Toyota Vitz vs Toyota Passo vs Nissan Note: which should you buy in Kenya?
Last updated · Cada car guides
All three are small Japanese hatchbacks with cheap parts and easy resale in Kenya. The Toyota Passo is the cheapest and smallest (about 1.0 litre), best for town driving. The Toyota Vitz (1.0–1.5 litre) is a little bigger and the easiest to resell. The Nissan Note (1.2 litre, including the e-Power hybrid) has the most rear legroom and boot space of the three. Choose the Passo for the lowest cost, the Vitz for resale, the Note for space.
| Toyota Passo | About 1.0L petrol; smallest, cheapest |
|---|---|
| Toyota Vitz | 1.0–1.5L petrol, hybrid in newer years; strongest resale |
| Nissan Note | 1.2L petrol or e-Power hybrid; most interior space |
KRA values and import estimates
| Model | Engines (KRA) | Import estimate, newest year | Import estimate, oldest year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Passo | 996–998cc | 2026: KES 1,950,000 – KES 2,300,000 | 2019: KES 840,000 – KES 970,000 |
| Toyota Vitz | 1496cc | 2026: KES 2,750,000 – KES 2,950,000 | 2019: KES 1,150,000 – KES 1,250,000 |
| Nissan Note | 1198cc | 2026: KES 2,750,000 – KES 3,200,000 | 2019: KES 1,150,000 – KES 1,350,000 |
Landed and registered in Kenya, from KRA CRSP schedule, effective 1 July 2025; exchange and freight rates checked 2026-10-21. Estimate — final KRA assessment may differ.
How to choose
- Mostly town, one or two people: Passo.
- Mixed use, want to sell easily later: Vitz.
- Family of four or regular luggage: Note.
- Check parts prices for the exact year and engine at a garage you trust before you buy.
On Cada
Sources
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the authority named in the sources before you pay.