Top crossover SUVs in Kenya

Crossover SUVs have become some of the most loved cars both in Kenya and worldwide. This has made most car brands come up with their models in this series of cars. In this article, we will look at some of the top crossover SUVs on the Kenyan roads and see what they have to offer.

The crossover SUVs are popular in Kenya for the decent ground clearance they offer, this means that one can cruise through any roads without problems or go for an adventure. Above that, the mid-sized SUVs have a very attractive design both from the exterior and the inside. Most of the automobiles also give a great performance from their powerful engines.

List of top crossover SUVs in Kenya

Below are the top Mid-sized SUVs you will find on the Kenyan roads.

1. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 has grown to be among the most popular crossover SUVs on the Kenyan roads. The car was introduced in 2015, this means even if you buy a locally used CX5, you will still enjoy most technological features. CX5 has one of the best designs in this series of cars, its appearance follows the Mazda Kodo design not to mention the great ground clearance of 8.3 inches. Alloy wheels and fog lights come as a standard in all trims.

The interior of the Mazda CX5 is also very comfortable and spacious. The legroom on both rows is great and the seating capacity is 5 people. The vehicle also has a great boot space. Apart from the great tech features such as lane departure control, you will not fail to notice the excellent bose music system from Mazda.

Mazda CX-5 comes with either a 2.0 Liter SKYACTV-G engine(petrol) or the 2.2 Liter SKYACTV-D engine(diesel). SKYACTV is a technology from Mazda that ensures high performance while still giving good fuel economy. The diesel engines from Mazda have been reported to be problematic and hence you can go for the petrol one to avoid problems.

2. Honda CRV

The next crossover to add to your list is the Honda CRV. The car has a ground clearance of 7.8 inches. CRV comes with Alloy wheels and foglights in almost all trims. This car has proved to be among the most reliable.

Most of the CRV cars will have 5 seats but there are a few with 7 seats. With its great legroom, you can travel for long distances comfortably. The boot space is also good and can carry bags for a family of 5. Honda CRV also comes with modern tech features like in most mid-sized SUVs.

The engine capacity on Honda CRV can be 1500cc or 2500cc. You will also have to choose between a 2WD and 4WD. While CVT is the common transmission system on the CRV, you can also get an automatic transmission. The power that is given by the engine ranges between 130ps o 200ps.

3. Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke is mainly a compact-sized crossover SUV. While some do not like its looks, others do really love its appearance and design. The ground clearance of the Juke is 6.7 inches and above depending on the model which is plenty good.

The interior of this car might not be as spacious as the other automobiles on this list, but still, you will enjoy a comfortable ride in the vehicle. The car is a 5-seater with great legroom except for the shoulder space on the second row. The boot space is not that big but can still carry sizeable luggage.

For the engine, you can choose between 1500cc or 1600cc(turbocharged). The transmission type is CVT and there are both the 2WD and the 4WD options. The power given by Juke is between 114ps and 124ps. Most Nissan cars have been reported to have CVT problems, it is hence advisable to take care of your Juke transmission system.

4. Toyota RAV4

Toyota is with no doubt the most popular car brand in Kenya. In the series of the crossover SUVs. the brand has not been left behind too, it offers the RAV4. This car has evolved over time to the attractive crossover it is now. With a ground clearance of 7.5 inches, the car will drive through most terrains in Kenya without having problems. Alloy rims come as a standard too.

Toyota RAV4 is fitted with modern tech features. It is a 5 seaters and its seats are paddled for better comfort. The legroom on both rows is also good not to mention the boot space that can handle fairly large cargo.

The engine capacity is 2500cc and gives a power of about 203ps. The transmission system can be a CVT or an automatic gearbox transmission. You can also choose between an AWD and 2WD Rav4.

5. Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester just like the RAV4 has evolved from its previous looks in the older generations to a modern-looking crossover SUV. Forester has some of the best looks on this list, especially for the higher trim levels. Most trims come with fog lights and alloy rims. Subaru Forester has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches.

The interior of the Forestor is not only spacious but also comfortable. The 5 seater car comes with tech features and gives a great driving experience. The boot space is also great like in most cars on this list.

The engine capacity of the Subaru Forester is either 2000cc or 2500cc, some also come with a turbocharger. The drive type is mainly AWD, the transmission system being a CVT. Subaru spares are however a bit expensive compared to other brands.

6. Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Outlander is the next popular mid-sized SUV in Kenya. This car has similar looks to the CX5 but also has its own unique features to offer. Most of the trims come with alloy wheels and fog lights. This vehicle has a decent ground clearance of 8.5 inches.

The interior of Mistubishi Outlander is black-themed and feels comfortable especially from the space that the car offers. The boot is also good too. Outlander also comes with most tech features found on compact SUVs. Additionally, you get a power sunroof.

The engine capacities to choose from are the 2.4L and the 2.0L petrol engine. CVT is the main transmission on the Outlander. You can also choose between a 2WD and 4WD drive car.

7. KIA Sorento

From Korea is the KIA Sorento, this crossover SUV has been gaining popularity in Kenya in recent times and you can hence consider getting one. It has that aggressive look and comes with alloy rims and foglights as a standard.

You can choose between a 5 seater and seven-seaters. Unlike other seven-seater medium SUVs that have a tight third row of seats, the Sorento third-row legroom is good. However, in a 7 seater, the boot space is not that great unless you fold the seats, the 5 seater has a great boot space though.

The engine capacities come in a range, you can choose from, 2.0L turbocharged, 2.4L, 3.0L or a 3.5L engine. The 3.5L will give the highest power but it consumes more than the others. Both petrol and diesel engines are available. Most Sorento models have an automatic transmission system.

8. Other crossover SUVs in Kenya

While the above are among the most popular and top mini SUVs in Kenya, there are still others that are rising and are a close match to the above. Here is a list:

• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Volkswagen Touareg
• Audi Q5
• BMW X5

Above are some of the top Crossover SUVs that you can consider when making the purchase list of your car. The cars will not just take you to your destination, they also give you class.