Toyota Yaris Review
2017-2023
The Toyota Yaris (XP130 Facelift & TNGA XP210 Series: 2017–2023) is Toyota's benchmark subcompact hatchback. Replacing the iconic Vitz nameplate in Japan in 2020, the XP210 Yaris introduced Toyota's GA-B platform, delivering rigid chassis dynamics, tight 4.8 m turning radius, Toyota Safety Sense, and world-record 28.5 km/L hybrid efficiency. Sourced in 1.0L, 1.5L Petrol, and 1.5L Hybrid variants, it is favored by city commuters, ride-hailing operators, and fleet owners in Nairobi and Mombasa. Landed prices in Kenya range from KSh 1.35M to KSh 2.45M.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Outstanding 28.5 km/L hybrid efficiency: Lowest daily running costs for urban taxi and personal commuting.
- Sub-1,000 cc and sub-1,500 cc KRA duty relief: Qualifies for Kenya's lowest customs tax valuation brackets.
- Tight 4.8 m turning circle: Ultra-agile navigation through dense Nairobi estate traffic and tight parking bays.
- Toyota Safety Sense standard: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert, and Turn Assist on G/Z trims.
What’s not so good
- Modest rear legroom: XP210 rear seat knee space is tighter than the older Vitz XP130 generation.
- Low 140 mm ground clearance: Requires cautious driving over tall estate speed bumps.
Most popular: Yaris 1.5 Hybrid G / 1.0 X / 1.5 Z Package
5 doorsPetrol, HybridAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Toyota Yaris (XP130 Facelift & XP210 Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Compact Hatchback
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Full Hybrid (THS II)
- Engine sizes
- 996 cc (1.0L) / 1,496 cc (1.5L 1NZ-FE) / 1,490 cc (1.5L M15A Petrol & Hybrid)
- Transmission
- Super CVT-i / Direct Shift-CVT / 6MT / e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or E-Four / 4WD
- Ground clearance
- 140 mm – 145 mm
- Source market
- Japan (JDM RHD Spec)
Trims & variants
HYBRID X / HYBRID G / HYBRID Z
- Setup
1.5L 3-cylinder Dynamic Force engine + electric motor (116 hp combined), e-CVT, FWD or E-Four AWD, tank size 36 L, returning 28.5 km/L combined (WLTP).
- Why it gets shipped
The ultimate fuel-saver import; achieves up to 28.5 km/L while keeping low 1.5L import duties.
Fuel consumption
Figures for the Toyota Yaris 1.5L THS II Hybrid (1,490 cc M15A-FXE). Tank: 36 L (about 1026 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 841 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 762 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 7,964
- Full tank (36 L)
- KES 8,171
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 |
|---|---|---|
| X | Entry Utility | Fabric seats, 14-inch steel wheels, 7-inch Display Audio, manual AC, Toyota Safety Sense. |
| G | Executive Comfort | Upgraded seating, 15-inch steel wheels/alloys, digital climate control, leather steering wheel, back monitor. |
| Z | Flagship Luxury | Full LED dual-beam headlights, 16-inch alloys, digital gauge cluster, driver power easy-return seat, ambient lighting. |
About the Toyota Yaris
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Yaris models sit comfortably inside the legal direct import window.
The 1.0L (996 cc 1KR-FE) and 1.5L (1,490 cc M15A) engines qualify for KRA's sub-1,000 cc and sub-1,500 cc tax valuation brackets, saving over KSh 350,000 in import duty compared to 1.6L+ hatchbacks.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
