Toyota Premio Review
2017-2021
The Toyota Premio (T260 Series 2nd Facelift) is one of Kenya's most coveted classic mid-size executive saloons. Celebrated for its plush wood-grain interior trim, whisper-quiet cabin insulation, soft suspension ride quality, and legendary resale value retention, the Premio remains a top choice for senior executives, business owners, and transport operators. Powered by 1.5L, 1.8L, and 2.0L Valvematic engines, all models qualify for KRA's standard 25% excise tax bracket.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Executive luxury prestige: Recognized status saloon with plush wood-grain dashboard and soft-touch door panels.
- Top-tier resale value retention: Unmatched liquidity in local used car showrooms across Kenya.
- Sub-1,500 cc duty advantage on 1.5F: Qualifies for KRA's lowest customs tax valuation tier.
- 160 mm ground clearance: Easily handles urban speed bumps and unpaved estate access roads.
What’s not so good
- Production discontinued in 2021: Latest importable models restricted to 2018–2021 production years.
- High theft risk for side mirrors and emblems: Requires security etching and riveting in public parking bays.
Most popular: Premio 1.5 F / 1.8 X L Package / 2.0 G EX Package
4 doorsPetrolAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Toyota Premio (T260 Series 2nd Facelift)
- Production years
- 2017–2021
- Body type
- 4-Door Executive Mid-Size Saloon
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol
- Engine sizes
- 1,496 cc (1.5L 1NZ-FE) / 1,797 cc (1.8L 2ZR-FAE) / 1,986 cc (2.0L 3ZR-FAE)
- Transmission
- Super CVT-i Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD or 4WD
- Ground clearance
- 160 mm
- Source market
- Japan (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 16.5 km/L (1.5L) / 15.2 km/L (1.8L) / 14.0 km/L (2.0L). Tank: 60 L (about 990 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,645 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,227 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 13,755
- Full tank (60 L)
- KES 13,618
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
1.5 F / 1.5 F L Package / 1.5 F EX Package
- Setup
1.5L 4-cylinder petrol (109 hp / 136 Nm), Super CVT-i, FWD, returning 16.5 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
Low import duty valuation, high fuel efficiency, and bulletproof mechanicals.
- Local consideration
The volume seller among executive sedan buyers.
Package tiers
Premio trims progress from 1.5 F models to luxurious L Package and EX Package editions.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| F / X Base | Executive base | Fabric seats, manual climate control, 15-inch steel wheels, and power windows. |
| L Package | Executive comfort | Wood-grain dashboard trim, automatic climate control, push start, and power driver seat. |
| EX Package | Flagship luxury | Full leather seats, LED headlights, Toyota Safety Sense, 16-inch alloys, and rear sunshade. |
About the Toyota Premio
Kenya enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive compliance. In 2026, 2018 to 2021 T260 Premio models sit inside the direct import window (production officially ended in March 2021).
The 1.5L (1,496 cc) engine qualifies for KRA's sub-1,500 cc import duty valuation, while the 1.8L (1,797 cc) and 2.0L (1,986 cc) stay comfortably under 2,000 cc.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
