Top 10 Best Most Economical SUV in Kenya for 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

An SUV, or sports utility vehicle, is a type of vehicle that is designed to be able to handle rough roads and off-road conditions. While they are often more extensive and more expensive than other types of vehicles, they can be an excellent choice for families and people who want to be able to drive on various roads.

However, not everyone wants to spend much money on a new SUV. If you're looking for an affordable SUV, you'll be happy to know that plenty of economical options are available in Kenya.

If you're looking for an SUV that won't break the bank, you're in the right place! In this article, we'll look at the most economical SUVs available in Kenya and what makes them so affordable.

What Makes an SUV Economical?

There are a few factors that make an SUV economical. One of the most important is the price. More affordable SUVs will typically have a lower sticker price, which makes them more accessible to a broader range of people. Another important factor is fuel efficiency. Some SUVs are designed to be more fuel-efficient, meaning you'll spend less money on gas and more on other things you enjoy. Finally, the cost of maintenance and repairs is another factor to consider. Some SUVs are easier to repair and maintain, so you'll spend less money over the long term.

1. Toyota land cruiser Prado

The second-largest flagship in the Toyota Land Cruiser line is the Prado. The Prado is more affordable, even though the Land Cruiser VX is exceptionally pricey. All-wheel drive with dual range is available on Toyota Prados.

The Prado is categorized as a large, less expensive SUV. On the test road, the turbo-diesel engine uses 7.9 liters/100 km with the manual transmission; in the real world, we anticipate using roughly 10.5 liters/100 km with either gearbox. This is more fuel-efficient than the gasoline engine in a Prado.

Heavy third-row seats, comfortable passenger seats, and ample luggage room are all features of the Toyota Prado. All Prado models have air conditioning to cool down front and rear passengers.

The Prado has seven airbags installed to protect the occupants, including two airbags that are placed in front of the driver and passenger, one side airbag to protect each front passenger's upper body, one curtain airbag to cover the front and rear side windows, and one airbag in front of the driver's knees.

2. Honda CR-V

In actuality, it's a Honda Civic with an SUV-like exterior. The Honda CR-V is built on the Civic platform by Honda. The CR-V is a spacious and practical crossover for five passengers, more significant than other midsize SUVs. The Honda CR-V is a midsize SUV that has fair pricing and is offered with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

Honda now offers the CR-V with a gasoline engine. However, you may purchase a used CR-V at CAR FROM JAPAN and obtain the diesel. The Honda CR-V contains six airbags to protect the driver and passenger, including two that are located directly in front of the driver and front passenger, one on each side to cover each front passenger's upper body and one on each side to protect the heads of both front and rear passengers. 

Additionally, the CR-V offers additional safety features like a rearview camera, seat belt reminders, daytime running lights, etc. The automobile has just five seats, and the back holds a lot of cargo. For more significant space, the second row of seats could be folded.

3. Nissan X-Trail

Since 2001, the Nissan X-Trail has been an excellent value in the midsize SUV market. The Japanese automaker unveiled an automobile with a distinctive, opulent, and fuel-efficient design.

The gasoline and diesel versions of the X-Trail are offered, with the diesel model using the least fuel. High ground clearance and a part-time four-wheel drive (4WD) option on the Nissan X-Trail give it additional power on rough roads.

The Nissan X-Trail offers ample interior space for the driver, front, and rear passengers. There is plenty of headroom in the front seat. The third row of seats can be adjusted, giving the vehicle more room for cargo and commodities.

The X-Trail is dependable and safe; it has six airbags, including one in front of the driver and passengers to shield them from frontal collisions, one outside each front seat at about chest level to protect from side collisions, and a curtain airbag that extends down each side at head level to protect passengers in the first and second rows from side collisions. Additionally, the vehicle has auto braking, stability control, etc.

4. Honda HR-V

The smallest SUVs are typically the most fuel-efficient, but the 2016 Honda HR-V can accommodate up to 58.8 cubic feet of cargo with its back seats folded down and a footprint just 9 inches longer than the Honda Fit. Provides everything owners require for their regular driving responsibilities.

Therefore, multi-view rear cameras, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, filtered air conditioning with warming ducts for the rear seats, multi-function steering wheels, and a 160-watt audio system with four speakers and USB connectivity are all included as standard equipment. 

Additionally, the HR-V has fuel-efficient ratings of up to 28 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined. Owners save about KES 40,000 a year on fuel expenditures at that rate.

5. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is now among the most often driven vehicles in Kenya. The CX-5, an SUV introduced in 2012, is technologically and visually superior. It is the first Mazda car to feature Mazda's Soul of Motion Design and has the same platform as the Mazda Axela.

Three engine options are available for the CX-5: 2000cc, 2200cc, and 2500cc. A six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission can be used with the engine. A significant benefit in the current economic climate, marked by skyrocketing fuel prices, is the SUV's low fuel consumption. Additionally, it has low emissions, enabling owners to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Mazda CX-5 exudes dynamism and perfectly balances grace and durability. Because it's economical and enjoyable to drive, the SUV appeals to male and female automobile owners.

6. Toyota RAV4

RAV4, often known as a recreational activity vehicle with four-wheel drive, is one of the most well-liked small SUVs on Kenyan roads. The RAV4 was the fourth best-selling passenger car and the best-selling SUV globally in 2019. In 1994, Toyota introduced the SUV built on the Corolla/Carina chassis. There are three- and five-door options available.

After discontinuing the 3-door model in 2007, Toyota revamped the RAV4 in 2016, utilizing a brand-new platform. The improvements included a tasteful style, better visibility, and more storage area. It has a better suspension setup that makes it more versatile on any road surface.

A D4D diesel engine and two 2.0 and 2.4-liter inline-4 petrol engines are options. These go well with a four, five, or six-speed automatic transmission and a five- or six-speed manual. There is also a seven-speed automatic CVT available. Spare components are abundant. Because it's economical and enjoyable to drive, the SUV appeals to male and female automobile owners.

7. Subaru Forester

In 1997, the five-door Forester first went on sale. It's an SUV with all-wheel drive that uses the Impreza's base. The renowned Subaru Boxer engine is found in the Forester. The center of gravity is lowered, improving stability and performance. The SUV has a brilliant symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system that enhances its performance—the favorite of Kenya's elite security troops and the highway king.

Several engine options include a 2.5L turbo, 2.0L, 2.5L NA, and 2.0L turbo-diesel. The Forester STi, a road monster, is at the top. It has a six-speed manual transmission and a 2.5-liter WRX STi turbo flat-4 engine.18-inch wheels, a sizable intercooler, and an exhaust system with low back pressure are all included.

The Subaru Forester also has a four- or five-speed automatic transmission and a five-speed manual. There is a cult following for the Subaru turbo models. Depending on the modifications made, these variations may cost more than their NA equivalents due to the abundance of aftermarket performance components.

8. Suzuki Escudo

This SUV was first released in 1988 and is a well-liked cross-country 4WD for city drivers. In 1997, Suzuki updated the Escudo as a hybrid of a passenger car and an X-country vehicle. It's a great crossover SUV with many features that make it a good family car.

The SUV has a powerful engine and is comfortable with lots of legroom. It makes it ideal for all kinds of journeys, even off-road adventures. An extremely rugged, dependable, and resilient SUV is the Suzuki Escudo. It's popular in remote parts of Kenya where the only Juakali boda mechanics are, and the roads are harsh and seasonal. There are three- and five-door options available. 

The petrol engine options range from 1.0 liter to 3.2-liter V6, depending on the model year. The available diesel engines come in 1.6L, 1.9L, and 2.0-Liter sizes. With options for front- or four-wheel drive, it comes with a five- or six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. In 2017, Suzuki discontinued the rear-wheel-drive model. The Escudo has a five-star rating from EURO NCAP, making it one of the safest vehicles.

9. Nissan Rogue Select

It can be simple to forget that the previous generation of the Nissan Rogue was excellent—and it's still available as the 2015 Nissan Rogue Select. The new Nissan Rogue has firmly established itself as the brand's top small crossover.

The Rogue Select also comes standard with a/c, four speakers, an iPod interface, keyless entry, power windows, door locks, and outside mirrors, making it a viable daily driver straight out of the box. The Rogue Select EPA ratings of 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway/25 mpg combined contrast with a line of 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway/28 mpg combined for the more modern power plant of the Rogue, where it does start to betray its age somewhat.

10. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

One glance at the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's window sticker demonstrates why this subcompact crossover's sales are rising: This sticker shows a sub-$20K MSRP of $19,595 and a long list of standard features. Additionally, these aren't only necessities.

Naturally, the Outlander Sport has those, but it also has 18-inch alloy wheels, a multi-function steering wheel, and a steering wheel and shift knob covered in leather. It also has Mitsubishi's FUSE hands-free technology with a USB port. The Outlander Sport is one of the most affordable crossovers for modern buyers, but Mitsubishi also spends a lot of money on warranty coverage. 

In addition, it offers the security of a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee, a seven-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion warranty, a completely transferable new-vehicle limited warranty with a five-year/60,000-mile coverage period, and a five-year/unlimited-mileage roadside assistance plan.

Most fuel-efficient SUV in Kenya

• Honda Fit
• Honda Civic
• Nissan March
• Toyota Prius
• Mazda Demio

Cheapest SUV to maintain in Kenya

• Toyota RAV4
• Suzuki Escudo
• Subaru Forester
• Nissan Dualis
• Toyota Rush

Best SUV cars in Kenya 2023

• Subaru Forester
• Honda CR-V
• Mazda CX-5
• Toyota Harrier
• Toyota Lexus-RX

1500cc SUV cars in Kenya

A 1500cc engine is good when it comes to fuel economy mileage. Here is a list we compiled of the best 1500cc SUV cars in Kenya today.

• Honda Vezel
• Nissan Juke

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Conclusion

In Kenya, SUVs are still a typical vehicle of choice for drivers. One of the fundamental causes of this is that an SUV occupies a desirable middle ground between smaller sedans and significantly larger SUVs like Prados. They are reasonably priced, roomy, and have good ground clearance. This is crucial when traveling on some of Kenya's unreliable roads, not to mention the numerous speed bumps.