Honda Jade Review
2015-2020
The Honda Jade (FR4/FR5 Series: 2015–2020) is one of Kenya's most stylish and understated European-inspired station wagon MPVs. Built on an extended Civic chassis with a low roofline (1,530 mm), the Jade delivers car-like driving dynamics, a flexible 5-seater wagon or 6-seater (2+2+2 V-slide captain seat) layout, and advanced Honda Sensing safety technology. Powered by a 1.5L Direct-Injection VTEC Turbo (150 hp) or a 1.5L i-DCD Hybrid, both engine options remain at 1,496 cc, qualifying for Kenya's standard 25% excise duty tax bracket.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Sub-1,500 cc KRA duty advantage: 1,496 cc engine qualifies for lower excise tax valuation baseline.
- Low-slung Civic chassis dynamics: Exceptional high-speed stability and minimal body roll around highway bends.
- Innovative V-slide 2nd-row captain seats (6-seater): 2nd-row seats slide diagonally rearward for limo-like legroom.
- Punchy 203 Nm 1.5L Turbo engine: Delivers effortless overtaking power on the Nairobi–Nakuru or Mombasa highway.
- Ultra-efficient 18.0–22.0 km/L real-world hybrid consumption: Low long-term running costs for city and highway driving.
What’s not so good
- Low 135 mm ground clearance: Demands cautious clearance over tall estate speed bumps and unpaved upcountry tracks.
- Limited 3rd-row legroom (6-seater): 3rd-row seats are best suited for children or short urban trips.
Most popular: Jade RS 1.5 Turbo / Jade Hybrid X
5 doorsPetrol, HybridCVT, Dual-clutch
At a glance
- Model
- Honda Jade (FR4/FR5 Series)
- Production years
- 2015–2020
- Body type
- 5-Door Low-Roof 5 or 6-Seater Station Wagon
- Seating capacity
- 5 (2-row wagon) or 6 (3-row 2+2+2 V-slide layout)
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Full Hybrid (i-DCD)
- Engine sizes
- 1,496 cc (1.5L VTEC Turbo / 1.5L Hybrid)
- Transmission
- Earth Dreams CVT (1.5T) / 7-Speed i-DCD Dual-Clutch (Hybrid)
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Real-Time AWD
- Ground clearance
- 135 mm – 140 mm
- Source market
- Japan (JDM RHD Spec)
Trims & variants
- Setup
Catalog / JC08 Fuel Economy: 17.6 to 18.0 km/L (5.6 to 5.7 L/100 km)
Real-World Consumption: 13.0 to 15.0 km/L (6.5 to 7.7 L/100 km)
Engine / Drivetrain: 1,496 cc inline-4 direct-injection turbocharged petrol (150 hp / 203 Nm), Earth Dreams CVT with 7-speed paddle shifters.
Features & Setup: Sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch noise-reducing alloy wheels, RS honeycomb grille, aluminum pedals, dual chrome exhaust tips.
Fuel consumption
Figures for the Honda Jade RS (1.5L VTEC Turbo - 150 hp). Tank: 47 L (about 846 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,529 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,089 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 12,609
- Full tank (47 L)
- KES 10,667
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Package tiers
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid HYBRID | Base Hybrid | Fabric seating, 16-inch alloys, automatic climate control, Honda Smart Key, LED DRLs. |
| Hybrid X | Executive Luxury | Leather/fabric combination seats, power front seats, 17-inch alloys, Honda Sensing, LED headlights. |
| RS | Sport Turbo | RS honeycomb grille, 18-inch noise-reducing alloys, sport suspension, paddle shifters, black interior. |
About the Honda Jade
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2018 to 2020 Jade models sit comfortably inside the legal direct import window.
Both the 1.5L Turbo (L15B) and 1.5L Hybrid (LEB) displace exactly 1,496 cc, placing the Jade strictly inside KRA's sub-1,500 cc tax valuation tier and saving over KSh 500,000 in import duty compared to 2.0L estate wagons like the Subaru Levorg or Volvo V60.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
