Honda Stepwgn Review
2015-2023
The Honda Stepwgn (RP1-RP5 5th Gen & RP6-RP8 6th Gen: 2015–2023) is Honda's premier mid-size family MPV in Kenya. Famous for its revolutionary Waku Waku Gate (a tailgate that can either open fully upward or split vertically like a side door), flat-folding 3rd-row Magic Seats, and dual power sliding doors, the Stepwgn is a favorite among large families, safari fleets, and executive transporters in Nairobi and Mombasa. Powered by a 1.5L VTEC Turbo (150 hp) or a 2.0L e:HEV Hybrid, the 1.5T model qualifies for Kenya's sub-1,500 cc 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 on 1.5T models: 1,496 cc turbo engine qualifies for lower tax valuation baseline.
- Waku Waku Gate innovation: Split rear tailgate allows easy cargo access in tight Nairobi parking spots without lifting the full hatch.
- 3rd-row Magic Seats store completely flat under the floor: Creates an unobstructed flat cargo bed without removing heavy seats.
- Punchy 203 Nm 1.5L Turbo torque: Strong low-rpm acceleration even under full 7-passenger load.
What’s not so good
- Modest 150 mm ground clearance: Requires cautious driving over steep estate speed bumps and unpaved upcountry roads.
- Waku Waku gate mechanism complexity: Latch sensors require periodic lubrication to ensure smooth operation.
Most popular: Stepwgn Spada Cool Spirit / Spada Hybrid / AIR / SPADA
5 doorsPetrol, HybridCVT
At a glance
- Model
- Honda Stepwgn (RP1–RP5 & RP6–RP8 Series)
- Production years
- 2015–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Mid-Size 7 or 8-Seater MPV
- Seating capacity
- 7 (Captain seats) or 8 (Bench seat)
- Fuel types
- Petrol (1.5T), Full Hybrid (2.0L e:HEV)
- Engine sizes
- 1,496 cc (1.5L VTEC Turbo) / 1,993 cc (2.0L e:HEV)
- Transmission
- CVT (1.5T) / e-CVT (Hybrid)
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Real-Time 4WD
- Ground clearance
- 150 mm (FWD) / 155 mm (4WD)
- Source market
- Japan (JDM RHD Spec)
Trims & variants
- Setup
Clean subtle front styling, 1.5L Turbo, dual power sliding doors, Waku Waku gate, 16-inch alloys, 7 or 8 seats, Honda Sensing.
- Why it gets shipped
Practical everyday family import with maximum cabin space and sub-1.5L duty tax savings.
Fuel consumption
No separate figure for the Stepwgn B / G / G Honda Sensing (1.5L VTEC Turbo - 150 hp), so these are the car's headline figures. Manufacturer / import-market figures: 12.5 – 14.0 km/L (1.5L VTEC Turbo RP1/RP3) / 17.0 – 19.5 km/L (2.0L e:HEV Hybrid RP5). Tank: 52 L (about 689 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 2,017 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,464 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 17,129
- Full tank (52 L)
- KES 11,802
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 |
|---|---|---|
| G | Executive Base | Dual power sliding doors, Waku Waku gate, 16-inch alloys, 3-zone climate control, 7/8 seats. |
| Spada | Sport Executive | Dark chrome grille, LED headlights, 17-inch alloys, tail spoiler, half-leather interior. |
| Spada Cool Spirit | Pinnacle Luxury | Adds heated front seats, ambient lighting, 17-inch dark alloys, full Honda Sensing suite. |
About the Honda Stepwgn
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Stepwgn RP series and 2022+ RP6-RP8 models sit comfortably inside the legal direct import window.
The 1.5L VTEC Turbo (1,496 cc L15B) engine stays strictly under 1,500 cc, qualifying for KRA's 25% excise duty tax rate and saving over KSh 600,000 in customs duty compared to 2.0L petrol competitors like the Toyota Voxy, Noah, or Nissan Serena.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
