular cars in Kenya.
2021 Toyota Landcruiser VX 4.5L Diesel SUV 4XD Specs & Prices – Drive.
Considered the quintessential SUV, the Landy is the go-to vehicle for ardent four-wheel drivers and is a cut-price alternative to premium luxury SUVs.
With power comes confidence. Promising to deliver remarkable performance and efficiency, the Land Cruiser is powered by a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 diesel to let you conquer both on-road and the toughest off-road environments. Every aspect of the Land Cruiser is designed, engineered, and built with quality in mind
Toyota LandCruiser VX (4×4) $68,000 Price & Specifications …
Toyota claims the LandCruiser VX (4×4) uses 13.6L/100km of unleaded petrol in the combined city and highway cycle while putting out 313g of CO2.
Price of the Toyota Land Cruiser V8 in Kenya
| Year | GX | AX | AX-G | ZX |
| 2015 | KES 5,400,000 ~ 5,800,000 | KES 6,000,000 ~ 6,700,000 | KES 6,300,000 ~ 7,000,000 | KES 7,200,000 ~ 8,200,000 |
| 2016 | KES 5,900,000 ~ 6,400,000 | KES 6,900,000 ~ 7,700,000 | KES 7,500,000 ~ 8,400,000 | KES 8,600,000 ~ 9,500,000 |
| 2017 | KES 6,400,000 ~ 7,500,000 | KES 7,800,000 ~ 8,800,000 | KES 8,600,000 ~ 9,300,000 | KES 9,900,000 ~ 11,100,000 |
| 2018 | KES 7,900,000 ~ 8,700,000 | KES 8,600,000 ~ 9,000,000 | KES 9,400,000 ~ 10,200,000 | KES 11,200,000 ~ 12,000,000 |
| 2019 | KES 8,700,000 ~ 9.800,000 | KES 8,900,000 ~ 9,500,000 | KES 10,300,000 ~ 11,000,000 | KES 12,100,000 ~ 12,900,000 |
| 2020 | KES 9,600,000 ~ 10,200,000 | KES 9,700,000 ~ 10,400,000 | KES 11,100,000 ~ 11,900,000 | KES 13,200,000 ~ 14,200,000 |
| 2021 | KES 10,100,000 ~ 11,300,000 | KES 10,800,000 ~ 11,500,000 | KES 12,000,000 ~ 13,000,000 | KES 14,400,000 ~ 15,100,000 |
