Toyota Noah Review
2017-2023
The Toyota Noah (R80 Facelift & R90 Series) is a leading 3-row family and commercial shuttle MPV in Kenya. Known for its boxy, space-maximizing cabin, low step-in height, dual power sliding doors, and ultra-reliable 2.0L Valvematic or 1.8L Hybrid powertrains, the Noah dominates family travel, tour shuttles, and corporate fleet transport.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Massive 7/8-seater cabin space: Ottoman captain chairs and flat floor layout give unmatched passenger comfort.
- Sub-2,000 cc customs tax advantage: Qualifies for KRA's 25% excise duty bracket.
- Outstanding hybrid fuel economy: 1.8L Hybrid achieves up to 23.8 km/L combined.
- Exceptional resale value & liquidity: High demand across private buyers and tour transport operators.
What’s not so good
- Boxy profile sensitive to crosswinds: Requires steady steering during high-speed highway driving on open plains.
- Moderate ground clearance: 160 mm clearance requires care over tall speed bumps when carrying 7 adults.
Most popular: Noah Si / Hybrid X / S-G
5 doorsPetrol, HybridAutomatic
At a glance
- Model
- Toyota Noah (R80 / R90 Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door 7/8-Seater MPV
- Seating capacity
- 7 or 8 seats
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Full Hybrid
- Engine sizes
- 1,797 cc / 1,986 cc
- Transmission
- Super CVT-i / e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- FWD or 4WD
- Ground clearance
- 160 mm
- Source market
- Japan (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 14.5 km/L (2.0L Petrol) / 23.8 km/L (1.8L Hybrid). Tank: 55 L (about 798 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,891 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,351 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 15,652
- Full tank (55 L)
- KES 12,483
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
X / G / Si / Si WxB
- Setup
2.0L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine (152 hp / 193 Nm), Super CVT-i, FWD or 4WD, returning 14.5 km/L.
- Why it gets shipped
Powerful, reliable non-hybrid powertrain favored for upcountry travel and heavy passenger loads.
- Local consideration
Uses low-cost, readily available Toyota service components across Kenya.
Package tiers
Noah package tiers range from comfortable family grades to aggressive aero-styled editions.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| X / S-G | Base utility | Fabric seats, dual manual/power sliding doors, Toyota Safety Sense, and 15-inch steel/alloy wheels |
| G | Executive luxury | Dual power sliding doors, captain chairs, rear climate controls, and 16-inch alloy wheels |
| Si / S-Z WxB | Aero sport luxury | Aggressive front bumper, rear spoiler, dark chrome grille, leatherette seats, and 16-inch dark alloys |
About the Toyota Noah
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Noah models sit comfortably inside the direct import window, while 2018 units face month-by-month age deadlines.
A major fiscal advantage of the Toyota Noah is its engine displacement. Both the 2.0L petrol (1,986 cc) and 1.8L hybrid (1,797 cc) sit strictly under the 2,500 cc threshold, qualifying for Kenya's standard 25% excise duty tax bracket and saving over KSh 500,000 in import duty compared to larger 3.5L MPVs.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
