2019 Honda Stepwagon Review

Detailed Review

The Honda Stepwagon made its debut in 1996 and has since undergone six generations of production. The first generation of the Stepwagon was produced from 1996 to 2001. The second generation was in production from 2001 to 2005. The third generation launched its production in 2005 and continued up to 2009. From 2009 to 2015, the production of the fourth iteration of the Stepwagon took place. The fifth version of this minivan was manufactured from 2015 up to 2022. It features a two-way tailgate known as “wakuwaku” Gate. The Honda Stepwagon is currently in its sixth iteration of production.
The 2019 Honda Stepwagon comes with two engine options, a 1.5 L (Petrol), and a 2.0 L (Hybrid) connected to a CVT. Click here to purchase the 2019 Honda Stepwagon Buyer’s Guide. 

2019 Honda Stepwagon Grades
1. Honda Stepwagon G- This grade comes with automatic sliding doors, power windows, air conditioning, and a basic audio system.
2. Honda Stepwagon LX- This grade features fog lights, alloy wheels, cruise control, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
3. Honda Stepwagon EXV- This grade has LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and Honda sensing safety suite.
4. Honda Stepwagon Spada- This grade is equipped with a navigation system, a moonroof, power tailgate, blind spot monitoring, and a lane departure warning.

Interior
Legroom & Space
The 2019 Honda Stepwagon has a spacious cabin that is somewhat pleasant. The first row has sufficient legroom and headroom and its seats can be reclined to meet a desired posture. The second row has plenty of knee room and headroom. The seats can either be moved forward or backward to create more space. The third row seat is impressive as well as it can accommodate taller passengers for it has ample legroom and headroom.

Cabin Storage
The 2019 Honda Stepwagon has multiple storage compartments designed to improve the ride comfort of its occupants by neatly storing or holding their gears with an ease of access. The first row has an open center console, a glove box compartment, door panel storage and cupholders. Second row passengers have access to jacket pockets, door pockets, and a foldable tray. The third row seat is fitted with cupholders.

Boot Space
The 2019 Honda Stepwagon has a small boot space when all the seats are in place. The second and third row seats can be folded to create more space for more freight.

Exterior
The 2019 Honda Stepwagon has a dynamic and contemporary appearance. The front end is distinguished courtesy of its massive grille that exude boldness and confidence with the Honda badge adorned on it to stamp its presence and authority. Flanking the chrome grille are angular headlights integrated with LED daytime running lights that add an upscale look to this minivan. Fog lights and air vents are incorporated in the lower bumper.
Character lines and alloy wheels define the side profile as its sliding doors are electronically driven for ease of boarding or alighting the vehicle. The alloy wheels minimizes the conservativeness of this minivan for it is eye-catchy and coats attention. The windows are large and allow more light into the cabin for better ambience. The door handles bear some chrome embellishments hence distinguishing it from the overall body color of the Stepwagon.
A roof spoiler is strategically positioned on the rear end of the high roofline to enhance the overall aesthetics of the Stepwagon. Taillights and turn signals are neatly placed in the rear to complete the overall look of this minivan.

2019 Honda Stepwagon Safety Features
The 2019 Honda Stepwagon features multiple airbags, stability control, blind spot monitoring, electronic brake force distribution, lane departure warning, and an anti-lock braking system.

2019 Honda Stepwagon Fuel Consumption
2019 Honda Stepwagon 1.5 L petrol engine consumption- 15.5 km/l on average
2019 Honda Stepwagon 2.0 L hybrid engine consumption- 24.6 km/l on average

2019 Honda Stepwagon Acceleration
2019 Honda Stepwagon 1.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.0 secs
2019 Honda Stepwagon 2.0 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.7 secs

The 2019 Honda Stepwagon Fuel Tank Capacity: 52 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2019 Honda Stepwagon has a ground clearance of 5.9 inches which is below the required standard of 6.5 inches on Kenyan roads.

Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability
Service parts for the Honda Stepwagon are generally affordable and available in Kenya. Body parts are slightly expensive and not easy to find.

Stability And Handling
The 2019 Honda Stepwagon has smooth and sturdy ride. The steering wheel is power assisted hence it adapts very well to road bends. The cabin is properly insulated to prevent outside noises from bothering the passengers. The suspension system offers a perfect balance between comfort and handling. It also cushions the occupants from jerky movements especially when traversing on uneven road surfaces. Due to its low center of gravity, it experiences minimal to zero body rolls especially when approaching tight corners. The engine works in tandem with the transmission system to deliver a smooth start and decent acceleration.
Its approach and departure angles cannot clear inclined and reclined surfaces in off-road trails without damaging its body components which are expensive to either repair or replace them hence it is advisable not to attempt driving it on off-road terrains. The brakes are very robust and together with the anti-lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution, they can bring this minivan to a complete halt in a matter of seconds hence avoiding any kind of mishap. Stability control is encompassed in this minivan to improve its handling.

Reliability
The 2019 Honda Stepwagon is regarded a reliable minivan. Due to its low ground clearance, off-road driving should be avoided as you risk damaging its body components. Transmission issues and malfunction of the electronic doors are the most commonly reported problems in the Stepwagon. Regular service and maintenance are required to avoid experiencing such problems.
Click here to purchase the 2019 Honda Stepwagon Buyer’s Guide. 

Resale Value: Average

Honda Stepwagon Competitors: Toyota Noah, Toyota Voxy, Nissan Serena, Mazda Biante, and Mitsubishi Delica.

What we like about the 2019 Honda Stepwagon
Spacious and versatile interior
Pleasant and complacent ride
Excellent fuel economy
Modern safety features

What we don’t
Less sporty handling
The cargo space behind the third row seat might not be the largest in its class

Conclusion
The 2019 Honda Stepwagon has managed to climb up the ladder as one of the most desired and promising minivan hence its demand not only in Kenya but also globally. Folks with large families will definitely appreciate its roomy cabin that can be easily configured to either ferry people or haul freight. Enthusiasts who are after performance will not find it in the Stepwagon as it prioritizes fuel economy over a thrilling and sporty ride. Owing to its high acquisition cost, people on a tight budget may not be in a position to buy this minivan.