The Honda Civic and Toyota Auris represent two compelling choices in the hatchback segment for Kenyan buyers. The Civic, with its slightly higher price point, offers a more refined driving experience, while the Auris provides a broader range of fuel options, including hybrid and LPG, which can be appealing for those looking to economize on fuel costs. Both models are equipped with automatic transmissions, making them suitable for urban driving conditions in Kenya.
On current Garisea listings, the Toyota Auris is about 26% cheaper on median asking price, the Honda Civic has a newer average fleet, the Honda Civic shows lower average mileage.
| Honda Civic | Toyota Auris | |
|---|---|---|
| Median price | KSh 2,450,000 | KSh 1,820,000 |
| Typical range | KSh 2,400,000 – KSh 2,512,500 | KSh 1,350,000 – KSh 1,850,000 |
| Avg mileage | 117,359 km | 120,286 km |
| Avg age | ~8 yrs | ~11 yrs |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drive | RWD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Honda Civic
KSh 670,000
2010
Toyota Auris
KSh 885,000
2010
The 2019 Honda Civic hatchback is a versatile compact car that appeals to urban commuters and small families in Kenya. Known for its stylish design and practicality, this model is particularly suited for individuals seeking a reliable daily driver with a touch of sportiness. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating Nairobi's congested streets, while the hatchback body offers additional cargo flexibility.
The Civic is renowned for its reliability, with the 2019 model continuing this tradition. The engine and transmission are robust, though regular maintenance is crucial to avoid issues. High-mileage units may start to exhibit wear in suspension components, but the powertrain remains dependable.
Routine maintenance is straightforward, with service intervals typically every 10,000 km. The automatic transmission requires periodic fluid changes to maintain smooth operation. While parts are generally affordable, the Civic's electronics may require specialized attention from experienced mechanics.
For buyers prioritizing a more premium feel and potentially lower mileage, the Honda Civic is a strong contender, especially if resale value is a consideration, given its enduring popularity. On the other hand, the Toyota Auris is better suited for those seeking versatility in fuel options and a generally lower purchase price, making it an attractive option for first-time car owners or those looking for a reliable, cost-effective daily driver. Its familiarity to local mechanics and the availability of parts further enhance its appeal for practical-minded buyers.
Many buyers spread the cost over 12–60 months. See what monthly repayments could look like.
Explore financingOn current Garisea listings, the Toyota Auris has the lower median asking price — about 26% cheaper. The Honda Civic medians KSh 2,450,000 and the Toyota Auris medians KSh 1,820,000.
The Honda Civic typically ranges KSh 2,400,000–KSh 2,512,500 (from KSh 670,000), and the Toyota Auris KSh 1,350,000–KSh 1,850,000 (from KSh 885,000), based on active Garisea listings.
The Civic is renowned for its reliability, with the 2019 model continuing this tradition. The engine and transmission are robust, though regular maintenance is crucial to avoid issues. High-mileage units may start to exhibit wear in suspension components, but the powertrain remains dependable.
The Auris is generally reliable, with the 1.8L petrol engine (2ZR-FE) being robust and well-suited to Kenyan conditions. The hybrid system has proven durable, though battery health should be checked in older models. High mileage Auris units tend to maintain their reliability if serviced regularly.
Figures are asking prices from active Garisea listings (not sale prices). Median and quartiles are used so a few unusually priced listings don't skew the comparison.
Parts for the Honda Civic are readily available in Nairobi's Kirinyaga Road and Grogan areas, as well as through authorized Honda service centers. Genuine parts are accessible, though some electronic components may need to be imported, potentially increasing costs.
The 2019 Honda Civic's petrol engines are relatively frugal, offering decent fuel efficiency in Kenyan urban and highway conditions. Expect slightly higher fuel consumption in stop-and-go Nairobi traffic compared to open road driving.
The Toyota Auris is a compact hatchback that appeals to urban commuters and small families in Kenya. Known for its reliability and practicality, the Auris is a popular choice for those seeking a balance between efficiency and comfort. The 2016 model year, often seen on the market, offers a modern design with a focus on fuel economy, particularly in the petrol and hybrid variants. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating Nairobi's traffic and parking constraints, while its spacious interior accommodates five passengers comfortably.
The Auris is generally reliable, with the 1.8L petrol engine (2ZR-FE) being robust and well-suited to Kenyan conditions. The hybrid system has proven durable, though battery health should be checked in older models. High mileage Auris units tend to maintain their reliability if serviced regularly.
Routine maintenance is straightforward, with service intervals typically every 10,000 km. The automatic transmission requires regular fluid changes to prevent issues. Hybrid models may need specialized attention for the battery system, but Toyota's service network in Kenya can handle such needs. Parts are reasonably priced compared to peers.
Parts for the Auris are widely available in Nairobi's Kirinyaga Road and Grogan areas, as well as in major towns like Mombasa and Kisumu. Genuine parts can be sourced through Toyota's authorized service centres, while aftermarket options are plentiful. Hybrid components are less common and may require ordering through specialized dealers.
The petrol variants of the Auris offer decent fuel economy, especially on highways, though they can be slightly thirstier in stop-and-go Nairobi traffic. The hybrid variant, though rare, provides excellent fuel efficiency, making it ideal for city driving. LPG models are economical but require careful consideration of refueling infrastructure.
