The best SUV category attracted high numbers during the Cheki Car Awards polling period. This is because these cars are mostly aspirational. Potential buyers are looking at propping their personal image, are keen outdoor enthusiast and love comfort.
The nominees in this category included:
- Lexus LX 570
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Range Rover Sport
Lexus LX 570
The Lexus LX 570 is the more expensive and upscale version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. It attracted a decent number of votes due to many factors. Amongst them are, the massive hexagonal grille and chrome bits that speak presence. The LX570 is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser LC200 series platform that is powered by a 5.7L V8 petrol engine.
It delivers huge doses of power and torque, spreading to the four wheels courtesy of a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, it is paired to a full-time four-wheel-drive hardware.
The Cabin is spacious, has plenty of premium materials, gadgets and equipment. In terms of safety, it comes with multiple airbags and active safety aids including ABS and Brake Assist. Currently, its costs stand at between Ksh 10-15 million. View Lexus 570 for sale.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser offers similar levels of comfort and capability as the Lexus LX570 but in an affordable guise. It costs between Ksh. 5-10 million. It comes with a powerful 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel V8 engine. It produces 650Nm sent to the four wheels via 6-speed automatics attached to full-time four-wheel-drive hardware.
Its cabin is equally spacious and practical, with up to 7 seats that are foldable. In addition, it offers technological modifications including advanced height control, suspension set up by KDDS and crawl functionality. In terms of safety, it comes with multiple airbags and aids like ABS and VSC. View Toyota Land Cruisers.
Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport took the top spot, as it represents the best in British SUV. Its advanced unibody construction gives it a strong monocoque structure. This improves safety and enhances its off-road capabilities.
It is powered by several engines starting with the efficient 3.0L V6 twin-turbo diesel to the potent 5.0L V8 supercharged petrol engine with 503 horsepower. All the wheels are connected by an 8-speed auto transmission paired to Terrain Management system 4-wheel drive unit.
The cabin is exquisitely made of plush wood and leather materials making it premium. Additionally, the comfortable seats are heated and cooled with massage functionality. The car comes with plenty of technologies like adaptive cruise control to lane keep assist. Its prices start at 5 million shillings making it a true winner in its class. View Range Rover Sports for sale.
Summary
The Range Rover Sport fended off serious competition from the Land Cruiser. Next year notable entrants like the Nissan Patrol and BMW X5 will be battling it out for this segment.