2019 Toyota Succeed: A Carimports.co.ke Review
The Big Picture
The Toyota Succeed originally launched in 2002 as the slightly larger, more luxurious brother to the Probox. The 2019 model belongs to the XP160 Series (introduced in 2014), which unified the Probox and Succeed chassis. While they now look almost identical, the Succeed is positioned as the premium workhorse, offering features like adjustable headrests, electric windows, and strictly 1.5L engines.
Quick Specs
Engine Options & Model Codes
Unlike the Probox which offers a 1.3L option, the Succeed strictly uses the 1.5L engine.
-
1.5L Petrol (Code: NCP160V) STANDARD
Features the 1NZ-FE engine. This is the same engine found in the NZE Corolla. It produces 109 HP and is paired with a CVT. It is renowned for being virtually unkillable. -
1.5L Hybrid (Code: NHP160V)
Introduced late in 2018. Features the 1NZ-FXE hybrid system (from the Aqua). Offers 27 km/l fuel economy, making it the ultimate city delivery vehicle.
Interior & Practicality
- "Sofa" Back Seat: Unlike the Probox which has a hard, vinyl bench, the Succeed features a softer, fabric rear seat with actual headrests. Your passengers will not hate you.
- Cargo King: The boxy shape allows for stacking boxes right up to the roof. The rear suspension is a 4-link coil type (unlike the leaf springs of the AD Van), allowing for heavy loads without sagging too much.
Infotainment & Technology
- Power Everything: Succeed models typically come with power front windows and power mirrors (which are often manual on base Proboxes).
- Safety: 2019 models feature Toyota Safety Sense C (Laser Radar) for collision avoidance and lane departure alerts.
Fuel Efficiency & Ownership Costs
- 1.5L Petrol Economy: 13–15 km/l
- 1.5L Hybrid Economy: 22–25 km/l (Game changer for delivery costs)
- Spares: Everywhere. You can buy a headlight or a shock absorber in any supermarket in Kenya (figuratively speaking).
Suitability for Kenyan Roads
- Ground Clearance: At 155mm, it is decent. However, most owners install spacers or heavy-duty springs to increase load capacity and clearance for rural runs.
- Durability: The suspension is legendary. It handles corrugated murram roads daily without complaining.
Safety & Reliability
The 1NZ engine is one of the most reliable engines Toyota ever built. The CVT is the only weak point if abused; change fluid every 40k km. Safety is basic but functional (2 airbags, ABS, VSC).
💰 2019 Toyota Succeed Price in Kenya
The following are estimated showroom prices for fresh imports (duty-paid) in major Kenyan cities including **Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret**.
| Trim Level | Est. Import Cost | Showroom Price | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UL / UL-X (Petrol) | Ksh 1.15M - 1.25M | Ksh 1.45M - 1.55M | ~Ksh 300k |
| Hybrid UL-X | Ksh 1.3M - 1.4M | Ksh 1.6M - 1.7M | ~Ksh 300k |
The Ci Verdict
The Toyota Succeed is the "Probox for the Boss." It does everything the Probox does but with a bit more dignity and comfort. If you need a commercial vehicle that can double as a family car on weekends without embarrassing you, buy the Succeed.