In the realm of automotive excellence, luxury SUVs stand as a testament to human ingenuity and opulence. These vehicles, a harmonious blend of power, comfort, and sophistication, redefine the concept of driving. They are more than mere transportation; they are symbols of status, technological marvels, and havens of indulgence.
In Kenya, some of the most common luxury SUVs include the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX. However, the market is awash with a plethora of luxury SUVs, each vying for the title of the best. Below, we delve into some of the most coveted models that have made their mark on the Kenyan Roads.
10. Nissan Patrol
The Patrol is Nissan’s flagship model, boasting a powerful design aesthetic and class-leading performance. It has been in production since the 1950s, competing with models like the Toyota Land Cruiser. Over the years, the Patrol has had six generations, with Nissan promising the revised seventh generation in 2024. Common on Kenyan roads is the sixth generation Patrol, introduced in 2010.
This latest generation boasts a luxurious and roomier cabin, featuring polished aluminium, leather, and wood grain surfaces. Nissan increased the second-row legroom to over 100mm, thanks to higher, wider, and deeper front seats. The Patrol also gets a feature-rich technology pack with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, tri-zone air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and heated door mirrors.
Powering Nissan’s luxury SUV is a mightier 5.6-litre V8 with 400 hp and 560 Nm of torque. The V8 pairs with a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission, powering all four wheels.
9. Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is among the brand’s best luxury SUVs. Born in the 1950s, the Land Cruiser is available in two forms: heavy duty and light duty (Land Cruiser Prado). The heavy-duty version sits at the top of Toyota’s SUV lineup despite the Prado being also considered a worthy luxury SUV in some markets like Kenya. Toyota introduced its revised Land Cruiser in 2021, with some already roaming around on Kenyan roads.
This model features a new design, new powertrains, and a redesigned interior. Its new outlook makes it a viable alternative to luxury SUVs like the Range Rover, Infiniti QX80, and Lexus LX. To rival these models, the Land Cruiser (300 Series) boasts a selection of five trims/grades: GX, AX, VX, ZX, and GR Sport. As standard, these grades (except the GX and AX) boast features like heated seats, Toyota’s legendary cool box, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
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8. Infiniti QX80
Born in 2014, the QX80 was introduced as a full-size luxury SUV with an eight-passenger seating capacity and a high-tech interior. Infiniti based the QX80 on the sixth-generation Nissan Patrol, even inheriting the brand’s V8 with 400 hp. However, unlike the Patrol, the QX80 was the better luxury SUV. Its design was ever-evolving, with Infiniti introducing new features like adaptive cruise control, adaptive suspension, and a host of advanced driver assistance systems.
Today, the QX80 is available in three well-equipped trims: Luxe, Select, and Sensory. These grades have luxury features like a premium Bose audio system, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated and cooled seats, and second-row captain’s chairs for easier third-row access. While the lineup still features the V8 engine, the revised 2025 Infiniti QX80 aims to introduce a new 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with 450 hp and 700 Nm of torque.
7. Lexus LX
Like the Infiniti QX80, the Lexus LX is a souped-up version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Lexus launched this full-size luxury SUV in the 1990s and since then, there have been four generations of the LX, with the latest one being introduced in 2021. Based on the Land Cruiser 300 model, the LX benefits from Toyota’s GA-F platform for a “higher quality” driving experience.
In addition, the LX ditches the V8 in favour of V6 power (petrol and diesel). As for luxury, the LX one-ups the Land Cruiser with its ultra-luxury build which even features second-row captain’s chairs with a maximum of 1,100 mm of leg space. Additional luxury features include curved cushions, seatbacks, headrests, rear seat displays, wireless device charging, a second-row footrest, and dual infotainment displays. Lexus’ trim lineup also introduces a luxury LX Offroad trim with three differential locks, 18-inch wheels, and an enhanced exterior with matte accents.
6. Audi Q7
Audi’s large luxury SUV segment consists of two contenders, the three-row Q7 and the coupe-like Q8. Introduced in 2005, Audi has produced two Q7 generations, the second one being in 2015. While both generations aren’t new to Kenyan roads, the second generation is more common thanks to its modern touches and variety of engines. Today, the Q7 lineup consists of the 45 TDI, 50 TDI, 55 TFSI, 55 TFSI e, 60 TFSI e, and SQ7 TFSI.
Besides its wide array of petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains, the Q7 boasts a prestigious five and seven-seat interior with everyday practicality. In addition, Audi kits the Q7 with a host of standard features, including leather seats, a sunroof, wood trim, heated/power-adjustable seats, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Q7 also boasts impressive standard safety features like blind spot monitoring, active lane control, automatic emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert.
5. BMW X7
BMW’s X7 is one of the newest luxury SUVs in the market. Introduced in 2019, the X7 has two looks, with a facelift being introduced in 2022. Since its introduction, the lineup has had a selection of petrol and diesel engines, with the most modern trims including xDrive40i, xDrive40d, and M60i xDrive. As for the earlier models, the trims included: xDrive30d, xDrive40i, and M50d.
Besides having a wide array of trims, the X7 also boasted an array of standard features including a full leather interior, a large panoramic moonroof, self-levelling air suspension, heated front seats, a heads-up display, and wireless charging. As for the infotainment, the earlier models featured two 12.3-inch displays. However, the modern models feature a large 14.9-inch touchscreen. To make the X7 even more driver-focused, BMW also offered optional features, including a Cold Weather package with five-zone climate control and rear heated seats.
4. Mercedes-Benz GLS
Also considered the S Class of Mercedes-Benz SUVs, the GLS has been around since the start of the 21st century. Currently in its third generation, the GLS mainly boasts three petrol-powered trims in the Kenyan market: the GLS 450 with a 3.0-litre V6, the GLS 580 with a 4.0-litre V8, and the GLS 63 AMG with a more powerful V8. Fortunately, you can also import GLS models with the OM 656 diesel engine like the GLS 350 d and 400 d models. These models boast 286 hp and 330 hp, respectively.
In addition, to better keep up with its S Class for SUVs mantra, the GLS offers an array of luxury features. Some include standard leather upholstery, heated front seats, adjustable ambient lighting, a premium Burmester sound system, a wireless charger, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. For the rear passengers, Mercedes-Benz integrates two 11.6-inch touchscreens, ideal for music, movies, and internet browsing. Besides the GLS, some honourable mentions from Mercedes-Benz include the G-Wagon and the GLS Maybach.
3. Land Rover Range Rover
Land Rover is famous for producing legendary SUVs like the Defender and Range Rover. The Range Rover sits at the top of the Land Rover SUV lineup, promising not only the best luxury features but also a premium price tag. Launched in the ‘70s, this premium luxury SUV is currently in its fifth generation. The modern Range Rover, introduced in 2021 for the 2022 model year, offers a new, modern design and enhanced luxury features.
Unlike most of its rivals, the Range Rover also gets a selection of diesel, petrol, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, including the mighty BMW-sourced 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp and 750 Nm of torque. This feature-packed luxury SUV also offers standard options like all-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, a panoramic moonroof, heated/power front seats, an active rear differential, and leather upholstery. Its infotainment system consists of a 13.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
2. Bentley Bentayga
The Bentayga is Bentley’s go-anywhere luxury SUV. It competes with the best luxury SUVs in the world, including the Range Rover, Mercedes-Maybach GLS, and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. This go-anywhere machine was introduced in late 2015, sharing its platform with other Volkswagen Group SUVs like the Toureg, Q7, and Cayenne. However, unlike these SUVs, the Bentayga has a unique British touch, boasting exquisite materials and the brand’s topping W12 engine.
While it has only been around for one generation, Bentley facelifted the Bentayga in 2020, giving it a revised interior, infotainment, and rear end to match its siblings. While the earlier Bentayga models enjoyed the gusto of the W12 engine, the latest models have to make do with the V8. However, the V8 is no slouch with its 542 ponies. In addition to performance, the Bentayga promises unparalleled opulence, boasting features like a luxurious leather interior, and ambient lighting. Bentley also offers an extensive range of customization options, allowing every owner to go berserk with their Bentayga.
1. Rolls-Royce Cullinan
For decades, Rolls-Royce has been the epitome of automotive excellence. The brand boasts a luxurious array of vehicles, ranging from the Ghost to the extensive Phantom. With brands like Bentley and Mercedes-Maybach taking the praise for luxury SUVs, it was only a matter of time before Rolls-Royce took the share of its cake with the Cullinan. Introduced in 2018 for the 2019 model year, the Cullinan has been the ‘Rolls-Royce of SUVs. It is the pinnacle of luxury SUVs, thanks to its curated interior and a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine.
Despite being a dizzyingly expensive SUV, the Cullinan has a host of pampering features. These include soft leather, lamb wool carpeting, sleek veneer trim, and milled aluminium accents. Buyers also get unlimited configuration options, even fitting options like the deployable picnic tables for the rear seats and a Viewing Suite with a cocktail table.
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