We have all seen them with their massive tires, superior ground clearance, and all the bells and whistles it takes to conquer the cruel Kenyan roads. Sport Utility Vehicles or simply SUVs come in all shapes, colours, and sizes. And today, we would like to break them down for you.
So, whether you’re looking for luxury, affordability, reliability, or simply off-roadability this guide has it all for you.
List of The Topmost SUVs on Kenyan Roads
There’s no doubt that SUVs are the best cars to buy if you regularly drive to random places across the country. They come with loads of interior space and superb driving abilities meaning they’ll hardly ever let you down when duty calls.
SUVs can be divided into 3 categories there are Large-sized SUVs, Compact SUVs, and Luxury SUVs.
Table of Contents
Large-Sized SUVs
Large-sized SUVs are also known as full-size SUVs because they offer all the benefits you’d expect from a large car. We’re talking extra-higher ground clearance, lots of sitting space, headroom – and massive cargo capacity.
Thanks to their uncompromising nature, full-size SUVs are a favorite to the who is who in this country. Politicians spend millions on them because they offer them all they need to traverse diverse terrains. Here’s a look at some of them:
Lexus LX570
Remember the legendary KCU 192H that President William Ruto used to traverse the country during the 2022 election season? Well, it was a Lexus LX-570, one of the largest and most reliable SUVs on our roads.
The massive machine comes with a 5700cc engine that provides 370 horsepower. All this power is transmitted to the wheels of the car via an 8-speed transmission gearbox making this beast a pleasure to drive.
As far as off-roading is concerned, the car comes with 20-inch wheels and advanced all-wheel drive capabilities.
Toyota Landcruiser (LC200)
The Landcruiser 200 series is what is known on our roads as the “V8”. It proudly wears the V8 badge courtesy of its 8-cylinder engine with a displacement of 4600CC. The vehicle is as large as they come and has a ride height of 1.87 meters (slightly over 6 feet high).
With a ground clearance that sits well above the 220mm mark, this car is pretty much ready for whatever the Kenyan rural roads can offer.
Under the hood is a 4600CC engine that generates 311 horsepower. However, unlike the LX from Lexus, the LC200 from Toyota comes with a comparatively slower 6-speed gearbox.
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Toyota Prado
If you are looking for a sport utility vehicle that is reliable, capable, and relatively affordable, the legendary Toyota Prado has got your back. The Landcruiser Prado comes with a 2800cc petrol engine that delivers a respectable 160 horsepower output and a 6-speed gearbox to boot. A diesel version is also available.
While the Prado may not be the fastest car on the road, it manages to perform just well enough for most on-road and off-road situations making it the ideal SUV for those who can afford it.
The car weighs a colossal 2,030 KG, sits well over 220mm above ground and has a robust 4WD system making it ideal for some of the toughest roads around.
Nissan Patrol
Hate it or love it, but the Nissan Patrol is one of the best cars ever built by Nissan. This mean and feisty machine boasts a 5600CC V8 engine that generates a staggering 400 horsepower.
All that power is channelled to where it is needed the most via a 7-speed gear box enabling this car to take off like a shot when duty calls.
PS: Smaller, 3000CC engines are also available for those looking to minimize fuel consumption.
Other than that, this 4X4 sits well above 250mm ground-clearance making it the ultimate dream car for tough roads. Perhaps even superior to what the Toyotas offer.
Mitsubishi Shogun (Pajero)
Whether you call it Shogun or Pajero one thing is for sure. This right here is one of the best SUVs Mitsubishi has ever produced. Period.
The Shogun comes with a 3200cc diesel engine capable of generating 197 horsepower (a peppier 3800CC petrol engine is available but rare).
One thing you’ll definitely love about this Pajero is that it comes with a ground clearance in excess of 220mm. And that’s in addition to a clever 4×4 system that can be adjusted to cope with different driving challenges.
Its interior is well-done but nothing fancy. In a nutshell, this is a great SUV that gives you lots of space and above-average off-roading abilities. It’s also highly affordable.
Compact SUVs
Compact SUVs are mostly the size of typical saloon cars but with a raised ground clearance and all the perks you’d expect from an off-road-oriented car. As such, they offer the best of both worlds – great handling on tarmac roads and superb performance in demanding conditions. Some of the most sought-after compact SUVs in Kenya are:
Toyota Rav4
According to AutoExpress (UK), over 1 million Rav4s were sold globally in the year 2020 making it the world’s best-selling sport utility vehicle.
But why is this car so popular? First off, it is an easy-to-maintain car that rarely ever breaks down. Other than that, some versions of it come with 4-wheel drive functionality something that makes them handle great.
Most ex-Japan Rav4s available in Kenya come with a 7-speed Shiftmatic CVT gearbox. Ex-UK ones come with a basic 6-speed gearbox.
Under the hood is a 4-cylinder 2AZ-FE engine that generates 177 Horsepower which is more than enough to handle this 1500KG machine on-road and off-terrain. With the Rav4 you get 190mm worth of ground clearance.
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Subaru Forester
Another great SUV is the Forester from Subaru. This car is available in two versions. A naturally aspirated variant and a turbo-charged variant.
If you are looking for reliability and fuel economy you should go for the naturally aspirated version. But if performance is all you’re craving, then the Subaru Forester XT with its 275 horsepower is your prince in shining armour.
Like all Subarus, the Forester comes with all-wheel drive capabilities making it great for driving in challenging conditions. The latest versions of this car come with a highly efficient Lineartronic CVT gearbox.
Mazda CX-5
Imagine driving to your rural area in a sleek, red-wine sport utility vehicle that comes with a touch of luxury and above-average off-roading capabilities. Well, that’s what the sophisticated Mazda CX-5 offers. Some would argue it has a feminine vibe to it but whichever way you look at it, this Japanese beast stands tall among the best SUVs in town.
The Mazda CX5 mostly comes with a 2.2L diesel engine that generates 171 horsepower. What’s more, you get to choose between 4WD and 2WD variants.
Small qualms with the otherwise great car are that it comes with a 6-speed gearbox which, though reliable, denies it the efficiency it needs to rival some of the big names on this list.
Toyota Harrier
Toyota Harrier is based out of the Rav4 Chassis meaning these two cars have a lot in common. That said, the Harrier tends to have more interior features than the Rav4.
The Harrier is mostly in 2-wheel drive something that makes it great for fuel economy. Those interested in a 4-wd Harrier should aim for the more expensive hybrid version of it.
What about power? Well, this sleek SUV comes with a 2.0L 3ZR-FAE engine that generates 148HP. It weighs slightly over 1600KGs and like its brother the Rav4 comes with a 7-speed Shiftmatic CVT gearbox.
Nissan X-Trail
The X-Trail would have easily scooped the number 1 position on this list were it not for its poor reliability rating. Granted, Nissan has already addressed this matter and the newest versions of it feature the revolutionary ePower technology that essentially gets rid of the problematic JATCO CVT gearbox this car has been known for.
There are numerous reasons why the Nissan X-Trail remains popular despite its weak points. First off, it offers slightly more space than say the Rav4 or Harrier. It also is one of the cheapest SUVs in Kenya.
Value shoppers troop to the X-Trail owing to its decent interior finish, modest MR20 engine (161 horsepower), and smooth acceleration.
Luxury SUVs
What’s the point of owning an SUV if it doesn’t scream luxury and opulence? The following car models have got it all – from good looks to jaw-dropping performance.
Porsche Cayenne
The Cayenne is available in V6 and V8 engine variants. The petrol V6 variant is the most popular one locally and it generates a respectable 411 horsepower. It’s mated with an 8-speed gearbox. The car is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100KPH in well under 6 seconds.
A 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 engine is also available and is primarily meant for towing. It produces 240 horsepower.
For ultimate performance, you’ll want to go with the rare V8 variant which generates a whopping 520 horsepower output.
Overall, the Porsche Cayenne is a car that ticks all the right boxes. It offers good performance, great looks, and impeccable interior finish all rolled into one.
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Mercedes GLE
Another German SUV that continues to turn heads on the Kenyan roads is the GLE from Mercedes. And let’s face it, nothing screams luxury than that Tri-Star Mercedes logo. What you get with this car is a complete package of comfort, safety, and performance features.
Most notably, the car comes with the 4-matic 4WD functionality which gives it perfect handling in all conditions. It should be noted that most Mercedes cars come with RWD. So, if you want a 4WD Merc this has got to be it (or any of the ML, GLAs, and GLCs).
The GLE comes with a 3000cc diesel engine that generates a respectable 258 horsepower. Above all, the engine is mated with a 9-speed gearbox which makes it possible to propel this 2100KG leviathan from 0 to 100kph in 7.1 seconds.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 series was launched in 1999 and since then it has been one of the most popular luxury crossovers around. Featuring an advanced suspension system that gives superior ride quality, the X5 is ideal for those looking for quality over quantity.
The car is available in three variants namely the sDrive35, Drive35i, Drive35d, and Drive50i. The Drive35d variant is the most common one in Kenya and it packs 255 horsepower. Its powerful engine is mated with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The vehicle is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100KPH in roughly about 7 seconds which isn’t too bad for a car this large.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sport Utility Vehicles in Kenya
Here is a response to some questions people often ask about sport utility vehicles in the country.
What is the cheapest SUV currently in Kenya?
Nissan Juke is the cheapest sport utility vehicle in Kenya. A 2015 Nissan Juke is priced between Ksh1.3M and Ksh1.5M on most classified ad sites in Kenya. Other reasonably priced SUVs include the Mazda CX3, Mitsubishi RVR, and Toyota Rush.
What is the fastest SUV in Kenya?
With the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100KPH in 4.7 seconds, Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest SUV you can find in Kenya in 2023. Other fast SUVs include the Audi SQ5 and the rare BMW X6 with a bi-turbo V8 engine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SUVs are great cars to have especially given how challenging our roads can get. However, they usually don’t come cheap and, in some cases, can be difficult to maintain. We hope that the guide provided above will help you find just the right SUV for your budget range.
Kevin Muya is an award-winning entrepreneur and the visionary Founder and CEO of Scepture Empire Limited. With a passion for e-commerce and digital marketing, Kevin has revolutionized online marketplaces in Kenya through innovative ideas that transform buyer-seller interactions.