Kenyan SUV owners love to personalise their cars. Older V8s get 2020 facelift kits, G350s get G63 body kits, and Prados get bullbars, snorkels and roof racks. Meanwhile, ex-Japan Harriers and CX-5s often get Android screens to replace Japanese-language systems.
This guide covers the most popular upgrades, what to check, and when it is smarter to import a car that already has the spec you want. Prices for parts and fitting vary widely between suppliers along Kirinyaga Road, Industrial Area and specialist shops. Therefore, always get two or three written quotes.
Body kits and facelift kits
Toyota V8 facelift kit: upgrade to the 2016 or 2020 look
Facelift kits replace the bumpers, grille, headlights, tail lights and sometimes the bonnet to make an older LC200 look like a newer one. A good kit, well fitted and painted, looks convincing. However, cheap kits fit badly and can affect sensors and lights. Moreover, a facelift does not change the chassis year, which buyers and valuers will check.
G-Wagon body kits and G63 conversions
Converting a G350 or G500 to the G63 look is popular. Kits range from simple grilles and flares to full AMG-style bumpers, side exhausts and wheels. Brabus-style kits go further. Remember that a converted car is still valued as the original model, so disclose the conversion when you sell.
Range Rover body kits
Range Rover owners fit SVR-style bumpers, black packs and upgraded grilles. Some also fit "new shape" conversion kits to older cars. As with any kit, fit and finish matter most.
Prado TX body kit and new face upgrade
Owners of pre-2017 Prados often fit the 2018-style front end. Others add TZ-G style bumpers or off-road kits. Choose a shop that can show previous work.
Rims and tyres
Big wheels transform an SUV's look. However, they also make the ride harsher and tyres more expensive. On murram roads, a 22-inch rim with a thin tyre is far easier to damage than an 18-inch rim with a thicker tyre.
Toyota V8 rims: 18-inch and 20-inch rims are popular. G-Wagon rims: 20- to 22-inch rims are common, especially on G63s. Harrier rims: 18-inch rims suit most grades. Prado tyres: all-terrain tyres are a smart choice if you travel upcountry. CX-5 tyres: stick to the original size for accurate speedometer and safety systems.
Off-road and safari accessories
Bullbars, side steps and snorkels
Bullbars protect the front of a Land Cruiser or Prado in the bush. However, they add weight and can interfere with airbags and sensors on modern cars. Side steps help passengers climb in. A snorkel raises the engine air intake for river crossings and dusty roads; it must be sealed properly to work.
Roof racks and LED lights
Roof racks carry luggage, tents and spare wheels for safaris. LED light bars help on night drives in rural areas. Check that lights are legal and aimed correctly, and do not exceed the roof's load rating.
Overland builds
Some owners build their V8 or Land Cruiser 70 into a full overlander, with drawers, fridges, dual batteries and rooftop tents. A Land Cruiser 70 is often a better starting point than a luxury V8.
Lights and electronics
Headlight and tail light upgrades
Upgrading to LED or newer-style headlights and tail lights is a common part of facelift work. Make sure lights are correctly aligned and road legal.
Android screens and radio upgrades
Ex-Japan cars often have Japanese-language systems. An Android screen adds English menus, maps, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Ask whether the reverse camera, steering controls and factory amplifier will keep working. Read our English conversion guide.
Sound system upgrades
G-Wagon owners often upgrade speakers and amplifiers, and some cars already have Burmester systems. Harrier owners may have JBL systems, and CX-5 owners Bose. Repairing factory premium audio is often better than replacing it.
Security: trackers, alarms and mirror protection
Insurers usually require an approved tracker on V8s, Range Rovers, G-Wagons and Prados. An alarm and immobiliser add protection. CX-5 and Harrier owners in Nairobi also face side-mirror theft. Mirror locks, engraving and secure parking reduce the risk. Read our insurance guide.
Paint, wraps and ceramic coating
Matte black wraps, colour changes and ceramic coatings are popular, especially on G-Wagons. A wrap protects the original paint and can be removed. A ceramic coating makes washing easier and protects against sun and dust. Choose an experienced detailer.
Upgrade vs import the right spec
Upgrades can cost a lot. Often, it is cheaper to import a car that already has the facelift, the wheels or the trim you want. For example, a late LC200 already has the facelift look, and a genuine G63 AMG holds its value far better than a converted G350. We can find the exact spec for you.
Our services
1. Spec-matched imports
We import cars with the trim, wheels and options you want, so you need fewer upgrades.
2. Tracker fitting
We fit an approved tracker before handover.
3. English conversion
We arrange English conversion for ex-Japan cars before delivery.
Talk to us
Call +254 725 310 112 or WhatsApp +254 725 310 112. Browse Prado, Harrier and CX-5 prices.
