What is a Budget SUV?
What does SUV mean in cars?
Sports Utility Vehicle
SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle, a car similar to a minivan or a station wagon, but with a much tougher look and a design suited for off-road driving. SUV is often categorized under RV(Recreational Vehicle), but it is sometimes used in exchange.
Best Budget SUV In Kenya
Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5 has become one of the most popular cars on Kenyan roads. Launched in 2012, the CX-5 is an exceptional SUV both technologically and aesthetically. It uses the same platform as the Mazda Axela and is the first Mazda vehicle to use Mazda’s Soul of Motion Design.
The CX-5 has three engine options, including 2000cc, 2200cc, and 2500cc. The engine pairs with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The SUV has a low fuel consumption, a major advantage in the current economic climate characterized by soaring fuel prices.t also boasts low emissions, helping the owners lower their carbon footprint.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has established itself as an affordable and reliable family car. It made its debut in 1995 and is a veteran on the Kenyan roads. The CR-V underwent a major redesign in 2011. It emphasized fuel efficiency, modern aesthetics, a new 4WD system, and aerodynamic performance. The SUV accommodates five passengers and uses the Civic platform.
The Honda CR-V has a roomy interior, a strong performance, build quality, and off-road capability. Its size and suspension make it a practical car that gives you a comfortable ride on uneven and unpredictable Kenyan road surfaces.
The SUV has established a solid reputation as an efficient and reliable car. It has various engine options, ranging from a 1500cc turbo to a 2400cc naturally aspirated engine to a hybrid. The Honda CR-V comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Toyota RAV4
Recreational Activity Vehicle with 4-wheel drive aka RAV4 is among the most popular compact SUVs on Kenya roads. The RAV4 was the best-selling SUV and the fourth best-selling passenger car worldwide in 2019. Toyota launched the SUV in 1994 based on the Corolla/Carina platform. It’s available in three- and five-door configurations.
In 2016, Toyota redesigned the RAV4 using an all-new platform with the 3-door dropped in 2007. The modifications included elegant styling, increased visibility, and extra storage space. It features a superior suspension system that makes it more adaptable to any road surface.
Suzuki Escudo
Introduced in 1988, this SUV is a popular cross-country 4WD for city drivers. Suzuki renewed the Escudo in 1997 as a cross between passenger and X-country vehicles. It’s an excellent crossover SUV with many amenities that make it a suitable family vehicle.
The SUV is comfortable with ample legroom and a high-performance engine. It makes it great for all travels, including off-road excursions. The Suzuki Escudo is a very tough, reliable, and resilient SUV. It’s common in Kenyan rural areas where you only find Juakali boda mechanics, and the roads are seasonal and unforgiving. It’s available in three- and five-door configurations. Depending on the model year, the petrol engine options range from 1.0-liter to 3.2-liter V6.
Subaru Forester
The five-door Forester hit the roads in 1997. It’s an all-wheel-drive SUV that shares its platform with the Impreza. The Forester features the famous Subaru Boxer engine.
It lowers the center of gravity, boosting stability and performance. Its ingenious symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system makes the SUV an exceptional performer. The king of the road, and a darling of the Kenyan special security units.
Engine options include 2.5L turbo, 2.0L and 2.5 L natural aspirated (NA), and 2.0L turbo-diesel. At the top is the Forester STi, a road beast. It boasts a 2.5-liter turbo flat-4 engine from the WRX STi, and a six-speed manual transmission. Also, 18-inch wheels, a massive intercooler, and a low-back-pressure exhaust system.
What SUV doesn’t have problems?
2023 Toyota RAV4 Reliability
The RAV4 is among the best-selling SUVs in the US and has been part of the reason Toyota has a legendary reputation for reliability. J.D. Power awards the 2023 RAV4 a predicted reliability score of 81/100.
Why is an SUV better than a car?
Generally, SUVs are able to take the force of a collision more effectively than smaller cars due to them being larger and heavier, reducing the chance of injury for all occupants.
But they’re not only good when in a crash, they’re also proficient in preventing them too.