In the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the demand hybrid cars in Kenya. Due to the skyrocketing fuel price, most Kenyans are now shifting towards hybrid cars. However, this is due to the fact that hybrid cars are very fuel efficient.  

Moreover, as Japanese used cars for sale are currently a big ask in the Kenyan car markets and many other counties, one can easily find used cars for sale in Kenya from Japan. These cars are mostly available in great condition from resellers, for instance, SBT Kenya.  

It is also being said that you can not travel 5 kilometres in Nairobi without spotting at least one hybrid on the road. By this statement, you can easily estimate the demand for hybrid cars in Kenya. Some of the most efficient and reliable Hybrid cars that can easily be bought in Kenya are discussed below.  

 

Toyota Prius  

There is absolutely no doubt that the Toyota Prius is the first mass-produced hybrid car in the world. It has always been the criterion with which other hybrid cars have been measured, and most companies take it as inspiration. It competes against the Nissan Note Hybrid, Honda Insight, as well as Honda Fit Hybrid.  

This hybrid is for 4 generations starting from 1997. The first generation was commonly known as the NHW-1 and was manufactured from 1997 up till 2003, followed by the second generation, the NHW-2. This generation was produced from 2003 to 2011.  

The third generation was produced from 2009 to 2016 and was known as ZVW-3. The fourth generation is called ZVW-5 and began manufacturing in 2015, and it is still in production.  

It offers a 1.8L 2ZR-FXE petrol engine that is able to generate 73 kW of power at 5,200 revolutions per minute. It also possesses a 3 JM electric motor that is capable of producing approximately 60 kW of power. This whole system is connected to a Super CVT-i Transmission and only comes in 2 WD. 

The Toyota Prius comes with an extremely attractive and unique exterior that is as paradigmatic as the hybrid itself. It has been claimed that other cars, including its competitor Honda Insight, have copied the exterior design of this car.  

However, the stylish and athletic looks of the Toyota Prius are one of a kind. These cars are made more prominent due to the slanting roof line as well as the explicitly flat tailgate. 

• The Price for a new in Kenya (in Kenyan Shillings): starts from 3,000,000 to 4,500,000. 

• The Price for use in Kenya (in Kenyan Shillings) starts from 1,150,000 to 2,500,000. 

 

Honda Insight  

The Honda Insight is one of the hybrids that have been gaining popularity very quickly in the car markets of Kenya. The major competitor of this hybrid is the Toyota Prius, which is arguably the first to put on airs. 

The 2012 model of Honda Insight offers 2 engine options, which are none other than the 1.3 Litre i-VTEC + Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) engine and the 1.5 Litre i-VTEC + IMA engine. The engines are either connect to a Multimatic 5 CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or a 7-speed Multimatic 5 CVT transmission. It only comes in 2 WD. 

As an economy car, the Honda Insight’s interior is very unpretentious; everything is functional with a purpose. Furthermore, the legroom in the first row is the most highlighted feature of this model. It makes the car even more desirable. 

The Honda Insight is very spacious and can easily accommodate tall people. At the same time, the legroom in the second row is also quite decent. The exterior of this car strikingly resembles that of the Toyota Prius.  

• The price for a new one in Kenya (in Kenyan Shillings) starts from 1,300,000. 
• The price for a used model in Kenya (in Kenyan Shillings) starts from 750,000. 

 

Lexus RX450h 

The Lexus hybrid is also spreading its wings quite rapidly in Kenya. It is famous due to having a close resemblance to the Toyota Harrier. Both of these hybrids share a common inheritance. The Lexus manufactured the RX450h to enhance their sales and compete against SUV markets that were hugely in control of the German cars.  

Both the Toyota Harrier and the Lexus RX450h are side-by-side releases to target Japan and North America’s domestic markets. The Lexus RX450h is a competitor of the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, BMW X5, Mercedes M-Class, Porsche Cayenne, and VW Touareg.  

The Lexus RX 2013 model offered 3 engine options. The 2.7 Litre 1 AR-FE petrol engine in RX270, the 3.5 Litre 2 GR-FSE petrol engine in the RX350, and the 3.5 Litre 2 GR-FXE hybrid petrol engine of RX450h. These engines are connected to a 6 Speed Super ECT as well as an electric CVT for the hybrids. They come in both 2 WD and 4 WD options.  

• The price for a new in Kenya (in Kenyan Shillings) starts from 2,500,000. 
• The price for use in Kenya (in Kenyan Shillings) starts from 1,500,000. 

 

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV  

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the first plug-in hybrid SUV in the world. It targets tapping into the accelerating hybrid or electric markets. Although electric cars in Kenya are still waiting for approval, Hybrid cars have made a steady entrance. However, this is not due to consumer issues. In essence, it is the lack of government motivation as well as a weak distribution infrastructure.  

In Kenya, electric cars attract quite higher taxes than fuel burners compared to other countries where this motive is non-existent and attract very few taxes. The Mitsubishi PHEV 2013 claims to cover a 60.2 Km distance on rechargeable electricity only. It also claims to cover a distance of 878 Km using both petrol and electric power. 

• The price for a new in Kenya (in Kenyan Shillings) starts from 6,850,000. 
• The price for use in Kenya (in Kenyan Shillings) starts from 2,450,000. 

 

Honda Fit Hybrid 

The Honda Fit Hybrid has come to be since the year 2001, gaining popularity in the Kenyan market mainly because of the reason that a lot of people appreciate the reliability as well as the quality of Honda. Its a competitor of Nissan Tiida, Mazda Demio, and the Toyota Vitz. 

You can consider it an award-winning hybrid model due to its high comfort level, luxurious exterior, safety, reliability, and fuel consumption. It is typically for urban driving, although you can use it to travel long distances occasionally.  

It offers 2 engine options, the 1.3 Litre L13AI4 engine as well as the 1.5 Litre L13AI4 engine. They are linked to a 6-speed manual or a 5 Speed automatic transmission.  

• The price for a new in Kenya (in Kenyan Shillings) starts from 3,300,000. 
• The price for use in Kenya (in Kenyan Shillings) starts from 900,000. 

 

Final Thoughts 

Undoubtedly, the near future will definitely belong to electric cars and hybrids. Hybrid cars in Kenya are swiftly gaining popularity. However, this is mainly due to the fact that hybrids are quite fuel-efficient. On the other hand, the supply of new models is facing challenges due to the lack of spare parts. However, if you are in need of a reliable and lasting automobile, SBT Japan can help you get the best car that suits your budget and comes in the best condition, no matter new or used.