The 2019 Honda Stepwagon (RP Series) is the minivan for people who hate minivans. While the first generation launched way back in 1996, this 5th Generation (introduced in 2015) brought something revolutionary: the "Waku Waku Gate." This split-tailgate opens upwards like a normal van OR sideways like a fridge door. In cramped Nairobi parking lots where you can't open a huge tailgate, this feature is a life-saver.

Honda ditched the lazy 2.0L engines for high-tech options:

• 1.5L VTEC Turbo (L15B): 150 HP. RECOMMENDED Do not fear the small size. The turbo delivers 203 Nm of torque from just 1,600 RPM. This means it climbs hills much better than the 2.0L Toyota Noah, without screaming. Ideally suited for altitude.
• 2.0L e:HEV Hybrid (LFA): 184 HP (Motor). Found in the "Spada Hybrid." It is a beast. Instant electric torque makes it the fastest minivan in its class, but it is pricey.

• Magic Seats: The 3rd-row seats disappear completely into the floor (unlike the Noah where they fold up to the sides). This creates a wider, cleaner cargo area.
• Waku Waku Gate: You can open the left half of the tailgate sideways. This allows passengers to enter/exit from the rear boot in tight spots, or lets you load groceries without lifting the massive heavy gate.

• Consumption: 12–14 km/l (1.5 Turbo). The small engine is efficient if you drive gently, but thirsty if you boost hard.
• Service: The Turbo engine requires strict oil intervals (5,000km) with quality synthetic oil. Neglect leads to turbo failure.
• Parts: Body parts (tailgate glass) are unique and expensive. Mechanical parts are shared with the CR-V and Civic, so availability is decent.

Clearance: At 155mm, it is standard for the class. The "Spada" body kit lowers the front bumper, so be careful. The suspension is slightly firmer than the Noah, offering better stability in corners but a slightly harsher ride on washboard roads.

Honda Sensing is standard on nearly all 2019 models (Collision Mitigation, Lane Keep Assist). It is arguably safer than base-model Toyotas. Reliability is high, but the complex tailgate mechanism is a potential (though rare) failure point.

The following are average showroom prices for fresh imports in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Who is this for? The clever buyer who wants better performance and practicality than a Noah for a slightly lower price. Who is it NOT for? The resale-value obsessive—Honda resale is good, but Toyota is gold.