Honda

CR-V

($79/mo)

Browse Used Honda CR-V Listings

Avg. Used Price:

$450 to $12,000

Honda

HR-V

($79/mo)

Browse Used Honda HR-V Listings

Avg. Used Price:

$800 to $11,000

Amongst the competition from other players in the subcompact SUV class, these two stand out owing to their funky and quirky aesthetic – more pronounced in the HR-V.

These have more to offer other than their looks. They have commendable drivability, with a capable engine at the center of it all. Let’s take a peek into the work of Honda, peering closely at the exterior and interior design as well as the under-hood activity.

Honda CR-V Overview

This reliable compact sports utility vehicle has been turning heads in the automotive world since its introduction in 1996. It boasted an all-wheel drive system that seemed to fit in with all those who were yearning for it.

Browse Used Honda CR-V Listings

The car has seen numerous face lifts over the years, with the notable alterations including the provision of 2 wheel drive for a lower cost at the close of the millennium. Power-wise, there was an upgrade from a run of the mill 4 cylinder engine to an improved i-VTEC engine in 2002. In a seemingly giving mood, the manufacturer also increased the cargo space that year.

2005 saw the look redesigned to provide a fresher aesthetic. The headlights on this model received particular attention from the design team. The redesign continued on in 2007 alongside the introduction of the automatic transmission.

Honda HR-V Overview

This mini SUV is a smaller relative of the CR-V and was introduced to the world in 1997. Based off the earlier Honda Logo platform, the HR-V – Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle – was one of the first cars to boast really low emissions.

Browse Used Honda HR-V Listings

The Honda HR-V had a very distinctive look about it – a funky and boxy aesthetic that made it stand out from all the offerings in the same weight class. Due to the aesthetic design and very low running costs, the HR-V was marketed to the very young demographic that was looking for halfway point between the off-road perks of an SUV and the low upkeep of a hatchback.

The result was the Honda HR-V that went on to be one of the best-selling mini SUVs in the world.

Honda CR-V and HR-V Exterior comparison

When you line up these two offerings from Honda, the CR-V manages to just about dwarf the HR-V. The CR-V has a length of 4597mm whereas the HR-V measures 4010mm.

What the latter has going for it is the funky and extra boxy design that is a pull for those of free spirit. The three door model was prevalent before the initial facelift; now only the 5 door model is around. At the head of the HR-V, the front intake grille is small opening just off the lip of the hood. The rest of the grille comes in at the bottom, flanked on either side by a round fog light.

The headlight cluster starts off a body moulding indented into the bodywork and runs along the side of the car all the way to the rear. The roof of the car sports roof railings that should come in hand if you want to strap down some extra luggage.

The rear has a thick bumper that gives the appearance of propping up the rear door. The brake lights run vertically along either side of this door. At the front of the CR-V, the grille is different. It is prominent and made of a pair of horizontal chrome slats. The headlight cluster gives the impression of a pair of big, gaping eyes.

At the side of the car, a black body moulding runs down the side. The B pillar is blacked out and as you proceed to the back, you notice the slanted C pillar and the extra D pillar closing out the luggage compartment.

The eye-catching feature in the rear is the spare tire enclosed in a Honda branded case.

CR-V vs HR-V Interior Comparison

Both the CR-V and HR-V have roomy interiors. In the former, the driver’s seat is in a high position which enables him to have a commanding view over the road surface ahead of him. It also goes without saying that the seats are comfortable.

Both cars also have plenty of infotainment going for them. The central console is taken up by knobs and buttons for controlling the AM/FM stereo radio. This also includes a CD and cassette player.Honda also equips these two cars with an effective air conditioning system which is bound to come in handy in the African climate.

When it comes to the issue of storage, the CR-V is superior owing to its large cabin space. It offers 527 liters of cargo volume space compared to its compatriot’s 283 liters.

Engine and Fuel Efficiency Comparison

As far as compact SUVs go, these two from Honda have made a name for themselves as being quite efficient in consuming fuel. Before we get into that, let’s see the kind of engines they’re working with.

The Honda CR-V runs under the power of a 2.4 liter i-VTEC engine with 4 cylinders connected to a 5 speed manual transmission with an option for a 4 speed automatic. This is able to churn out a maximum horsepower of 156hp at 6000 revs per minute. This power enables the car to reach a top speed of 177kph.

On the other hand, the HR-V has a 1.6 liter engine with 4 cylinders. This is also married to a 5 speed manual transmission. This engine gives 105 horsepower at 6200 revs per minute. The HR-V achieves a top speed of 165kph.

The CR-V utilizes 11.5 liters of petrol for every 100 kilometers that it covers whereas the HR-V burns 9.9 liters in the same distance.

Final Verdict

When you pit the Honda CR-V against the Honda HR-V, you only gain winners. This because they both have so many points you can put in the plus column.

The CR-V offers a more conventional mini SUV aesthetic that appeals to those who want to keep that look. The HR-V offers something a little bit different and rightly so. It’s funkier and appeals to the younger and more hip crowd.

Inside the respective cabins, you find the necessary electronics to make the ride more enjoyable as well as air conditioning for more comfort. The biggest advantage of both cars is the ample luggage area. If you want to pack more luggage, the CR-V offers more room.

Considering the competition in their respective classes, the CR-V and HR-V offer ideal fuel consumption.

Vitz: Best Cheap Used Toyota Car for Africa

It is popular, easy to repair and get replacement parts. It is little wonder then that these cars change hands so fast. Most Toyota cars do not consume much fuel and they are very durable. Toyota vehicles also have a higher resale price than most other brands. Even if you are buying a used Toyota and you want to sell it later, the value will not have depreciated as much as other used cars. Toyota also leads the field in green technology. The overall quality of Toyota is high in the industry.

Among Toyota’s many offerings, the Vitz is by far one of the best sellers, loved by African drivers for its price and fuel-efficiency. You can find the Vitz at Japanese car exporter BE FORWARD at prices ranging from $550 to $13,000

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X-Trail: Nissan’s Top Used Import Vehicle in Africa

Nissan cars have a reputation for great quality in the motor industry and that is why many people prefer them. Nissan cars aimed at low end users have low fuel consumption. Nissan cars are also very affordable and readily available in the market. When buying it as a secondhand car, it will be much cheaper!

Nissan’s X-Trail is a great SUV for getting around harsher African terrains, comes equipped with many features and can be found at amazing prices, starting as low as $1,000 up to $20,000 for newer models. You can also learn more about the X-Trail in our detailed review.

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Fit: Honda’s Most Popular Used Car for the African Market

A well-maintained Honda car can last decades and decades to come. The brand produces some of the most durable vehicles on the road and it is for this reason that one should consider it when buying a used car. This vehicle depreciates slowly than other comparable vehicles. Hence when one wants to resell the car, the value will not have decreased by such a huge margin. Maintaining a used Honda is easy since replacement parts are readily available in the market.

The Honda Fit is a compact vehicle prized for its superior fuel-efficiency, making it a top seller among car buyers in Africa. This highly sought-after feature, combined with great prices ranging from $500 to $12,000, makes the Honda Fit a worthwhile investment.

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Forester: Subaru’s Top Automobile for African Roads

This is one of the best and most affordable sports cars in the world. Buying it as a second-hand car would be a great idea for one who is fascinated with speed and the boxer engine that most Subaru cars have. This car is comfortable and is available in wagon, sedan as well as SUV and crossover SUV models.

The Forester is the top-selling model from Subaru, with used Forester prices ranging from $400 to $10,000. Get features, specs, and more information in our Subaru Forester review.

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Demio: The Mazda Car Most Compatible with Africa Drivers

What pops into mind? Demio, of course. But there are many other models of the Mazda, even high-performance cars that you will find on Be Forward. Being a popular brand, it will be easy to resell it.

Speaking of Demio, however, there is no shortage of great deals from BE FORWARD, with model prices starting as low as $100 up to $6,000.

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3-Series: BMW’s Best Vehicle for African Drivers

The BMW models are considered luxurious cars but this is one of the best brands to consider when buying a used car. The strong performance that this brand is known for will last for decades. BMW cars, even an old one, still look classy and sophisticated and can hold her own on the road if well maintained.

The BMW 3-Series is a luxury model loved by drivers in Zimbabwe, but it’s amazing prices make it a worthwhile investment no matter where you live. You can find the 3-Series a prices between $600, up to $36,000 for newer, fully equipped models.

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C-Class: Best Used Mercedes Benz Offering for Africa Car Buyers

An old Mercedes! The older it is, the more respect it gets on the road. Why not get one as a used car? You will get more than enough value for money. Parts are a bit more costly, but that is why it is a Mercedes, isn’t it? Why do you think this car is named after a woman? Because she is a royalty, just like any woman rightfully is.

Another luxury-style sedan loved in Zimbabwe, the C-Class line from Mercedes can also be found at great prices ranging from $400 and top-of-the-line versions can go up to $90,000.

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Santa Fe: Hyundai’s Best Underrated Vehicle for African Terrain

Don’t sleep on Hyundai. This Korean brand is synonymous with fuel economy, speed, space and durability. The design and shape has a classical feel and when well maintained, it is one of the best cars to buy as a second hand car.

As there is a lot of unpaved terrain, off-roading may be necessary for some Africa drivers. That is why Hyundai’s Santa Fe SUV has been a perennial best-seller for the automaker in Africa. You can find the Santa Fe for between $900 and $38,000.

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A4: Audi’s #1 Car for Driving in Africa

Are there many Audi used cars around? Not as many as, say, Toyota or Nissan, but the available handful is enough to go around. This tells you that many people do not want to be parted with their Audis. If you get it for sale as a secondhand car, buy it. It is quite pricey but its value depreciates at a slow rate hence reselling it would still get you some profit.

The Audio A4 is a stylish sedan with a luxury feel, but the prices are quite a steal. BE FORWARD has cheap used Audi A4 cars at prices ranging from $250 to $7,000.

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Cruze: Chevrolet’s Best Vehicle for the African Market

Know for the American Muscle cars and street racers, well, there is no harm in getting yourself this amazing American technology. This carmaker has a sense of style and it is affordable as well. Therefore, it is a good choice to consider when buying a secondhand car.

The Chevy Cruze is an affordable and reliable vehicle for African drivers, and available on the BE FORWARD website from between $3,000 and $20,000.

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Used Car Importing Costs to Africa

Need to know how much you’ll need to spend before purchasing your vehicle? Read this guide that explains other fees associated with importing a car from Japan.

The price is out of this world. So cheap. So affordable. Its only $948 – that is less than Kshs 100,000. You feel happy, but wait. Is that all the cost that you will pay for this car? It depends on a few things as you will see here, and the key to understanding how much you will end up paying is in the terms used.

Terms You Should Know When Calculating Used Car Import Costs

CIF (Car in Full)

This term is used on many imported goods, it is applied to international trade. It means cost, insurance and freight charges. If you are paying CIF, then it means that you are paying for the car in full, but only up to the point of delivery, for example, to the port of Mombasa. The seller of the car has responsibility of the car when it is in transit, pays insurance for it as well as the freight charges from the port of departure to port of entry. When the car arrives at your port of entry, you will take over the unloading charges.

FOB (Carrier Costs)

In this instance, your car will be considered free on board because you assume responsibility for the same when it crosses the rails of the ship. That means if you are importing a car from Japan, the seller is deemed to have released the car to you once the car got to the port of departure. You can therefore see that the difference between the two contracts is about when the liability for the items under transit changes hands from the seller to the buyer.

When you use the FOB contract, it means you can choose your carrier of choice as opposed to when you use the CIF contract in which case the seller would choose their carrier of choice, not necessarily the best one, because in the CIF payment, they want to make a profit.

Should You Buy CIF or FOB?

This depends on you entirely, but the best thing to do is to find out what suits you best. If you are a new buyer, it is better to buy CIF so that the hassle of arranging the transport of the car from the port of origin to your destination is taken off your hands. Let someone else deal with that while you prepare to take over the vehicle once it lands at your destination port.

A car is a delicate item and therefore it is better to wait to assume responsibility only when it lands in your port of entry. In addition, it could be hard for you to try to track the progress of the car in the high seas as you would have to rely on using the services of a shipping agent. If you are buying one car only, then it is just better to let the exporter handle the shipping arrangements for you as there is less stress that way. However, note that CIF always costs more than FOB and therefore if you import many cars for sale, you might want to consider FOB contracts.

FOB on the other hand comes in different arrangements. For example, in FOB prepaid arrangement, the seller of the car will pay all the shipping charges and will have passed these costs to the buyer. In the FOB origin arrangement, the seller will pay all the shipping charges and will then invoice the buyer for the same.

In FOB ownership arrangement, the seller and the buyer agree about who owns the car when it is still in transit because of insurance. If damage occurs to the car when it is in transit, it will be covered by the policy of the party that assumed ownership.

When your car gets to its destination, there will be more charges to consider. For example, if you are importing a car to Kenya, the following charges apply:

• 25% of CIF Import duty
• 20% of Excise Duty
• 16% VAT duty
• 2.25% Import Declaration Fee
• 1.5% railway development levy
• Port clearance charges
• Maritime surcharge levy
• Clearing agent fee
• Registration fee
• Shipping delivery order fee
• Others

The likes of Nissan and Toyota have taken part in this segment, offering the X-Trail and the RAV4 respectively to the masses. Their compatriot Subaru, not to be left in the dust, came up with an equally impressive compact SUV; the Forester.

Subaru

Forester

($79/mo)

Browse Used Forester Listings

Avg. BE FORWARD Used Price:

$600 to $15,000

The Forester brings forth the spirit of Subaru, driving up the adrenaline with its loud engine and excellent off-road ability.

Let’s take a look at how the Forester encompasses the wild spirit of the Subaru.

Interior and Comfort

The Subaru Forester is a five seater and strives to offer as much comfort as possible to the occupants of the spacious interior.

To combat the stifling heat of the African off-road, Subaru provides a state of the art air conditioning system that ensures all areas of the cabin are at the optimum temperature.

While ensconced in this comfort, the occupants can keep themselves entertained on long journeys with the AM/FM/Weatherband radio with a single disc player in the standard trim. This is connected to four stereo speakers that aptly fill up the space with rich sound.

Back Seating Area

The rear seat is spacious enough to accommodate three passengers. The manufacturer carved out 40 inches of headroom, 54 inches of shoulder room and 33.7 inches for the legroom. In a move that is seen as small but welcome, Subaru introduced a movable armrest at the back.

Across all the trims, the rear seat folds along a 60:40 ratio. This is advantageous in a way that it increases the luggage compartment volume from 32 cubic feet to a maximum of 57.7 cubic feet.

Driver Seating Area

Subaru goes all out to ensure that the driver is in the best condition possible to focus on the road. This can be seen in the space the driver has to himself. For example, while the front headroom and shoulder room are identical to that at the rear, the legroom is larger, measuring 3.6 inches more.

The height of the driver’s seat is adjustable to ensure that the driver has a good view of the road ahead as well as the instruments. The seat is also bucket-shaped, ensuring comfort for the driver. This comfort is further enhanced by the heating provided to the seat – a very handy feature on those very cold mornings.

Features and Drivability

The Subaru Forester has a whole host of features that make it the off-road beast that it is. Standing out in particular among these is the power unit under the hood. With the iconic sound and performance, it is what makes the Forester a bona fide Subaru.

In the Forester, Subaru installed a 2.5 liter engine with 4 cylinders, each sporting 4 valves. This single overhead camshaft engine is mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. However, there is the option of a 4 speed automatic transmission.

As a standard, Subaru offers the engine as a naturally aspirated power unit. For those who want to eke out more horses from the power unit, there is a turbo charged version.

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Practicality

The Japanese car maker provides a number of features that make operation of the Forester very practical.

The positioning of the driver’s seat in the car is akin to that of a sedan and not an SUV. What does this mean? It means that from the driver’s position, you are able to see more of the road directly in front of the car instead of just the hood.

The Forester also offers plenty of cargo space in the back for hauling luggage. If you are headed upcountry, the folded rear seats increase the area for storage. The roof rails also offer another spot for additional cargo.

The strength of the engine also gives this little SUV the ability to haul just over a ton of stuff behind it.

Drivability

From the 2006 model, Subaru made a change in the engine configuration. They introduced a boxer set-up and installed the i-Active Valve Lift System. What this does is control the way the valves open at different stages of driving.

For example, at low revs, the two intake valves open at different positions, creating a mixture of air and fuel to boost torque. At high revs, both valves open in the high position to let in the maximum amount of air and fuel to aid power output.

Apart from the power, the Subaru Forester has all-wheel drive system. This helps it to navigate the African terrain with the nimble ability of a gazelle.

This compact SUV also handles perfectly due to the redesign of the independent suspension at both the front and rear of the car. There is also a stabilizer bar at both ends which prevents rolling when negotiating corners.

Safety and Pricing

The safety features incorporated throughout the Forester are a testament of Subaru’s commitment to keep its customers safe and sound.

Safety

In the front row, the driver and front passenger are protected by dual stage front air bags in the event of a head-on collision. If the Forester sustains a hit from the side, there are side airbags as well to cushion the impact.

The Forester also has seatbelts to protect the occupants from secondary impacts resulting from inertia. At the rear, the seatbelts are attached to the car at three points, an improvement from previous models.

Subaru also installs anti-lock braking systems (ABS) as standard across all trims of the Forester.

Used Subaru Forester Price

You can find excellent deals for a used Subaru Forester by browsing the BE FORWARD catalog. The prices range from $600 to $15,000 for model years running from 2000 to 2012.

Subaru Forester Overall Opinion

The Subaru Forester is an excellent compact SUV, offering class-topping off-road capability. Its rugged looks house a spacious and comfortable interior. The air conditioning and bucket seats are perfect for providing comfort in the sweltering African conditions.

Subaru installed a more than capable power unit under the hood that gives the Forester the right amount of power to traverse the uneven terrain.

To this drivability and comfort, the Japanese car maker added a number of safety features to complete the Forester. The air bags, three-point seatbelts and ABS make this compact SUV the complete package.

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During this time, the younger generation was yearning for a car that would act as a transition from the mundane sedan to the exciting SUV. Enter the compact SUV.

Toyota

RAV4

($79/mo)

Browse Used RAV4 Listings

Avg. Used Price:

$1,400 to $10,000

Toyota did this to perfection with the RAV4, a cheap compact sports utility that offered decent mileage in urban areas but was also up to the task when faced with the rough terrain away from the city. Let’s take a look at what makes the Toyota RAV4 such a practical vehicle and worth the purchase.

RAV4 Interior and Comfort

As with many of the offerings from Toyota, the interior does not disappoint. The Japanese car maker focuses on the occupants of the car having as much comfort as possible. The seating is also geared to achieve this same goal, as you will see below.

In the hot African sun, being stuck in traffic is akin to baking slowly in the oven. The Toyota RAV4 has a dual zone climate control air conditioning system. This cools you down, ensuring that you avoid those embarrassing moments when your shirt gets stuck to your sweaty back while climbing out of the car.

Back seating area

The rear seats of this compact SUV are covered in plush cloth. The more advanced trims get leather upholstery, marrying comfort with elegance. There is enough space to avoid discomfort and cramping on long journeys.

Toyota incorporated 1,008mm of headroom and 973mm of legroom at the rear. Add this to the fact that the seat reclines for better posture and you are in for an excellent ride.

The rear row seat can also be folded along a 60/40 split to increase the 1,015 liters of cargo space to 2,074 liters.

Driver’s seating area

There’s enough space in the front. The RAV4 provides 1,037mm of headroom and 1,062mm of legroom.

The front seats are crafted to ensure that comfort is a given, especially to the driver. The driver’s seat also has power control to ensure precise adjustments to its position. Not only does this offer sitting comfort but it also adjusts the driver’s reach to the steering wheel.

The driver faces a well-designed dashboard and hub. The latter is aligned centrally, making it easy to reach all the vital buttons and knobs. It is also furnished with various metallic accents that add an elegant aesthetic to the cabin of the RAV4.

Toyota RAV4 Features and Drivability

The Toyota RAV4 offers a number of features that make it quite a success in its class.

Toyota offers only one kind of engine for the RAV4; a 2.4 liter engine with 4 cylinders attached to a direct overhead camshaft. The engine has proved reliable, offering plenty of power and torque for the environments it is driven in.

You can opt for the engine mated to a 5 speed manual transmission or a 4 speed automatic.

Practicality

A number of features on the RAV4 provide that user experience that a customer didn’t know they even needed.

For example, when traveling on the murram roads in Africa, the rear window always ends up covered in dust or mud. In order to see what’s behind you via the rear view mirror, the RAV4 has a rear intermittent wiper to clean up this window.

Toyota goes a step further to add mud guards behind each wheel so that this spray of mud doesn’t muck up the entire bodywork and other road users.

The 17 inch wheels are also handy in navigating this kind of terrain. Coupled with the car’s decent ground clearance, you can go off-road without worrying about causing so much damage to the undercarriage.

Drivability

The RAV4 has mastered the art of driving over both the bound and loose surface and any combination between.

Originally, this compact SUV was merely a front wheel drive car. However, it is now all wheel drive, sending power to whichever wheel needs it the most in any given driving situation.

The suspension of the wheels – both the front and back – is independent of each other, making this small SUV able to go over even the most uneven of terrain.

Toyota also offers an excellent cruise control system that comes in handy on especially long trips.

Safety and Pricing

Given the ubiquity of its products, Toyota takes the safety attributes of its offerings very seriously.

Safety

In the event of a head-on collision, the RAV4 is equipped with airbags in the front to protect both the driver and the individual riding shotgun. Safety is further added by the three point seat belts. These are found both in the front and rear row.

The RAV4 is also well equipped to stop in time. It has anti-lock brakes that impede skidding. This braking system is bolstered by electronic brake force distribution to ensure that each wheel gets the right amount of braking force required to bring the car to a standstill.

RAV4 Used Car Price

There are plenty of great deals if you are looking for used Toyota RAV4. For model years running from 2000 to 2008, you can browse through the BE FORWARD catalog. Prices range from $1,400 to $10,000.

Overall Opinion

The Toyota RAV4 is an excellent example of merging the meekness of a 90s sedan with the outgoing qualities of an SUV. The result is a compact SUV that is the total package.

The RAV4 offers plenty of space in the cabin. This ensures that the driver and passengers are ensconced in comfort. The cargo hold also has plenty of space for luggage.

Performance-wise, the RAV4 does well in the city and urban limits. This, more often than not, belies its abilities when it is taken off the bound surface and thrown into the rough tumble of the African upcountry road.

The Japanese manufacturer also provides the safety features needed to ensure that the occupants of the car are alive and well in case of an accident.

All in all, the RAV4 is a very handy and capable car to have in your possessions.

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Nissan took a measured pause as its compatriots Suzuki and Toyota ventured forth with the Grand Vitara and the RAV4, respectively. The pair tested the market’s appetite for a compact sport utility vehicle, giving Nissan all the time to refine its own offerings.

With everything in place, it offered the Nissan X-Trail. This small SUV was a combination of excellent off-road ability and a comfortable bound-surface experience.

Nissan 

X-Trail

($79/mo)

Browse Used X-Trail Listings

Avg. Used Price:

$900 to $9,800

It also doesn’t hurt that Nissan put a reasonable price tag on this car, even with the comfort and safety it offers. Let’s take a look at what makes the X-Trail the ideal car to traverse the African continent.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin of this compact SUV is surprisingly spacious. There’s every indication that a lot of thought was put into the design of the layout within.

The instruments – buttons and knobs – are arranged in a way that they are within easy reach of the driver. Nothing is cluttered in front of the person in the driver’s seat; many of the electronics are accessed via the central console.

This central console has a silver sheen to it, accentuating the chic aesthetic of the interior.

Front Seating Area

Facing this symmetrically laid out dashboard is a plus in and of itself. There is plenty of leg space to ensure that you can complete a long journey in the utmost comfort.

This comfort is further heightened by the heated cloth seats. The driver’s seat goes the extra mile with 6 way manual lumbar adjustment and support.

Back Seating Area

The rear seating is not left out of this comfort party. Nissan makes it so that the three passengers at the back have no qualms about their experience during the journey.

The rear row of seats fences off a compartment taking up to 29.2 cubic feet of space for storage of luggage. However, these seats can be folded along a 60:40 ratio to further amp up this space. The storage space then grows to 72.8 cubic feet.

Nissan X-Trail Features and Drivability

To edge out its competition in the compact SUV class, the Nissan X-Trail brings together a host of features that seem genius but actually make plain sense. This practicality, coupled with the driveability, make this car an excellent choice for the African road.

Nissan offers three kinds of engines for the X-Trail, each attached to a different variant of the model. For the petrolheads, you can opt for a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine or a higher displacement 2.5 liter alternative.

In Africa, where diesel is cheaper than petrol, you can opt for a 2.2 liter engine that has a turbocharger which coaxes out more power from the unit.

Practicality

As we have already mentioned, placing the buttons in symmetrical way on the central console makes it easy for the driver to reach.

Also, the fact that the rear row of seats folds easily in a 60/40 split makes it easy to increase the load of stuff to carry. This alone makes the X-Trail a suitable car if you are planning to surprise your relatives in their country homes off the beaten path.

Compared to other SUVs, the Nissan X-Trail rides quite low. Not only does this make it easier to access the cabin, but it also gives the boxy SUV plenty of stability when hurtling along on the highway.

How Well Does the Nissan X-Trail Drive?

The X-Trail handles very well when it drives over the tarmac of the more developed areas. Better yet, it manages to hold its own and deliver an impressive performance when you swerve onto the loose surface.

On the gritty and murram surface, the X-Trail’s ‘Smart Drive’ advanced all-wheel drive system comes into its own. Whereas others in this class employ a system that slides first and grips later, the X-Trail anticipates these slips and offers all round grip.

This ensures that your journey upcountry is devoid of any heart-in-mouth moments when you encounter uneven terrain. Add to this the well balanced suspension and front and back anti-roll bars and you have a compact SUV doing big boy SUV stuff.

Nissan X-Trail Safety and Pricing

The Nissan X-Trail is a bastion of safety in the compact SUV category. It offers a number of vital features that ensure your safety when driving.

Nissan X-Trail Safety Features

The driver and passenger have airbags that can cushion their impact during a head-on collision.

The Japanese car maker ensured that the car has active anti-lock braking system (ABS). This means that when you are braking and a wheel tries to lock up, sensors detect this and ease up on the braking force being applied to that wheel.

Not only that, the X-Trail has electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), further aiding the car’s ability to safely come to a stop.

In the earlier X-Trails, Nissan only offered lap seat belts. When the company upgraded the compact SUV in 2003, it decided it was a wise move to offer three point lap sash seat belts just like at the front.

This kind of seat belt at the back also enables you to attach a baby car seat and be sure that your young one will be safe.

Used Nissan X-Trail Pricing

If you are looking for great deals on used Nissan X-Trail model years 2000-2008 in Africa, you can find great prices from Japanese car exporter BE FORWARD, ranging from $900-$9,800.

Browse Used X-Trail Listings   

Overall Opinion

The Nissan X-Trail is an excellent example of good things coming in small packages. The compactness of this SUV belies the amount of space within the cabin.

This space ensures that you are not cramped while the seats offer comfort. The instruments panel is well designed and intuitive giving the driver no hassle when driving.

The driving experience itself is enjoyable. Nissan offers a range of power units that are up to scratch, providing the necessary power to navigate the varying terrain of the African cities and countryside.

In the plus column, you can also add the all-wheel drive system as well as the safety features that ensure that you get your destination safely.

If you are on the lookout for a car that handles well but still manages to give you an ample rush of adrenaline, the compact SUV is probably the best way to go. Toyota and Subaru have some offerings in this area that do a pretty good job.

Toyota 

RAV4

($79/mo)

Browse Used RAV4 Listings

Avg. Used Price:

$2,800 to $36,000

Subaru 

Forester

($79/mo)

Browse Used Forester Listings

Avg. Used Price:

$1,600 to $9,000

The RAV4 from Toyota and Subaru’s Forester are hailed as good, all-around cars, with each offering something different. Taken as a whole, however, each car manages to make a statement that will not be forgotten any time soon by the driver.

Let’s compare this pair of compact sport-utility vehicles and see which one you prefer. It’s the battle of the small but tenacious SUVs; RAV4 vs Forester.

Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4 Exterior

Both the Japanese car makers decided to go for a slightly muted, but still pronounced rugged look on these vehicles. However, there are plenty of aesthetic differences that set these two popular SUVs apart from one another. Let’s take a look at the exterior style features for the Forester and RAV4.

Subaru Forester Exterior Features

The Forester goes for a sporty look with the addition of a hood scope on the XT trim. This not only aids the engine’s air intake, but also greatly accentuates the sporty aesthetic of the car.

This aesthetic is further underscored by the redesign of the wheel arches. These bulge out more and have a sleek line running off the top and into the bodywork. This sporty design language is not so subtle.

Toyota RAV4 Exterior Features

On the other hand, the RAV4 does not show off many of the hard edges that its compatriot does. That is not to say, however, that it is not sporty. It is and then some.

The design is far from bland and it too does have a hood scope if you want one. The rails on the slanting roof give the impression that this crossover utility vehicle is very ready to leave the city behind and head out into the country side.

How Do the RAV4 and Forester Compare in the Interior?

In the Forester vs RAV4 battle for the interior, there are no losers. The design teams of both these compact SUVs clocked plenty of man-hours. How do we know this? The class-leading interior styling and attention to detail come to mind.

Toyota RAV4 Interior Features

Though the RAV4 is the smallest of the crossover SUVs from Toyota, it beats many when it comes to rear row legroom. It offers 32.6 inches of legroom in the rear and 42.4 inches at the front for the driver and the front passenger.

The seats, covered in stitched high-quality cloth upholstery, are comfortable enough for a lengthy journey. The ones in the rear row can be split 60/40 and moved forward in order to create more cargo space. Speaking of, the RAV4 offers 29.2 cubic feet of storage, which become 68.3 cubic feet when the seats fold.

Facing the driver is a neatly presented dashboard and instrument panel. The knobs and buttons are simple and within easy reach of the driver. The infotainment is a six-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player with an audio jack.

Subaru Forester Interior Features

In the Forester, front seat space and comfort take center stage. The sport style seats are comfortable. They are also set up in a way that there is plenty of legroom at the front (43.6 inches), marginally edging out the RAV4.

The Forester has storage space measuring out to 30.7 cubic feet. When you fold the second row seat, this space grows to 68.6 cubic feet. The mood during the drive is lightened by a 4-speaker audio system with a single CD player. The more advanced trims, however, have subwoofers and 6-CD changers.

Subaru Forester vs RAV4 Under-the-Hood Comparison: Engine Specs and Fuel Efficiency

The engine bout of the Subaru Forester vs RAV4 sees these two tenacious compact sport utilities pit their powerhouses against each other. Let’s take a look under the hood and see what these two SUVs offer in terms of performance.

Subaru Forester Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Subaru equips the Forester with two options for engines. Both are 2.0 liter and flat 4 cylinder chunks, although one of them is turbocharged. With regards to power, the ordinary naturally aspirated engine is able to make 123 brake horsepower. On the hand, the turbo charger gives the engine much more bite, giving it the ability to churn out 174 brake horsepower.

These engines work hand in hand with a 5-speed manual transmission to give you an immersive control of your driving experience. Add to that the all-wheel drive system and you’re in for a great ride. The average fuel consumption of this engine in the Forester comes down to about 8.4L/100km.

Toyota RAV4 Engine and Fuel Efficiency

The Subaru’s compatriot, the RAV4, works within in pretty much similar boundaries under the hood. The similarity is the fact that the RAV4 also has a 4-cylinder engine. The difference is that these cylinders are arranged in a direct overhead camshaft instead of the flat as in the Forester.

This 2.4-liter engine manages to eke out 166 brake horsepower. It is also mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. In the city, this engine will lead the RAV4 to cover 11.8L/100km whereas this distance increases to 9.4L/100km on the highway.

Final Verdict: Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester

At the end of it all, both the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester give good accounts of themselves in all areas.

The exterior aesthetics of these compact sport-utility vehicles are very comely, employing a gritty aspect to seal the look. The hood scope and roof rails that are available on the top end variants characterize this gritty and sporty aesthetic.

For a pair of small cars, they sure do provide plenty of space in the interior. The cabins of both the RAV4 and Forester are spacious, especially at the front, providing maximum comfort. There is also ample trunk space for the storage of cargo. The 60:40 rear row split in both cars emphasizes this point.

Under the hood, the manufacturers employ a bit of differing technologies despite having almost similar powerhouses. The end result, however, is not too polarized given the fact that the transmission is the same. Both cars also have 4-wheel drive which makes them suitable for those off-road excursions.

All in all, you cannot go wrong with the RAV4 or the Forester. These small cars hold their own in a class that was previously reserved for all powerful and large SUVs.

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Both the Nissan X-Trail SUV and the Mitsubishi Outlander SUV have become exceedingly popular in Africa because of their many endearing attributes. They are loved for their reliability, performance, versatility, high build quality, practicality, and safety features. This Nissan X-Trail vs Mitsubishi Outlander comparison offers insight into what you can expect from these SUVs.

Nissan X-Trail vs Mitsubishi Outlander Interior and Exterior Features Comparison

When comparing these two solid SUVs, the best place to start is by pitting the X-Trail vs the Outlander in the area of exterior and interior features, which will give you a better idea of which most closely meets your specific needs.

Nissan X-Trail Exterior Features

On the outside, the Nissan X-Trail boasts a dynamic exterior with rugged styling cues that hint at its off-road capability. It has an aggressive front bumper design that blends well with its prominent V-motion grille, and extended wheel arches that give it a brawny, off-road-ready look.

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The far-end positions of this SUV’s headlights make it possible for other drivers to identify the front corners of the SUV. This SUV also has a powerful stance and a high ground clearance, and most models also feature roof rails. In the rear, it features a high-mounted LED stop lamp and 3-dimensional rear combination lamps.

Nissan X-Trail Interior Features

On the inside, the Nissan X-Trail offers a high-quality, roomy interior that accommodates five passengers. Thanks to its boxy shape, its cabin offers plenty of headroom in both rows. Legroom is also abundant in the rear, so tall adults can sit comfortably in both rows. The high-quality finish of the different surfaces of this SUV’s cabin is also noteworthy.

Most models also feature soft padding on the instrument panel, armrests, and door trim. The seats of the Nissan X-Trail are also comfortable and supportive; most models feature a blend of leatherette upholstery and fabric that has been lased with a water-repellant compound. The Nissan X-Trail also offers a cavernous cargo area with a capacity of 603 liters.

The rear seats can also be folded down to increase the cargo space. In terms of convenience and entertainment features, this SUV features both front and rear air conditioning vents as well as front and rear cupholders. This SUV can be had with Nissan’s HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system. This system includes DVD audio/video playback, an AM/FM radio, and a touch-screen display.

Mitsubishi Outlander Exterior Features

The Mitsubishi Outlander, on the other hand, also features an appealing exterior with modern styling cues. Its appearance is sleek and sophisticated, and it also boasts an athletic stance. In the front, its features a trapezoidal grille, wraparound headlights, and a large, sporty looking intake vent below the front bumper.

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It also features pronounced fenders and smooth lines and curves that flow to the rear. This SUV also features a uniquely slashed-back third side window and distinctively designed halogen tail lights. It can also be had with available 18-inch wheels and an available split-tailgate that can double-up as a seat when you are having outdoor activities.

Mitsubishi Outlander Interior Features

On the inside, the Mitsubishi Outlander also offers a tastefully designed interior with solid build quality. Its high-quality fit and finish and high-grade interior materials make it look and feel upscale. It can be had with cloth, sport fabric, or leather upholstery depending on the trim level.

This SUV also offers a roomy cabin that comes in five-passenger or seven-passenger configurations. The available third row seat can be stowed into the floor of the minivan when you are not using it. In terms of convenience features, the base models of this SUV feature a 6-speaker CD stereo, air-conditioning, cruise control, and rear seats that can be reclined for extra comfort.

The higher trim levels may offer upgraded features like a 40GB hard disc drive navigation system with a digital music server, a 650-watt premium audio system, and a DVD rear seat entertainment system.

X-Trail vs Outlander Engine & Fuel Efficiency Comparison

Let’s take a look at what’s under the hood of the X-Trail and Outlander to see which of these SUVs has the power and fuel economy you need to get around town and endure those extended family road trips.

Nissan X-Trail Engine Specs and Fuel Economy

Most models of Nissan X-Trail are driven by a 2.0-liter MR20DE 4-cylinder petrol engine, a 2.5-liter QR25DE petrol engine, or a 2.0-liter M9R Clean Diesel engine. For the most part, these engines pair with an XTRONIC continuously variable transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

However, the 2.0-liter 4WD models can also be had with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 2.0-liter petrol engine offers an output of 135 hp – 139 hp and 145 – 147 lb-ft of torque. In the 2WD models, this engine achieves a combined fuel economy of 7.1 l/100km, and it manages to propel the X-Trail from zero to 100 km/h in 11.6 seconds.

In the 4WD models, this engine achieves a fuel economy of 7.2 l/100km, and a 0- 100 km/h time of 12.4 seconds. The 2.5-liter QR25DE petrol engine only features in the 4WD models, and it generates an output of 166 hp – 168 hp and 170 – 172 lb-ft of torque while achieving a fuel economy of 9.6 l/100km.

Mitsubishi Outlander Engine Specs and Fuel Economy

The Mitsubishi Outlander is also offered with three main powertrains. The Japanese Domestic Market models feature either a 2.4 L DOHC MIVEC I4 petrol engine rated at 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque or a 4WD-specific 3.0 L SOHC MIVEC V6 petrol engine that generates 217 hp and 204 lb-ft of torque.

MIVEC refers to the brand name for Mitsubishi’s version of variable valve timing technology. The Mitsubishi Outlander is quickest with the 3.0 L SOHC MIVEC V6 petrol engine, being capable of sprinting from zero to 60 mph in up to 7.9 seconds. In all applications, this V6 engine is seen to deliver a fuel economy of 12.9 l/100km. The 2.0 DI-D I4 diesel engine is also specific to 4WD models, and it mainly pairs with the 6-speed manual transmission. This engine delivers a fuel economy of 6.6-6.9 l/100km.

X-Trail vs Outlander: Which Is Ultimately Better?

As is demonstrated in this X-Trail Outlander comparison, both options have a lot to offer. If you are looking for the most affordable and cheapest-to-maintain compact SUV, then you are better off with the Nissan X-Trail. It is priced a little lower than the Outlander and its superior fuel efficiency, meaning you won’t spend as much to fuel it as you would the Outlander.

However, if performance and refinement are a priority for you, you should go for the Mitsubishi Outlander. Both the X-Trail and The Outlander offer commendable off-road capability when equipped with 4WD. The Outlander’s 7-passenger seating capacity also makes it ideal for large families.

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Can Any SUV Match the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado?

When it comes to SUVs that embody reliability and provide utility and luxury, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado manages to edge out everyone in its class. It’s no wonder, then, that this SUV is usually the first choice in Africa when one wants to ride in luxury amid the hustle and bustle of the city. In an instant, the Land Cruiser Prado can also easily handle the rutted and unpaved roads upcountry.

However, there is a crop of other SUVs that can perform just as good as the Land Cruiser Prado. In this article, we peel back the layers, giving you some Land Cruiser Prado alternatives that would feel right at home in Africa.

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Land Rover Discovery – Land Cruiser Prado’s Biggest Rival

In all the options you have to choose from, the Land Rover Discovery comes closest to mirroring the qualities of the Land Cruiser Prado. The Land Rover has had so many years to perfect its off-road abilities, that many performers in the sector have taken hints of its work. The Land Cruiser Prado, however, has tried as much as possible to stay off the beaten track, carving out its own formula on the way.

To boost its off-road capabilities, the British manufacturer has brought in a range of electronics into the Land Rover. The Land Cruiser Prado has to pull out all the stops to match this, employing its own wealth of electronics as well as cameras that show the driver the immediate environment around the SUV. The Rover also takes on the Cruiser Prado in the battle of the interior. The latter offers plenty of space and comfort, but so does the former, which also adds a tad more refinement to the cabin styling.

With the electronics working in tandem with the engine, the Land Rover is able to tow 3,500 kg, a half ton more than what the Land Cruiser Prado is able to. All in all, though, the Japanese product offers plenty of bang for your buck, whereas you have to shell out a bit more cash if you prefer the British alternative.

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Nissan X-Trail – Smaller Than Land Cruiser Prado, But Packs a Punch

Despite being smaller in stature compared to the Land Cruiser Prado, the Nissan X-Trail packs quite the punch. This enables it to comfortably sit at this big boys’ table. The Land Cruiser Prado is mainly known for its ability to handle the off-road surface with ease. Its compatriot does the same without breaking a sweat. Equipped with an all mode 4 Wheel Drive system, the X-Trail is quite nimble and very maneuverable on uneven terrain. With the flick of a switch, you are able to choose between a 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive system.

There is also a combination of both, where the car decides which system is best depending on the situation. This makes it a great alternative to the larger SUV. Furthermore, the X-Trail has the option of a diesel engine. The turbo-charged heart of this SUV is very powerful, especially when mated to a manual transmission gearbox. It should be no surprise, therefore, when the X-Trail hauls an impressive 2000 kilograms.

And just like the Land Cruiser Prado, the X-Trail is capable of doing all the dirty work while insulating you in a very roomy and comfortable cabin. Putting all this together, the Nissan X-Trail is a very viable choice if you are looking for something different from the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

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Toyota Hilux Surf – Land Cruiser Prado’s Closest Relative

Sibling rivalry might not always be great to witness. In this case, however, it is great to watch two automobiles from the same manufacturer push each other to become better. The Land Cruiser Prado and the Hilux Surf from Toyota are both masters of the off-road terrain. Add that to the fact that they are sturdy and can endure pretty much everything thrown at them.

The Japanese manufacturer provided both SUVs with very similar essentials to work with. The engine, transmission and suspension are all pretty much the same. However, there are some unique features you will find in the Hilux Surf, differentiating it from its sibling.

For example, the fact that the Surf evolved from a pickup truck means it was made with sizeable cargo volume in mind. The Land Cruiser Prado carries less cargo because of the third row of seats. In the Surf, however, the manufacturer covered the truck cargo bay with a roof to provide a large area to carry your load. The Land Cruiser Prado bestows upon the driver a more sophisticated and professional look, whereas the Hilux Surf goes for the sportier aesthetic.

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Toyota Kluger – Land Cruiser Prado’s Underrated Little Brother

When you put the Toyota Kluger side-by-side with the Land Cruiser Prado, the latter dwarfs it. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in performance. The Kluger’s 3.5 liter V6 engine is capable of producing around 270 horsepower. This is not bad at all considering that its big brother has at its disposal a 5.7 liter V8 which puts out 381 horsepower.

Another selling point of the Kluger is the fact that Toyota incorporated the front wheel drive so excellently. This makes it easy to maneuver the compact SUV. And if you are not taking it onto the race track – and you most probably aren’t – this is a perfect alternative to the heavier Land Cruiser Prado.

In the interior, the Kluger stands up to the quality of its bigger sibling. It features high grade leather upholstery, and the interface with the driver is quite intuitive, making for a pleasant driving experience.

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You Have Options

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado stands at the head of a long line of contenders in the off-road SUV category. The Japanese car maker packed the car with plenty of plus points that make it a very attractive car to own.

It boasts a great engine and transmission that make it able to handle both urban roads and rugged terrain. Add to that a superb interior and you have a great SUV on your hands. However, there are some alternatives that channel some of the spirit of the Land Cruiser Prado. Its siblings – the Hilux Surf and the Kluger – offer excellent storage and performance respectively.

Outside the Toyota family, the Land Rover Discovery fully steps up to the plate to challenge the Land Cruiser Prado. The Nissan X-Trail is smaller but still offers a good account of itself as a compact SUV.

So if you feel that it is a bit out of your league, there are plenty of cars similar to the Land Cruiser Prado that can readily step in to do a similar job.

It is no wonder that today it has become the perfect workhorse, mostly for transporting people from one point to another.

Cheap Toyota HiAce Van Models for Sale

When you order a used HiAce van from Japan, you usually have the option of buying a cargo van or a commuter van. What started as a small, rudimentary van with a direct injection engine has today become a favorite community bus with many drivers loving it for its load ability, durability, and overall responsiveness.

In this review, we are going to take a closer look at the 2009 model of the Toyota HiAce van.

Interior & Comfort

The Toyota HiAce can be used in a variety of ways, with many opting to buy it for use as a cargo van, or in other cases to convert into a tour or camper van for the family, or for hiring out to other people commercially. No matter the purpose, this durable van offers a surprisingly high amount of comfort and interior features.

Back Seats

Should you decide to go for the commuter bus HiAce, then it will come with seats already installed in the back. The seating capacity will differ from one van to another, with some having 12 seats and others coming with 14 seats.

Comfortable seats with high-quality fabric, and an aisle between the seats to access the very back seats, are also available. The floor is corrugated for extra safety and tenacity. Each of the windows located in the back-seating area can also slide open or shut for better ventilation.

Front Seats

This van can carry three people in the front; the driver and two passengers. It is a high boxy van, so there is a lot of cabin space for air circulation and overall comfort. For entertainment, there is a radio CD player fitted with two speakers.

The driver seat is adjustable in many ways, such as for moving forward and back as well as adjusting the lean angle. It comes with power windows on both doors, power steering, and power mirrors. Leg space for front passengers is plentiful as this van has the gearshift mounted close to the dashboard, thus leaving all the space under it free.

Features & Driveability

Practicality

The Toyota HiAce van is made to be more functional and practical than for its aesthetics, but to the surprise of many this van still manages to look quite attractive. It has a boxy look from the back, but it maintains a nice streamlined look and build in the front, perhaps to help it move with more speed on highways.

It is a 4-door van, with a driver’s door, passenger door, boot door, and a sliding door on either the left or the right side, depending on whether the van is a left-hand drive or a right-hand drive vehicle. This van has been built with self-employed people, couriers, and business people in mind.

Therefore, it is easy to access cargo either from the side sliding door or from the back. Opening the doors is easy and, what’s more, it is not too high from the ground but has just enough ground clearance to not scrape its underparts on rougher terrain such as the case with many roads located throughout Africa.

Driveability

Driving this van is simple and straightforward, but it has several added driver assist features all the same. The latest HiAce vans come with a number of added features such as reverse camera, power windows, air conditioning, and a central locking system with remote control. Whichever way you look at this van, it comes ready for work, and that shows why it is so common on the road and a favourite of many Africans.

For extra safety when parked, it has an engine immobilizer. This gives you peace of mind that your vehicle is safe right where you left it.

The average engine displacement capacity is 2,694cc, with a 4-cylinder engine and tank capacity of around 70 liters and a fuel type of petrol or diesel. Looked at from the angle of a home use van, the 2009 model of the Toyota HiAce has a slightly higher fuel economy, at 12.6 liters per 100 kilometers.

The driving experience is solid overall, and basically if you have driven an SUV before you will love this van too. Another highlight is that the driver is offered high visibility, with the left side (for right-hand drive vehicles) being set towards the front as such that it is ahead of you, but to the left. This means you do not have to turn your head to the left to see it. It also comes attached with a curb mirror to assist with parking.

While this van can also be used for camping, it would need to be modified for driving off-road. It is made to drive predominantly on less rough terrain only, otherwise the driving experience can be worsened.

Safety, Pricing & Verdict

Safety

The Toyota HiAce Van has a level of safety on par with its competitors. At the front of the van, there are driver and passenger SRS airbags, fitted for the front only. Although airbags aren’t fitted in the passenger area, its seats include secure safety belts.

Audio controls for the speakers are located on the steering wheel, saving the driver the trouble and possible danger of bending over to fiddle with the radio while driving.

Other features include cruise control, disc-ventilated brakes for the front wheels, and drum brakes for the back wheels. A reverse camera is also available, since this is a model of the feature-rich 5^th generation.

Pricing & Overall Opinion

The price of a used 2009 (5^th generation) HiAce Van starts at around $5,000 and peaks at around $6,000, depending on its condition. Remember, the 5^th generation HiAce was launched in 2005 and since then, it has simply gotten better with time.

This van is particularly recommended for business people, the self-employed, construction and courier companies, as well as for airport transfer services. If you love camping, it can be also be modified into a solid camper van.  In addition, being a popular Toyota vehicle, spare parts are readily available anywhere in Africa for added convenience.

Cheap Toyota HiAce Van Models for Sale