Car of the Month : Nissan X-Trail - A Nissan for the masses!

Fleet • May 24, 2024
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Nissan has quite a large range of cars, from really small ones like the Note to SUVs or even the big pickup truck, Navara. Don’t forget that you can read our reviews for Note, uke and Navara on our website. Now we’ll continue with our review to the 2018 X-Trail and hopefully we’ll be able to hire or buy and drive

So let’s start with the X-Trail. The Nissan X-Trail 2018,  which is the highest trim you can choose, comes with almost every option available for this car.


The X-Trail we had the chance to test-drive came in a Dark Brown color and to be honest, it fits perfectly and let me tell you why. I see this car as a family car, not a fun one and if you ask me, it looks good and I don’t really think you can say it copies some other brand, but it looks a lot like its little brother, Qashqai.

Since we’re talking about the exterior, let's talk about the headlights. They are full LED and the visibility is awesome during the night. Also the tailgate is powered, it takes forever to open or close but it has a button that can deactivate it and you can open or close it manually. Continuing with the exterior, I really liked the 19 inch wheels and they are the perfect size for this car – they look good and they don’t sacrifice the comfort.


Moving to performance, Nissan made some more options available for the X-Trail compared to the Qashqai. We had the 2.0 dCi engine, 177 HP with the X-Tronic transmission, which is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and also equipped with All Mode 4x4-i.

Now, 177 HP doesn’t sound too much for a car this big and yes, it could use around 200 HP to be honest, but the engine felt really good and if we ignore the CVT lag, it accelerates decently for an SUV (10 seconds to 100 km/h). The X-Trail also comes with one petrol 1.6 engine, 163 HP and Manual Transmission, 1.6 diesel engine with 130 HP, 2WD or 4WD, Manual or CVT. But if you want to buy this car, I totally recommend the 2.0 dCi X-Tronic 4WD model as it has over 1.5-tonnes and if you load a lot of stuff inside of it, it can get really heavy.


The driving experience was ok, I mean this is not a sporty car and you won’t get too much feedback in the steering wheel, but it is comfortable and I think this is what people are looking for if they buy an X-Trail. We took this car on some bad roads and let me tell you, it felt really comfortable. As I said, it is not sporty and if you go too fast, you’ll feel quite a lot of body roll and it will understeer, but if you want to go fast, don’t buy this car.

Talking about the driving experience, there are 4 cameras around the car that give you a 360 degrees view, so even if it is a big car, it will be easy to park. Also, the Tekna version comes equipped with a lot of safety equipments like High Beam Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Park Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and some other mandatory electronic assists.


Moving to the interior, I can’t really say it’s a special one, but once you start looking around, you’ll find some nice features like heated steering wheel, heated front and back seats, dual zone climate control, a decent sized 7-inch infotainment screen and a perfect steering wheel (I really like the steering wheel).

The seats are really comfortable and the leather was perforated, so they felt really good. The material around the cabin is quite nice, I mean, it is better than I expected as it is soft touch material almost everywhere in the cabin, with a few exceptions where you’ll find hard plastics, but you don’t really touch those areas.


This car was also equipped with a panoramic sunroof and an automatic shade which was great. The opening is not so big, but it is enough to get some fresh air inside. It doesn’t have any wind protection, so when you go over 80 kmh, it gets really noisy inside if you don’t close the panoramic roof.


Moving to the infotainment, let’s just say that it is really simple to use and it does the job, but it misses Apple Car Play, Android Auto and a better screen with better graphics. Don’t get me wrong, most of the people that will buy this car will be happy with it as it also has Bluetooth connectivity, USB socket and DAB Radio. Also, the Tekna version comes with Bose sound system which sounds really good. The sound system features a subwoofer in the spare wheel and in the front seats you can’t really hear it as it is far behind in the car, but don’t worry, the other speakers will do a decent enough job.


There is huge amount of room in the back and the rear seats are adjustable, so there’s nothing I can really complain regarding the back seats. The boot space is also pretty huge with over 500 liters and it can go up to almost 2000 liters. Also the boot has some dividers and you can also lower the floor of the boot, which is awesome as you can get even more space.


3 things I really like about the X-Trail:

1.      If you can’t tell so far, the comfort that it offers.

2.      The looks – it looks like a family car and that's exactly what it is.

3.      The 4WD system which worked great in off-road environment.

By Lifestyle Maga September 8, 2026
Simply the best way to hire your wedding fleet
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Planning to travel around Kenya in style? Whether you are visiting for business, attending a high-profile event, hosting VIP guests, going on a luxury safari, or simply want to make your trip more memorable, hiring a high-end luxury car can transform the entire experience. Kenya offers an increasingly sophisticated selection of premium and luxury vehicles for hire, from executive sedans and luxury SUVs to premium vans, limousines and chauffeur-driven vehicles. But hiring a luxury vehicle is about more than simply choosing the most expensive car available. The right luxury car hire company should combine vehicle quality, reliability, convenience, professional service, flexible rental options and confidence that your booking will be handled properly. For customers looking for a convenient way to hire a premium or luxury vehicle in Kenya, Riderentals.co is our highly recommended choice. The platform offers access to a broad range of vehicles, including luxury and executive cars, SUVs, executive vans and chauffeur-driven options, with services available in Nairobi, Mombasa and other parts of Kenya. What Is Considered a High-End Luxury Car in Kenya? There is no single definition of a luxury rental car. In the Kenyan market, the category can include several types of vehicles depending on the occasion and requirements. Luxury SUVs Luxury SUVs are particularly popular because they combine prestige, comfort, space and practicality. Examples include: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Toyota Land Cruiser V8 Range Rover Lexus SUVs Mercedes-Benz SUVs High-specification premium SUVs They are particularly suitable for executive travel, VIP guests, family holidays and luxury safaris. Executive Sedans For business travellers and corporate executives, an executive sedan can provide a more discreet and professional alternative to a large SUV. Examples include: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz E-Class BMW executive models Audi executive models Toyota Crown Other premium saloons For example, Riderentals currently lists the Mercedes-Benz C200 as an executive luxury sedan suitable for business meetings, airport transfers and special occasions, with self-drive and chauffeur-driven options. The Toyota Crown is another executive option offered through Riderentals, positioned around comfort, long-distance travel and corporate use. Luxury & Executive Vans Luxury travel isn't always about travelling alone. For families, corporate groups and VIP delegations, executive vans such as the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire can offer an excellent combination of passenger space and premium comfort. Riderentals lists executive Alphard/Vellfire rentals and broader executive van options, alongside its other vehicle categories. Why Hire a Luxury Car in Kenya? 1. Make a Strong First Impression Arriving at an important business meeting in a premium vehicle creates a very different impression from arriving in an ordinary rental car. Luxury vehicles are particularly appropriate for: Corporate meetings Investor visits Conferences Diplomatic and VIP movements Airport pickups Business dinners Executive functions If you are welcoming an international business partner to Kenya, the journey from the airport can be part of the hospitality experience. 2. Airport Transfers for VIPs Kenya receives thousands of business and leisure travellers through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport and Moi International Airport . For an executive traveller, the airport experience shouldn't end at baggage collection. A premium vehicle can provide: Comfortable airport pickup Professional chauffeur service Luggage space Privacy Convenient hotel transfer A more comfortable journey after a long flight Riderentals provides airport transfer and chauffeur-driven services as part of its broader car-hire offering. 3. Luxury Safaris in Kenya A luxury safari doesn't have to begin when you reach the lodge. The journey itself can be part of the experience. For travellers visiting destinations such as: Maasai Mara Amboseli Tsavo Samburu Nanyuki Naivasha Diani Laikipia a premium SUV can provide a comfortable and enjoyable way to travel. For more demanding routes, however, customers should consider the road conditions and choose a vehicle appropriate for the destination rather than simply choosing a vehicle because it looks luxurious. This is where working with an experienced rental platform becomes particularly useful. 4. Weddings & Special Events Luxury vehicles are extremely popular for weddings and special occasions. A premium car can be used for: Bride and groom transportation Bridal party transportation VIP guests Corporate events Graduation ceremonies Anniversaries Photoshoots Private celebrations Depending on the occasion, customers may choose anything from a premium sedan to a luxury SUV, executive van or limousine. Riderentals also lists limousine and executive transportation options for clients looking for premium event transportation. 5. Corporate Travel For companies, hiring luxury vehicles can make sense when bringing together: International executives Directors Investors Consultants Conference delegates Government or institutional guests VIP clients Instead of arranging several ordinary vehicles, an organisation can select appropriate executive transportation based on the number of passengers and the nature of the event. Riderentals offers corporate rental options alongside self-drive and chauffeur-driven services. Self-Drive or Chauffeur-Driven Luxury Car? One of the most important decisions when hiring a premium vehicle is whether you want to drive yourself or hire a chauffeur. Self-Drive Luxury Car Hire Self-drive gives you: Privacy Independence Flexible departure times Control over your itinerary Freedom to make stops A more personal driving experience This can be ideal for experienced drivers who are comfortable navigating Kenyan roads. Riderentals offers self-drive rentals subject to its verification and rental requirements. Its published rental process indicates that renters must be approved before starting a self-drive trip. Chauffeur-Driven Luxury Car Hire For many VIP and corporate journeys, chauffeur-driven travel is the better option. With a professional driver, you can focus on: Meetings Calls Emails Relaxing Enjoying the scenery Spending time with family Preparing for an event A chauffeur is particularly useful when the customer is unfamiliar with Nairobi or Kenya, has a busy itinerary, or simply doesn't want to deal with traffic and navigation. How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Luxury Car in Kenya? Luxury vehicle rental prices vary considerably. The cost depends on: Vehicle model Vehicle age/specification Rental duration Self-drive or chauffeur-driven Destination Mileage Season Security deposit Insurance/protection arrangements Delivery and collection requirements Special event requirements For example, Riderentals currently lists the Mercedes C200 from approximately KES 15,000 per day , while its Toyota Crown listings start from approximately KES 8,500 per day . Premium SUVs and luxury vehicles can command considerably higher rates depending on the vehicle and rental requirements. For an accurate quotation, customers should provide their dates, destination, number of passengers and preferred vehicle category . Why Riderentals Is One of the Best Ways to Hire a Luxury Car in Kenya There are many ways to find a luxury rental vehicle in Kenya. You can search social media. You can call individual car owners. You can ask friends. You can visit traditional rental companies. Or you can use a platform designed to make the process easier. Our recommendation: Riderentals. Riderentals.co brings together a broad range of vehicle categories, including economy cars, SUVs, 4x4s, executive vehicles, luxury cars, vans and buses. The platform supports both self-drive and chauffeur-driven rentals. This makes it particularly useful when your requirements aren't limited to one specific vehicle. For example, you may initially be looking for: "A luxury SUV for a three-day business trip." But after discussing your requirements, you may discover that an executive sedan or chauffeur-driven vehicle is actually more suitable. That flexibility is one of the reasons we strongly recommend Riderentals for luxury car hire in Kenya. What Makes Riderentals Different? 1. Wide Vehicle Selection Instead of restricting customers to one type of vehicle, Riderentals provides access to different categories. This includes: Economy cars Sedans SUVs 4x4s Luxury cars Executive cars Executive vans Tour and safari vehicles Buses The current platform also lists vehicles such as Toyota Prado, executive Alphard/Vellfire vans and other categories. 2. Self-Drive AND Chauffeur Options Some customers want to drive. Others don't. Riderentals supports both requirements, allowing customers to select the arrangement that works best for their trip. 3. Flexible Rental Periods Luxury travel doesn't always fit into a one-day rental. You may need a vehicle for: One day A weekend One week Several weeks A month A longer corporate assignment Riderentals offers daily, weekly and monthly rental options across its vehicle categories. 4. Delivery & Pickup Convenience is particularly important when hiring a premium vehicle. Depending on the booking, vehicle delivery and collection can make the experience considerably easier. Riderentals advertises delivery and pickup options in Nairobi and other service areas. 5. Nationwide Reach Although Nairobi is the centre of Kenya's corporate and luxury travel market, customers don't necessarily stay in Nairobi. Riderentals serves customers in locations including Nairobi and Mombasa , with broader coverage across Kenya. This can be particularly useful for travellers who want to start their journey in one location and travel to another part of the country. What Should You Check Before Hiring a Luxury Car? Before confirming your booking, ask the rental provider: Is the vehicle insured and roadworthy? You should understand the protection arrangements and rental terms before taking possession of the vehicle. What is included in the rental price? Clarify: Daily rental Mileage Chauffeur Fuel Delivery Collection Parking Additional driver Security deposit Other applicable charges Is the vehicle available for my dates? Premium vehicles tend to have more limited availability than ordinary cars. If you need a specific model for a wedding, conference or VIP visit, book early . What documents are required? Self-drive rentals generally require appropriate identification and driving documentation, with additional requirements potentially applying depending on the customer and vehicle. Luxury Car Hire for International Visitors to Kenya Kenya is one of Africa's leading tourism and business destinations. International visitors may arrive for: Safari holidays Beach holidays Conferences Business meetings Investment trips Weddings Family visits Corporate events For these travellers, the convenience of arranging a premium vehicle before arrival can be invaluable. Instead of trying to negotiate transportation after landing, you can arrange your vehicle in advance and coordinate pickup or delivery. For visitors who aren't familiar with Kenyan roads, chauffeur-driven luxury car hire can also be an excellent option. How to Book a Luxury Car with Riderentals The process is straightforward. Step 1: Choose your dates Know when you need the vehicle. Step 2: Tell Riderentals your destination For example: Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nairobi or JKIA → Nairobi hotel → meetings → JKIA Step 3: Tell them how many people are travelling This helps determine whether you need a sedan, SUV or executive van. Step 4: Choose self-drive or chauffeur Tell the team which option you prefer. Step 5: Select your vehicle Riderentals can recommend an appropriate vehicle based on your requirements and budget. Step 6: Complete the required verification Self-drive customers must meet the applicable verification requirements before the vehicle is released. Step 7: Confirm your booking Once everything is agreed, your vehicle can be arranged for pickup or delivery as applicable. The Best Luxury Car Is the One That Fits Your Journey It is tempting to focus exclusively on the badge. Mercedes. BMW. Range Rover. Lexus. Toyota Land Cruiser. But the smartest luxury rental decision is actually about the journey . Ask yourself: How many people are travelling? How much luggage do we have? Where are we going? Will we be driving ourselves? Are we travelling on highways or rough roads? Do we need a chauffeur? How long are we staying? What level of comfort and prestige do we want? Once you answer those questions, choosing the right vehicle becomes much easier. Final Verdict: Where Should You Hire a Luxury Car in Kenya? If you're looking for high-end, executive or luxury car hire in Kenya , our strongest recommendation is Riderentals.co . The platform combines a broad vehicle selection with self-drive and chauffeur-driven options, flexible rental periods, airport and delivery services, and coverage in key Kenyan destinations. Whether you're: Welcoming an important business guest, Planning a luxury safari, Attending a wedding, Hosting international visitors, Travelling with family, Going to an important corporate event, Looking for an executive airport transfer, or Simply want to experience Kenya from behind the wheel of a premium vehicle, Riderentals makes it easier to find and arrange the right vehicle for your journey. Ready to hire a luxury car in Kenya? Book online: www.riderentals.co Call/WhatsApp: +254 714 877 948 Tell Riderentals your dates, destination, number of passengers and preferred vehicle , and let the team recommend the best option for your journey. Riderentals — Your journey. Your choice. Your car.
By Tripple K August 6, 2026
Whether you're planning a family holiday, a business trip, a safari adventure, or a weekend road trip, choosing the right SUV can make all the difference. Mid-size 7-seater SUVs continue to be the preferred choice for Kenyan families thanks to their spacious interiors, excellent fuel economy, and ability to comfortably handle both city roads and rough terrain. Here are the Top 5 Affordable Family Mid SUVs to Hire in Kenya in 2026. 1. Mazda CX-8 – Best Overall Family SUV The Mazda CX-8 is quickly becoming one of Kenya's favorite premium family SUVs. It combines luxury, comfort, fuel efficiency, and generous passenger space without the premium rental cost. Why families love it Seats up to 7 passengers Comfortable third row Premium leather interior Large luggage capacity Excellent fuel economy Smooth highway driving Perfect for: Family vacations Airport transfers Business executives Weddings Long-distance travel 2. Toyota Fortuner – Best for Adventure & Safaris The Toyota Fortuner remains Kenya's most trusted SUV thanks to its legendary reliability. Highlights Powerful diesel engine Excellent off-road capability Comfortable for long trips Spacious boot Great for rough roads Ideal for: Maasai Mara Amboseli Naivasha Nanyuki Diani Road Trips 3. Toyota Prado TX – Premium Family Choice If you're looking for luxury without sacrificing practicality, the Prado TX is difficult to beat. Why hire it Luxury interior High driving position Excellent ride quality Suitable for every Kenyan road Reliable for long-distance travel Perfect for: Corporate travel VIP guests Family safaris Weddings 4. Mitsubishi Outlander – Best Budget Family SUV The Mitsubishi Outlander offers impressive value for families seeking a comfortable and economical SUV. Benefits Affordable rental rates Fuel efficient Comfortable seating Easy to drive Spacious interior Ideal for: Nairobi driving Weekend trips School holidays Family visits 5. Nissan X-Trail – Practical Everyday SUV The Nissan X-Trail remains one of Kenya's most practical SUVs for everyday family travel. Features Comfortable cabin Good luggage space Fuel efficient Smooth ride Affordable hire rates Suitable for: Family outings Business travel Upcountry trips Daily rentals Why Hire Your Family SUV from Riderentals? At Riderentals , we offer well-maintained family SUVs designed for comfort, reliability, and peace of mind. What you get Self-drive or chauffeur-driven options Airport pickup and delivery Daily, weekly, and monthly rentals Corporate rental packages Nationwide delivery 24/7 customer support Competitive pricing Clean, professionally maintained vehicles Whether you're traveling within Nairobi , heading to Naivasha , exploring Maasai Mara , visiting Diani , or planning an upcountry family trip, Riderentals has the perfect SUV for your journey. Book Your Family SUV Today 📞 Call/WhatsApp: 0714 877 948 🌐 Website: www.riderentals.co Riderentals – Safe Drives. Better Journeys. Popular Searches Car hire Nairobi SUV rental Kenya 7-seater car hire Nairobi Family SUV rental Kenya Self-drive SUV hire Toyota Prado hire Nairobi Mazda CX-8 rental Kenya Fortuner hire Nairobi Affordable SUV rental Kenya Airport transfer Nairobi Long-term car rental Kenya Chauffeur-driven SUV Nairobi