Top 10 Most Popular Cars In Tanzania for 2025

In business, every segment of the market has its behaviors and preferences. In this article, we look at 10 of the most popular cars in Tanzania for 2025 in trying to understand the features, and characteristics of these cars to enlighten future car buyers in making an informed decision when the time arrives for them to look for a new car.

Nissan Dualis

The Nissan Dualis (a rebadged version of the Nissan Qashqai) is a compact crossover SUV built by Nissan, particularly for the Japanese and European markets. It was introduced in 2007 and is still in production. It is currently in its third generation, although in the Japanese market, it was discontinued in 2014 and replaced by the Nissan Juke.

The Dualis was well-received for its comfort, versatility, and practicality. It offered a welcoming interior space, and a higher driving position, which appealed to many buyers. The Dualis is the best fit for people who prefer a high ground clearance, a small SUV, and those who frequent the beaten path.

Under the hood, the Dualis was powered by various petrol and diesel engines; the base engine is the 2.0-liter MR20DE four-cylinder with 140 hp, and a fuel consumption rate of 12.5 km/L. This engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a CVT and manual as options. Front-wheel-drive is the standard drivetrain and all-wheel-drive is available.

Used Nissan Dualis Price in Tanzania

Nissan Dualis 2010US$ 2,440 – US$ 4,700
Nissan Dualis 2012US$ 3,170 – US$ 7,920
Nissan Dualis 2013US$ 4,300 – US$ 5,980

(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of January 2025.) 

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Toyota Harrier

Used Toyota Harrier Price in Tanzania

Toyota Harrier 2008US$ 4,800 – US$ 6,570
Toyota Harrier 2015US$ 9,890 – US$ 12,220
Toyota Harrier 2021US$ 19,300 – US$ 33.860

(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of January 2025.) 

Toyota Alphard

The Toyota Alphard is Toyota’s flagship luxury 6 or 7 and 8 seats minivan, which was introduced in 2002, it is currently in its fourth generation since 2023. The Alphard is famous for its stylish design, spacious interior, and premium features.
The Alphard is the best fit for families and executives who seek comfort and luxury in a people’s career.

A standard 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE four-cylinder petrol engine powered earlier (AH10) Alphard models. A 3.0-liter 1MZ-FE V6 petrol and a 2.4-liter 2AZ-FXE hybrid system were available. Their average fuel consumption is 11 km/L, 9 km/L, and 15 km/L respectively. The 3.5-liter 2GR-FE replaced the 1MZ. Its average consumption is 11 km/L.
The Alphard AH30 came with two new engines: a 2.5-liter 2AR-FE petrol engine and a 2.5-liter 2AR-FXE petrol-hybrid engine. Their average fuel consumption is 12 km/L and 17 km/L respectively.
The new model (Alphard AH40) carried over the previous power plants but also featured two new optional engines; a turbocharged T24A-FTS and a hybrid and plug-in hybrid A25A-FXS. Their fuel consumption is rated at 10.5 km/L and 16.7 km/L respectively and 73 km of electric-only range for the PHEV model.

Used Toyota Alphard Price in Tanzania

Toyota Alphard 2007US$ 2,050 – US$ 7,870
Toyota Alphard 2010US$ 2,400 – US$ 21,940
Toyota Alphard 2024US$ 43,940 – US$ 109,540

(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of January 2025.) 

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Toyota IST

The Toyota IST (aka Urban Cruiser/Scion xA/D in some markets) is a subcompact hatchback built by Toyota from 2002 to 2016. There are two generations of the IST, XP60 and the XP110.
The IST was designed as a practical and stylish urban vehicle with a relatively small footprint enough to accommodate passengers and a few bags.
The IST is the best fit for first-time car owners, small families, and daily drives to and from the office in urban areas.

The power plants on the XP60 were the 1.5-liter 1NZ-FE and 1.3-liter 2NZ-FE petrol engines. These engines have a fuel consumption rate of 14 km/L and 17 km/L respectively.
The XP110 carried over the XP60 engines but added two options: the 1.3-liter 1NR-FE and 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE petrol engines. These engines have a fuel consumption rate of 17 km/L and 12 km/L respectively.
These engines transfer power to the wheels via a 4-speed or CVT transmission.

Used Toyota IST Price in Tanzania

Toyota IST 2005US$ 2,600 – US$ 3,560
Toyota IST 2008US$ 3,540 – US$ 4,940
Toyota IST 2009US$ 4,600 – US$ 4.600

(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of January 2025.) 

Toyota Vanguard

The Toyota Vanguard is a mid-size crossover SUV built by Toyota, specifically designed for the Japanese market. The Vanguard was introduced in 2007 with its production running until 2013. There is only one iteration of the Vanguard with varying styling cues.
The Vanguard is a larger, more rugged version of the Toyota RAV4 XA30, with similar styling cues and features.
The Vanguard is the best fit for those who need more space or prefer a slightly more off-road capable vehicle.

The standard power plant for the Vanguard is a 2.0-liter 2AZ-FE petrol engine and the 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 petrol is optional. The fuel consumption ratings for these engines are 12.6 km/L and 10.7 km/L respectively. Power to the front wheels (2.4 model) or all wheels (3.5 model) is transferred via a 4/5/6-speed or CVT transmission.

Used Toyota Vanguard Price in Tanzania

Toyota Vanguard 2010US$ 4,360 – US$ 5,570
Toyota Vanguard 2012US$ 4,250 – US$ 9,360
Toyota Vanguard 2013US$ 4,420 – US$ 9,000

(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of January 2025.) 

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Toyota Premio

The Toyota Premio is a premium compact sedan built by Toyota from 2001 to 2021. It was only available in the Japanese market. The Premio can be confused with its sibling, the Toyota Allion, due to their similarities, but the Premio is marketed as a more refined and slightly high-spec model.
The Premio is the best fit for families and those seeking a premium, reliable, and fuel-efficient compact sedan.

The Premio T240 was powered by one of three four-cylinder petrol engines; a 1.5-liter 1NZ-FE, a 1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE, and a 2.0-liter 1AZ FSE. Their fuel consumption rate is 15 km/L, 14 km/L, and 12 km/L respectively. The 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter engines were replaced with new ones on the Premio T260 which were a 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE and a 2.0-liter 3ZR-FAE. Their fuel consumption rate is 16 km/L and 13.5 km/L respectively. These engines are paired with a 4-speed automatic or CVT transmission.

Used Toyota Premio Price in Tanzania

Toyota Premio 2006US$ 4,530 – US$ 5,470
Toyota Premio 2010US$ 3,850 – US$ 6,000
Toyota Premio 2015US$ 5,940 – US$ 10,940

(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of January 2025.) 

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Mitsubishi RVR

The Mitsubishi RVR (aka ASX/Outlander Sport) is a compact crossover SUV produced by Mitsubishi. It was unveiled in 2010 and is still in production.
The RVR is the best fit for people looking for a versatile and affordable compact SUV, often providing a good mix of features, practicality, and fuel efficiency.

The RVR is powered depending on the market. Japanese models are powered by the 1.8-liter 4B10 petrol engine paired with a manual or an INVECS-III CVT transmission. US and other Asian markets were treated with the larger 2.0-liter 4B11 and 2.4-liter 4B12 petrol engines. European models were powered by the 1.6-liter 4A92 petrol or the turbocharged 1.8-liter 4N13 direct-injection diesel engine. The fuel consumption rate of the 1.8-liter 4B10 is 13 km/L.

Used Mitsubishi RVR Price in Tanzania

Mitsubishi RVR 2010MUS$ 3,270 – US$ 7,320
Mitsubishi RVR 2012US$ 3.760 – US$ 6,650
Mitsubishi RVR 2017US$ 6,870 – US$ 16,910

(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of January 2025.) 

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Toyota Wish

The Toyota Wish is a 6- or 7-seat compact MPV built by Toyota from 2003 to 2017. The Toyota Wish perfectly combines the features of an MPV and a compact car, making it a popular choice in several markets.
It is the best fit for families who need more space and practicality than a sedan but do not want a larger minivan. The Wish AE10 came fitted with one of two four-cylinder petrol engines; a 1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE or a 2.0-liter 1AZ-FSE. Their fuel consumption rate is 14.4 km/L and 13 km/L respectively.
The Wish AE20 came fitted with two newer engines: a 1.8-liter 2ZR-FAE and a 2.0-liter 3ZR-FAE. Their fuel consumption rate is 15 km/L and 13.5 km/L respectively.
These engines transfer power to the front wheels (FWD) or all wheels (AWD) through a 4-speed automatic or a Super CVT transmission.

Used Toyota Wish Price in Tanzania

Toyota Wish 2008US$ 1,330 – US$ 5,260
Toyota Wish 2010US$ 2,680 – US$ 6,400
Toyota Wish 2017US$ 8,540 – US$ 12,260

(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of January 2025.) 

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Mazda Demio

The Mazda Demio (Mazda2) is a compact car produced by Mazda. First introduced in 1996, the Demio is now in its fourth generation, with each offering improvements in design, technology, and fuel efficiency.
The Demio is the best fit for those looking for a versatile subcompact hatchback, with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and practicality. The Demio DW came with one of two four-cylinder petrol engines; the 1.3-liter B3E/B3-ME and the 1.5-liter B5E/B5-ME. Their fuel efficiency rate is 14.5 km/L and 14 km/L respectively.
The Demio DY came with one of two four-cylinder petrol engines; the 1.3-liter ZJ-VE and the 1.5-liter ZY-VE. Their fuel efficiency rate is 19 km/L and 17.5 km/L respectively.
The Demio DJ came with one of two four-cylinder petrol engines; the Skyactiv-G P3-VPS and the 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G P5-VPS. Their fuel efficiency rate is 20.6 km/L and 17 km/L respectively.

Used Mazda Demio Price in Tanzania

Mazda Demio 2010US$ 940 – US$ 3,940
Mazda Demio 2015US$ 1,900 – US$ 13,600
Mazda Demio 2019US$ 4,540 – US$ 9,720

(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of January 2025.) 

Suzuki Escudo

The Suzuki Escudo (Vitara) is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by Suzuki. The Escudo was launched in 1988 and is currently in its fourth generation.
The Escudo is the best fit for people who need a small SUV with great off-road capabilities and versatility.The Escudo ET/TA came with a standard 1.3-liter G13BA four-cylinder petrol. Its fuel consumption rate is 17 km/L.
The Escudo FT/GT came with a standard 1.6-liter G16B four-cylinder petrol. A 2.0-liter J20A four-cylinder and a 2.5-liter H25A V6 were also available. Their fuel consumption rate is 12.5 km/L, 11 km/L, and 9.8 km/L respectively.
The Escudo JT comes with a standard 1.6-liter M16A four-cylinder petrol. A 2.7-liter H27A V6 was optional. Their fuel consumption rate is 15 km/L and 9 km/L respectively.
The Escudo LY came with a turbocharged 1.0-liter K10C Boosterjet I3-T or a 1.4-liter K14C Boosterjet I4-T, and a 1.4-liter K14D Boosterjet I4-T MHEV and a 1.5-liter K15C Dualjet I4 HEV. Their fuel consumption rate is 24 km/L, 19 km/L, 18 km/L, and 22.5 km/L respectively.

Used Suzuki Escudo Price in Tanzania

Suzuki Escudo 1998US$ 3,150 – US$ 5,410
Suzuki Escudo 2005US$ 2,050 – US$ 9,870
Suzuki Escudo 2008US$ 2,380 – US$ 6,940

(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of January 2025.) 

Writer’s Perspective

The Tanzanian automotive market is diverse, with people from different regions of the country prioritizing different factors when selecting a vehicle. The key determinants for car buyers include the initial price, cost of ownership, practicality, and the condition of local roads. In urban areas, where roads are generally in good condition, most people prefer small, efficient cars that are easy to maneuver in busy city environments. In contrast, in areas with rougher road conditions, there is a preference for vehicles with higher ground clearance, and, when possible, all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) capabilities. The 10 cars featured here are currently trending in the market.

Final Verdict

The 10 cars featured in this article each stand out in their own way, and no matter which one you choose, it will be a great purchase. Our goal in writing this article is to provide you with a clearer understanding of what these cars offer, simplifying your decision-making process and ensuring that you can make an informed choice.

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