Honda Vezel (Non-Hybrid) Review
2017-2023
The Honda Vezel Non-Hybrid (RU1/RU2 1st Gen Facelift & RV3/RV4 2nd Gen: 2017–2023) is Kenya's most sought-after non-hybrid compact crossover. Highly favored over its hybrid sibling by buyers seeking pure mechanical simplicity without high-voltage battery or dual-clutch maintenance worries, the non-hybrid Vezel pairs Honda's reliable 1.5L i-VTEC or 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine with a smooth CVT automatic, 170–185 mm ground clearance, and ultra-versatile Magic Seats. Remaining strictly at 1,496 cc, it qualifies 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
- Zero hybrid battery or i-DCD dual-clutch repair worries: Conventional CVT + NA engine provides bulletproof long-term reliability.
- Sub-1,500 cc KRA import duty advantage: 1,496 cc engine qualifies for lower tax valuation baseline.
- High 170–185 mm ground clearance: Easily clears estate speed bumps, deep potholes, and rough upcountry murram tracks.
- Magic Seats versatility: Rear seat cushions fold upward (tall mode) or fold completely flat for massive cargo space.
What’s not so good
- Modest low-end torque on 1.5L NA petrol: Requires higher revs when ascending steep highway inclines under full passenger load.
- Slightly higher fuel consumption than hybrid model (13.5–15.5 km/L vs 20+ km/L hybrid).
Most popular: Vezel G / X / Touring 1.5 Turbo / G (RV3 2nd Gen)
5 doorsPetrolAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Honda Vezel Non-Hybrid (RU1/RU2 & RV3/RV4 Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Compact Crossover SUV
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol (NA i-VTEC & VTEC Turbo)
- Engine sizes
- 1,496 cc (1.5L L15B / L15C / L15Z)
- Transmission
- CVT Automatic with 7-Speed Paddle Shifters
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Real-Time AWD (RU2/RV4)
- Ground clearance
- 170 mm (RU1/RU2) / 185 mm (RV3/RV4 2nd Gen)
- Source market
- Japan (JDM RHD Spec)
Trims & variants
- Setup
1.5L NA petrol, CVT automatic, 16-inch alloy wheels, fabric seating, electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, touch climate control.
- Why it gets shipped
The most reliable budget-friendly non-hybrid crossover import in Kenya.
Fuel consumption
No separate figure for the Vezel G / X (1.5L NA i-VTEC - 131 hp), so these are the car's headline figures. Manufacturer / import-market figures: 13.5 – 15.5 km/L (1.5L NA Petrol RU1/RV3) / 12.8 – 14.5 km/L (1.5L VTEC Turbo Touring). Tank: 50 L (about 725 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,853 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,335 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 15,652
- Full tank (50 L)
- KES 11,348
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 | Utility Base | 16-inch alloys, fabric seats, electronic parking brake, Auto Hold, automatic climate control. |
| X | Executive Comfort | Adds Honda Sensing safety suite, roof rails, LED fog lights, 17-inch alloys. |
| Touring | Sport Turbo | 172 hp 1.5T engine, dual exhausts, 18-inch alloys, Agile Handling Assist, suede/leather cabin. |
About the Honda Vezel (Non-Hybrid)
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 RU1 and RV3 Vezel models sit comfortably inside the legal direct import window.
Because the 1.5L i-VTEC (L15B / L15Z) and 1.5L Turbo (L15C) remain at 1,496 cc, the non-hybrid Vezel stays strictly under 1,500 cc, qualifying for KRA's sub-1,500 cc tax valuation bracket and saving over KSh 500,000 in import taxes compared to 2.0L crossover rivals like the Subaru XV or Mazda CX-5.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
