Toyota Esquire Review
2017-2022
The Toyota Esquire (ZRR80 / ZWR80 Series: 2017–2022) is the flagship luxury variant of Toyota's mid-size MPV trio (Noah, Voxy, Esquire). Characterized by its commanding vertical waterfall chrome front grille, synthetic leather interior upholstery, metal-grain wood trim, and whisper-quiet cabin insulation, the Esquire targets executive VIP shuttles, corporate C-suites, and high-net-worth families in Kenya. Powered by a 1.8L Hybrid (136 hp) or 2.0L Petrol (152 hp), both powertrains stay under 2,000 cc, qualifying for KRA's standard 25% excise duty bracket. Landed prices in Kenya range from KSh 2.65M to KSh 4.25M.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Sub-2,000 cc KRA excise tax baseline: 1.8L and 2.0L engines keep import duty taxes significantly lower than 2.5L Alphard models.
- Prestigious vertical waterfall chrome grille: Unique road presence that sets it apart from standard Noah/Voxy MPVs.
- Executive 7-seater Captain recliners: 2nd-row seats feature ultra-long sliding rails, folding side tables, and footrests.
- Outstanding 19.8 km/L hybrid efficiency: Low operating costs for executive urban transport and VIP hotel shuttles.
What’s not so good
- Discontinued model status: Toyota merged the Esquire into the Noah/Voxy lineup in late 2021, meaning no post-2022 models exist.
- Low 160 mm ground clearance: Requires cautious driving over tall estate speed bumps under full 7-passenger load.
Most popular: Esquire 1.8 Hybrid Gi / Gi Premium Package
5 doorsPetrol, HybridAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Toyota Esquire (ZRR80G / ZWR80G Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2022
- Body type
- 5-Door Luxury 7 or 8-Seater MPV
- Seating capacity
- 7 (Captain seats) or 8 (Bench seat)
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Full Hybrid (THS II)
- Engine sizes
- 1,797 cc (1.8L Hybrid) / 1,986 cc (2.0L Petrol)
- Transmission
- Super CVT-i / e-CVT Automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or 4WD
- Ground clearance
- 160 mm
- Source market
- Japan (JDM RHD Spec)
Trims & variants
HYBRID Xi / HYBRID Gi / HYBRID Gi Premium Package
- Setup
1.8L 4-cylinder petrol + electric motor (136 hp combined), e-CVT, FWD, tank size 50 L, returning 19.8 km/L combined (JC08).
- Why it gets shipped
The flagship volume import; combines Alphard-like executive luxury with 19.8 km/L fuel economy.
Fuel consumption
Figures for the Toyota Esquire 1.8L THS II Hybrid (1,797 cc 2ZR-FXE). Tank: 50 L (about 990 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,227 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,091 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 11,463
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Xi | Executive Base | Dual power sliding doors, fabric seats, auto climate control, 15-inch alloys, Toyota Safety Sense. |
| Gi | Luxury Tier | Full synthetic leather seats, heated front seats, woodgrain steering wheel, LED headlights, chrome door handles. |
| Gi Premium Package | Flagship VIP | Gi spec + rear ceiling air purifier, 16-inch dark alloys, premium acoustic glass, metal-tone trim accents. |
About the Toyota Esquire
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2018 to 2021 Esquire models sit comfortably inside the legal direct import window (production officially ended in late 2021).
Both the 1.8L Hybrid (1,797 cc) and 2.0L Petrol (1,986 cc) stay strictly under 2,000 cc, saving over KSh 1,200,000 in import duty compared to 2.5L+ MPVs like the Toyota Alphard or Nissan Elgrand.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
