Toyota Vitz Review
2017-2020
The Toyota Vitz (XP130 3rd Gen Facelift II) is Kenya's gold standard subcompact daily city fuel saver. Renowned for its nimble size, incredible fuel economy, simple maintenance, and high local resale demand, the Vitz dominates city commutes, ride-hailing services, and entry-level personal driving in Nairobi. Powered by 1.0L, 1.3L, and 1.5L THS-II Hybrid engines, all variants sit in KRA's lowest customs import duty valuation bracket.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Gold standard city fuel saver: 20.0+ km/L on petrol models and up to 30.0+ km/L on 1.5L Hybrid variants.
- Lowest KRA import duty bracket: 1.0L and 1.3L engines sit in the lowest customs tax valuation category.
- Top-tier resale value retention: Exceptional liquidity and universal spare parts availability across Kenya.
- Nimble 4.5-meter turning radius: Effortlessly parks and navigates tight Nairobi urban traffic.
What’s not so good
- 1.0L engine can feel sluggish on steep highway climbs: 69 hp 1KR-FE labors when fully loaded ascending Limuru hills.
- Low 145 mm ground clearance: Requires cautious driving over tall speed bumps.
Most popular: Vitz 1.0 F / 1.3 F / 1.5 Hybrid F / Jewela
5 doorsPetrol, HybridAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Toyota Vitz (XP130 Series 2nd Facelift)
- Production years
- 2017–2020
- Body type
- 5-Door Subcompact Hatchback
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Full Hybrid (THS-II)
- Engine sizes
- 996 cc (1.0L) / 1,329 cc (1.3L) / 1,496 cc (1.5L Hybrid)
- Transmission
- Super CVT-i Automatic / e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- FWD or 4WD
- Ground clearance
- 145 mm
- Source market
- Japan (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 20.8 km/L (1.0L) / 25.0 km/L (1.3L) / 34.4 km/L (1.5L Hybrid JC08). Tank: 42 L (about 874 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,297 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 966 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 10,912
- Full tank (42 L)
- KES 9,532
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
1.0 F / 1.3 F / Jewela / U Package
- Setup
1.0L (69 hp) or 1.3L (99 hp), Super CVT-i, FWD or 4WD, returning 20.8 km/L to 25.0 km/L.
- Why it gets shipped
Low initial import cost, cheap maintenance, and high fuel economy.
- Local consideration
Jewela trim features custom pastel exterior colors and chrome door handles.
Package tiers
Vitz package levels progress from functional 1.0F models to stylish Jewela and sporty GR-Sport trims.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 F / 1.3 F | City base | Fabric seats, air conditioning, power windows, manual mirrors, and 14-inch steel wheels. |
| Jewela | Stylish luxury | Custom exterior pastel paints, chrome grille trim, fabric/leatherette seats, and push start. |
| Hybrid / GR-Sport | Sport flagship | 16-inch dark alloys, GR sport steering wheel, EV mode button, Smart Entry, and LED headlights. |
About the Toyota Vitz
Kenya enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive compliance. In 2026, 2018 to 2020 Vitz models sit inside the direct import window (succeeded by the Toyota Yaris in late 2020).
The 1.0L (996 cc 1KR-FE) and 1.3L (1,329 cc 1NR-FKE) engines qualify for KRA's sub-1,500 cc tax valuation bracket, keeping import duties low.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
