The Toyota RAV4 has grown in leaps and bounds and is now at par with larger SUVs in terms of interior space and driving dynamics. But yet, it still lacks the crucial third row seat that made the Toyota Vanguard so popular in Kenya and many buyers are considering the 2014 Nissan X-Trail as an alternative seeing it has now adopted the third row seat. All in all, the Toyota RAV4 is an excellent SUV that is radically different and bigger than the previous generations. it competes with the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, VW Tiguan and Mitsubishi Outlander.

Since its launch in 2005, the Toyota Fortuner has established itself as a legitimate SUV that performs almost at the same level as the Toyota Prado but it was historically hindered by rear leaf springs that gave it a bumpy truck-like ride. But now the second generation comes with coil springs all round and a new 2.8-Litre turbo diesel engine that transforms the Fortuner into a silky smooth SUV. This leads us to think it could be a better value for money than the Prado considering its lower price point. It competes with the Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Everest.

The Toyota RAV4 continues to be one of the best selling compact SUVs in Kenya and its demand is projected to grow with the phasing out of the Toyota Vanguard which is no longer available for import into the Kenyan market from 2021. It's also important for buyers to know that both the 3rd generation(2005 - 2016) and the 4th generation(2013 - 2018) RAV4 will be sold in Kenya concurrently until 2023.

The Toyota TownAce is a long running light commercial vehicle that is widely used for cargo and passenger transport. In Kenya, it is popular in the rural towns where it enjoys great success and is regarded as a reliable workhorse. Though not famed for its looks, it offers a high level of adaptability which appeals to business people. It's the same as the Toyota LiteAce and competes with the Mazda Bongo, Nissan Vanette and Mitsubishi Delica D2.

The Toyota Axio is one of the most fuel efficient saloons to buy in Kenya and with the introduction of the new hybrid model in 2013, it's now super efficient. Much as the hybrid technology is making inroads in this market, early signs indicate a slow adoption and it will take time before people fully embrace it. The good news is that the non hybrid models are still available and nothing significant has changed with them.

The Toyota Vellfire is largely the same as Toyota Alphard and differences are more cosmetic than functional. We were greatly impressed by the Toyota Alphard especially its lavish interior and we expected nothing less from its sibling. True to form, the Vellfire did not disappoint and it put on such a rousing performance that left no doubt about its claim to fame.

The Toyota Alphard was introduced to the Japanese market in 2002 as a direct competitor to the Nissan Elgrand. Up until that point, the Nissan Elgrand was dominating the 8 seater luxury category and its nearest competitor, the Toyota Hiace was woefully outmatched. Toyota went to the drawing board and answered with the Alphard and later its sibling the Vellfire which showed up in 2008. Together, they blew the Nissan Elgrand out of the water. They come with all imaginable luxuries such as remote controlled double sliding doors, lie flat seats, roof mounted Alpine monitors, dual zone climate and many more.

The Toyota Porte is a utilitarian car that would best be described as a box on wheels. It is a compact MPV that is proving to be quite a hit with businesspeople in Kenya who are drawn by its affordability and utility. It replaced the Toyota Raum which was discontinued in 2011. Thanks to its spacious interior, the Porte can be configured for multiple roles such as carrying passengers or hauling cargo. It competes with the Nissan Cube, Mazda Scrum Peugeot Partner and VW Caddy.