Best Rated Cars in Kenya

Best Rated Cars in Kenya

These are the used cars that earned our top score of 9/10 or higher.

Every car below has been reviewed and scored by our team, so you can shortlist the very best with confidence.

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of Sep 15, 2023.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

  1. Toyota RAV4

    Toyota RAV4

    Incredibly cool

    • Modern TNGA platform entry: Superior chassis rigidity, sharp handling, and excellent ride refinement on local roads.
    • Sub-2,500 cc KRA duty advantage: All 2.0L Petrol and 2.5L Hybrid variants qualify for the lower 25% excise tax bracket.
    • High 200 mm ground clearance: Easily clears deep potholes, tall speed bumps, and rough upcountry estate roads.
    • 21.0 km/L hybrid efficiency: Exceptional fuel savings in heavy Nairobi bumper-to-bumper traffic jams.

    What’s not so good

    • High KRA CRSP customs valuation: Substantial import duty investment compared to earlier 4th-gen RAV4 models.
    • Wind noise at high highway speeds: Minor cabin wind rustle around side mirrors over 120 km/h.

    Benchmark compact crossover with AWD and up to 22 km/L hybrid.

  2. Toyota Harrier

    Toyota Harrier

    Incredibly cool

    • Unrivaled corporate prestige: A recognized luxury status symbol across Nairobi and estate developments.
    • Sub-2,500 cc KRA duty advantage: All 2.0L, 2.0T, and 2.5L Hybrid engines qualify for the 25% excise tax bracket.
    • 227 hp 2.0L Turbo power (8AR-FTS): Delivers punchy, sporty acceleration that local driving enthusiasts love.
    • 21.0 km/L THS-II hybrid efficiency: Exceptional fuel savings in heavy urban traffic jams.

    What’s not so good

    • 2.0L NA can feel underpowered when loaded: Naturally aspirated 3ZR-FAE laboring on steep Limuru highway inclines.
    • Electrochromic sunroof replacement cost: 4th Gen dimming glass roof requires specialized OEM glass care.

    Executive luxury crossover with Lexus-level cabin refinement.

  3. BMW 5 Series

    BMW 5 Series

    Incredibly cool

    • Outstanding executive comfort: Quiet cabin acoustics and smooth ride over highway long distances.
    • Sub-2,500 cc tax bracket savings: 2.0L 520i/530i/520d models avoid the 35% excise tax bracket.
    • Generous rear legroom: 2,975 mm wheelbase provides executive rear passenger comfort.

    What’s not so good

    • Large turning circle: Long 4.93-meter length requires wide turns in tight basement parking garages.
    • Complex electrical network: Multi-module infotainment requires diagnostic tools during servicing.

    Executive saloon blending highway comfort with BMW driving feel.

  4. BMW X5

    Incredibly cool

    • Massive low-end diesel torque: 620 Nm output delivers effortless highway overtaking power.
    • High 214 mm ground clearance: Easily tackles unpaved estate tracks and deep upcountry ruts.
    • Optional 3rd row / 7-seater layout: Provides extra seating versatility for larger family transfers.

    What’s not so good

    • High KRA customs valuation: 3.0L+ engines trigger the 35% excise duty tax bracket.
    • Wide 2.0-meter body width: Requires extra care when parking in narrow commercial bays.

    Flagship sports SUV with commanding presence and 214 mm clearance.

  5. Honda CR-V

    Honda CR-V

    Incredibly cool

    • Sub-2,500 cc tax bracket advantage: All 1.5T, 2.0L, 2.4L, and Hybrid engines qualify for the lower 25% KRA excise tax rate.
    • High 208 mm ground clearance: Easily clears deep potholes, tall speed bumps, and rough upcountry murram tracks.
    • Earth Dreams 1.5T climbing torque: Maintains altitude power up the Rift Valley escarpment without sluggishness.
    • Optional 7-seater layout: Provides third-row versatility for growing families without stepping up to a large MPV.

    What’s not so good

    • Firm ride on 18-inch Masterpiece alloys: Transmits minor vibrations on corrugated unpaved roads.
    • CVT engine revs on heavy mountain climbs: Non-hybrid CVT holds elevated engine revs during steep highway passes.

    5 or 7 seat family SUV with VTEC Turbo and Honda Sensing safety.

  6. Isuzu D-Max

    Isuzu D-Max

    Incredibly cool

    • Sub-2,000 cc customs tax advantage: 1.9L RZ4E engine triggers Kenya's 25% excise duty bracket.
    • High 235 mm ground clearance: Easily tackles rocky off-road terrain, deep mud tracks, and estate speed bumps.
    • Proven commercial durability: Heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis and leaf spring rear suspension built for heavy payloads.
    • Bulletproof 4JJ3 / RZ4E engines: Renowned across East Africa for 500,000+ km longevity and widespread spare parts availability.

    What’s not so good

    • Firm rear leaf-spring ride: Unladen rear bed transmits stiff vibrations over corrugated gravel roads.
    • Utilitarian interior on base trims: Entry-level L and LS grades feature basic hard plastic dashboards.

    Rugged double-cab pickup with 235 mm ground clearance, 3.5-tonne towing, and sub-2,500 cc RZ4E diesel tax savings.

  7. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

    Mercedes-Benz E-Class

    Incredibly cool

    • Unrivaled executive cabin quietness and Widescreen Cockpit.
    • Sub-2,000 cc tax advantage across E200 and E220d models.
    • 19.5 km/L fuel economy on E220d diesel.

    What’s not so good

    • Long 4.92-meter length requires care in tight parking bays.
    • Air Body Control air bellows require routine inspection.

    Executive business saloon with Widescreen Cockpit and air suspension.

  8. Porsche Cayenne

    Porsche Cayenne

    Incredibly cool

    • Comprehensive trim lineup: From city-friendly E-Hybrids to track-ready Turbo GT models.
    • Outstanding E-Hybrid efficiency: 0–100 km/h in 5.0 seconds with 44 km pure EV city commuting capability.
    • Adaptive air suspension: Height raises up to 245 mm for deep potholes and rough upcountry roads.

    What’s not so good

    • High CRSP customs valuation: Import duty and taxes represent a significant investment, especially on V8 badges.
    • Specialized maintenance requirements: High-voltage battery systems and twin-turbo V8 engines require certified diagnostic tools.

    Flagship luxury performance SUV with 462 hp E-Hybrid tech and Porsche sports DNA.

  9. Porsche Macan

    Porsche Macan

    Incredibly cool

    • Sub-2,500 cc import duty advantage: 2.0T engine qualifies for 25% KRA excise tax rate.
    • Shared EA888 engine block: Practical parts sourcing and local maintenance in Nairobi.
    • Lightning-fast 7-speed PDK transmission: Instant gearshifts deliver true Porsche sports car feel.

    What’s not so good

    • Firm sports-tuned ride on 20-inch wheels: Transmits road texture over unpaved corrugated tracks.
    • Compact rear legroom: Rearest cabin space best suited for medium-height adult passengers.

    Agile compact luxury performance SUV with 252 hp turbo power and sub-2,500 cc duty savings.

  10. Toyota Hilux

    Toyota Hilux

    Incredibly cool

    • Indestructible commercial benchmark: Highest resale retention and universal spare parts availability across East Africa.
    • Sub-2,500 cc duty advantage on 2.4L GD-6: Qualifies for KRA's lower 25% excise tax bracket.
    • Extreme 286 mm ground clearance: Easily wades 700 mm deep water and tackles severe muddy upcountry tracks.
    • 3,500 kg braked towing capacity: Excellent towing capability for heavy commercial trailers and equipment.

    What’s not so good

    • Unladen leaf spring rear ride stiffness: Firm rear bounce when driving without cargo payload in the bed.
    • High KRA CRSP customs valuation: Heavy import duty investment compared to older utility pickups.

    Dual-purpose double-cab pickup with indestructible chassis.

  11. Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series

    Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series

    Incredibly cool

    • Unrivaled status and road presence: The premier choice for VIP diplomats, executives, and government leaders.
    • Massive 700 Nm V6 Twin-Turbo diesel torque: Effortless 10-speed automatic acceleration across any highway or safari track.
    • E-KDSS electronic suspension: Automatically disconnects stabilizer bars for supreme off-road wheel articulation.
    • Power fold-flat third row: Third-row seats fold flush into the boot floor, expanding storage to 1,131 liters.

    What’s not so good

    • High CRSP import valuation: Substantial import tax investment exceeding KSh 18.5M+ total landed cost.
    • Wide 1.99-meter body width: Requires extra attention when maneuvering through narrow estate gates or parking bays.

    Flagship luxury 4WD with Twin-Turbo V6 power and E-KDSS suspension.