Toyota Probox Review
2017-2023
The Toyota Probox (NCP160 / NHP160 Series: 2017–2023) is Kenya's uncontested king of commercial cargo transport and small business logistics. Built with heavy-duty rear leaf springs, flat load floor, durable vinyl/fabric upholstery, and ultra-cheap maintenance, the Probox handles heavy cargo loads across tough Kenyan roads with ease. Available in 1.3L Petrol, 1.5L Petrol, and 1.5L Hybrid variants, all engines stay strictly under 1,500 cc, qualifying for KRA's lowest customs tax valuation bracket. Landed prices in Kenya range from KSh 1.15M to KSh 2.10M.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Sub-1,500 cc KRA import duty advantage: Qualifies for Kenya's lowest commercial tax valuation baseline.
- Exceptional 22.6 km/L hybrid efficiency: Drastically reduces monthly fuel bills for urban delivery fleets.
- Flat load floor with 400 kg payload rating: Ultra-spacious cargo bed designed for heavy goods transportation.
- Unrivaled spare parts availability: Components are available in every town across Kenya at low prices.
What’s not so good
- Basic utilitarian cabin trim: DX models feature basic plastics, manual windows, and thin rear bench padding.
- Stiff rear leaf spring ride comfort: Bouncy ride quality when driven empty without cargo weight.
Most popular: Probox 1.5 Hybrid GL / 1.5 F Package / 1.3 DX
5 doorsPetrol, HybridAutomatic, Manual, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Toyota Probox / Succeed (NCP160V / NHP160V Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Commercial Utility Station Wagon
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Full Hybrid (THS II)
- Engine sizes
- 1,329 cc (1.3L 1NR-FE) / 1,496 cc (1.5L 1NZ-FE & 1NZ-FXE Hybrid)
- Transmission
- Super CVT-i / 5-Speed Manual / e-CVT Automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or 4WD
- Ground clearance
- 155 mm
- Source market
- Japan (JDM RHD Spec)
Trims & variants
DX / DX Comfort / GL / F
- Setup
1.5L 4-cylinder petrol + electric motor (100 hp combined), e-CVT, FWD, tank size 42 L, returning 22.6 km/L combined (WLTP).
- Why it gets shipped
The ultimate commercial cost-cutter; delivers 22.6 km/L economy with indestructible Toyota hybrid hardware.
Fuel consumption
Figures for the Toyota Probox 1.5L THS II Hybrid (1,496 cc 1NZ-FXE). Tank: 42 L (about 949 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 966 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,041 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 10,042
- Full tank (42 L)
- KES 9,532
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip costPackage tiers
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| DX | Utility Commercial | Manual windows, vinyl seats, 14-inch steel wheels, black bumpers, flat cargo floor. |
| DX Comfort | Mid Utility | Front power windows, fabric front seats, remote locking, manual AC, cup holders. |
| GL / F Package | Passenger Luxury | Color-coded bumpers, all-power windows, padded rear bench, electric mirrors, Toyota Safety Sense. |
About the Toyota Probox
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Probox models sit comfortably inside the legal direct import window.
Because all engine choices—1.3L (1,329 cc), 1.5L (1,496 cc), and 1.5L Hybrid (1,496 cc)—remain strictly under 1,500 cc, the Probox qualifies for KRA's sub-1,500 cc baseline valuation tier, saving over KSh 350,000 in import taxes compared to 1.8L/2.0L commercial vans.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
