For Kenyan families, the search for the ideal vehicle often leads to the robust and versatile world of SUVs. With a strong preference for reliable, value-driven options, the foreign-used market offers a compelling selection of family-friendly SUVs tailored to diverse needs and budgets. Below, we delve into some of the top SUVs for sale in Kenya, focusing on models from 2018 onwards to ensure modern features and technology.
We explore a range of popular choices, from practical and affordable options to more luxurious offerings, exploring key aspects such as seating capacity, fuel efficiency, safety features, and overall practicality. Whether you prioritize fuel economy for daily commutes, ample space for larger families, or advanced safety systems for peace of mind, this guide provides essential insights to help you navigate the Kenyan SUV market and make an informed decision for your family’s next vehicle.
10. Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail is among the popular compact SUVs for sale in Kenya. It’s loved for its comfort, reliability, and practicality. Currently, there are four generations of the Nissan X-Trail, however, the third generation (T32; 2013 – 2022) is the more common variant on Kenyan roads, especially the models that got a facelift in 2017. Unlike models like the Harrier, RAV4, and CR-V, the X-Trail has a slightly lower starting price, with 2018 models selling for around KSH 2.5 million.
Despite having a lower starting price compared to its rivals, the X-Trail promises a variety of creature comforts suitable for families. Key among them is the five-seat and seven-seat configuration options. While the seven-seat configuration is a rarity, it’s available in some models, promising flexibility for larger families. Nissan also equips the X-Trail with Zero Gravity seats, providing enhanced support thanks to their ergonomic design.
9. Mitsubishi Outlander
Currently in its fourth generation, the Mitsubishi Outlander is another great candidate for affordable SUVs for sale in Kenya. Its third-generation model (2012 – 2021) is the more common variant, commanding a starting price of around KSH 3 million on the Kenyan market. Fortunately, you’re also bound to get some great deals with some foreign used models, some selling for as low as KSH 1.8 million (pre-import/tax). Unlike most of their rivals, the Mitsubishi Outlander boasts both five-seat and seven-seat configurations. The seven-seat variant is the key selling point for larger families.
In addition to its seating configuration, the Outlander offers various storage compartments and cupholders in the cabin, making it ideal for families on the go. It also offers a wide variety of safety features, including multiple airbags, stability control, advanced driver assistance systems, and ABS. Mitsubishi equips the Outlander line-up with a variety of powertrains, ranging from the base 2.0-litre engine to a more powerful 2.4-litre engine to a plug-in hybrid with a 2.0-litre powertrain for the best fuel economy.
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8. Mazda CX-5
With around KSH 3 million, you can get one of the more stylish SUVs for sale in Kenya, the CX-5. This family-friendly SUV is currently in its second generation, and like its larger sibling, the CX-8, it boasts a stylish design, efficient powertrains, and engaging driving dynamics. The CX-5 offers a refined cabin with comfortable seating. It’s only a five-seater SUV, unlike variants like the CR-V or CX-8. However, despite being a two-row SUV, the CX-5 promises a quiet cabin with impressive features like reclining rear seats, Mazda’s Connect infotainment system, and i-Activesense suite of advanced safety technologies.
Powering the CX-5 line-up is a variety of engines, with the 2.2-litre diesel being the more common variant thanks to its fuel efficiency. However, Mazda also offers two petrol engines; a 2.0-litre and a 2.5-litre, the latter being the more powerful variant. Unlike rivals like the Subaru Forester, the CX-5 is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. However, this varies depending on the preferred trim/configuration.
7. Subaru Forester
Currently in its fifth generation, the Subaru Forester promises a spacious and comfortable interior with impressive legroom and headroom for up to five passengers. Unlike most of its rivals, the Forester also boasts Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for exceptional stability and traction, a feature crucial on our diverse roads. For most families, safety is also a key factor to consider in an SUV. Luckily, the Forester doesn’t lag behind.
It gets EyeSight driver assist technology, providing you with peace of mind. Most Forester models are powered by a 2.0-litre boxer engine, but Subaru also offers a hybrid e-Boxer powertrain for better fuel economy. While it isn’t as efficient as most of its rivals, the Forester makes a valid family-friendly SUV, with most 2018 and newer models going for under KSH 4 million.
6. Toyota Harrier
If you’re looking for stylish family SUVs for sale in Kenya, the Harrier is one of Toyota’s go-to options. The Kenyan market currently has either third- or fourth-generation models. The latter features better design and technology. While a bit pricey compared to the third generation, the fourth generation Harrier, introduced in 2020, uses Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) system, promising increased rigidity, safety, and handling.
This variant also boasts a sleeker coupe-like silhouette and some slim LED tail and headlights. Fortunately, even the third-generation model gets a host of creature comforts, including JBL’s premium audio system, a larger infotainment system with modern features like navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and the rear-view camera. Higher trims get additional features like rear seat entertainment systems, which are ideal for your kids during longer road trips. For the third-gen versions, you can expect to part with around KSH 3 million to 3.8 million. However, the newer fourth-gen models start from around KSH 5 million.
5. Mazda CX-8
If you’re looking for an affordable and stylish three-row SUV, go for the Mazda CX-8. This unique offering from Mazda offers a compelling blend of driving dynamics, practicality, and style. Mazda introduced the CX-8 in 2017 and it’s still in its first generation. Unlike most affordable SUVs for sale in Kenya which go for under KSH 4 million, the CX-8 puts the family needs first, offering a variety of key features like flexible seating configurations for either six or seven passengers. Mazda also equips the CX-8 with a comfortable interior lined with quality materials, the Mazda-Connect infotainment system, a heads-up display, and many more.
Powering the CX-8 line-up is either a 2.2-litre diesel engine, a popular option for fuel efficiency and torque, or a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a better balance of performance and fuel economy. Mazda, also considered the Japanese BMW, is known for its focus on diving dynamics, a reputation that it upholds with the CX-8, giving enthusiasts an engaging driving experience, unlike most SUVs in this class.
4. Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is among the more popular Toyota SUVs for sale in Kenya thanks to its reliability, practicality, and suitability for various road conditions. Today, you will find a variety of foreign-used models, most ranging from 2018 and onwards. These models are in the fifth generation and they represent a significant leap in technology, design, and driving dynamics. They boast Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, offering better safety and handling.
Besides the generation change, the modern Toyota RAV4 is available in a variety of trims or configurations. Fortunately, all models feature a spacious interior with ample headroom and legroom for a family. They are only available with a five-seat configuration, but this comes with ample storage cubies, reclining rear seats, multiple USB ports, rear AC vents, and advanced Toyota safety features like Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). Common engine options for the RAV4 include a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.5-litre hybrid, the latter of which offers exceptional fuel efficiency.
3. Honda CR-V
The CR-V still remains a favourite for most families thanks to its fuel efficiency, reliability, and practicality. Currently, you can buy either two generations of the CR-V In Kenya, the fifth or sixth gen. The fifth-gen was launched in 2016, but it received a mid-cycle refresh in 2019, introducing better styling and feature updates. The sixth generation, while not as common for most Kenyans, was introduced in 2022, offering even better powertrain technology, design, and features.
Unlike most of its rivals, the fifth-gen CR-V models command a higher starting price of around KSH 4 million. However, despite its higher starting price, the CR-V promises a decent selection of features, including two reasonably powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains, Honda’s Sensing suite of safety features, and a comfortable interior with the Magic Seat system. The five-seater configuration is the most common with the CR-V, however, Honda also offers a rare three-row option with enough space for up to seven passengers.
2. Toyota Kluger
While not among the common SUVs for sale in Kenya like the CR-V, Harrier, Forester, and CX-5, the Toyota Kluger, also known as the Highlander, in some markets is a valid family SUV for those considering qualities like reliability and practicality. Currently in its fourth generation (2019 – present), but you can also purchase the third-generation models (2013 – 2019) which foreign used variants go for around KSH 2.5 million (pre-import/tax). However, if you’re looking for models in the country, it could cost you around KSH 5 to 6 million.
Unlike most of its rivals, the Kluger is available with three-row seating in some configurations. This allows for accommodation for up to seven or eight passengers depending on configuration. The Kluger also boasts a spacious interior with generous headroom and legroom, even in the third row (best suited for kids). Most of the common models on Kenyan roads feature a 3.5-litre V6, which promises more power and a smoother driving experience. However, there’s also a more efficient 2.5-litre hybrid engine.
1. Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is on the pricier end compared to most affordable SUVs for sale in Kenya. However, it’s also a luxurious family-friendly SUV that’s both practical and reliable. In Kenya (2025), you can either buy an RX from two generations; the fourth (2015 – 2022) or the fifth generation (2022 – present). While the newer generations tend to be pricier, the later fourth-generation models from 2019 to 2022 got a mid-cycle refresh, making them more refined. The main changes included a modern exterior, a redesigned interior, a touchscreen infotainment system, and improved handling.
Besides the lavish updates, the Lexus RX also boasts enhanced safety features (Lexus Safety System +), including automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. These models also boast powerful powertrains, ranging from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-banger to a mighty 3.5-litre hybrid V6. Depending on the trim, you can expect to part with around KSH 5 million to 6.5 million. However, you can be certain to get a luxurious family SUV that won’t disappoint you.
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