Nigeria’s car market is highly competitive, especially with the advent of the new era of EV cars. To be part of popular in Nigeria, a car must be affordable, have easy access to spare parts, and offer good fuel efficiency, while our percentage of the Nigerian automotive market is dominated by Japanese brands, especially Toyota, Lexus and Honda.
In this article, we’ll reveal the top 10 most popular cars in Nigeria for 2025, based on current trends, used car sales data, and local preferences. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or just curious, this guide is your shortcut to understanding Nigeria’s auto scene.
Why It’s Popular: The Toyota Corolla is Nigeria’s undisputed king of the roads, often spotted multiple times on any given street. Its popularity stems from its affordability (used models start at around ₦2 million), exceptional fuel efficiency, and legendary reliability. The Corolla’s compact design suits urban commuting, while its low maintenance costs and availability of spare parts make it a favourite for ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt. Its sleek design and tech features, like an 8-inch touchscreen and safety suite (lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control), appeal to tech-savvy drivers.
Price Range: ₦2 million – ₦18 million (used to new).
Why It’s Popular: It's always very confusing to keep up whether it's the Toyota Camry or the Toyota Corolla that is more popular on Nigerian roads, but still Corolla takes the lead, leaving the Toyota Camry as the second most popular car in Nigeria, offering a staple for middle and high-income families, offering a blend of comfort with little lxuruy interior, while (Toyota Avalon takes more) style, and reliability. Known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, it’s a top pick for both personal and business use. Its fuel-efficient engines and strong resale value add to its appeal. Older models (₦3 million – ₦7 million) are particularly popular for their affordability, while newer models boast advanced tech like wireless Apple CarPlay. The Camry’s dominance is no surprise; it’s practically a status symbol on Nigerian roads.
Price Range: ₦3 million – ₦25 million.
Why It’s Popular: The Honda Accord is a darling among young professionals and executives, competing head to head with the Toyota Corolla and Camry, but thanks to its sleek design, performance, and reliability. While its maintenance costs can be a little higher than Toyota’s, its fuel efficiency and comfortable cabin make it a strong contender. The Accord’s sporty handling and tech features, like adaptive cruise control, resonate with urban drivers. Its status as a semi-sporty sedan adds a touch of prestige, especially in cities like Lagos.
Price Range: ₦1.4 million – ₦60 million.
Why It’s Popular: The Toyota Sienna reigns as Nigeria’s top minivan, including best-selling and high resale value, loved for its spaciousness and versatility. It’s the go-to for large families, mass transit, and even cargo transport. Its affordability (relative to its size) and durability on rough roads make it a practical choice. The Sienna’s ability to double as a family or commercial vehicle, combined with Toyota’s reliable engineering, ensures its dominance in the minivan market.
Price Range: ₦5 million – ₦20 million.
Why It’s Popular: The number one SUV for the Toyota brand is the Highlander. Especially for Nigerians seeking a stylish, family-friendly SUV, the Toyota Highlander delivers. Its stunning design, spacious cabin, and fuel efficiency (for an SUV) make it ideal for both city and countryside drives. The Highlander’s durability and suitability for Nigeria’s diverse terrains, plus its strong resale value, cement its popularity among business owners and families.
Price Range: ₦8 million – ₦30 million.
Why It’s Popular: The Lexus RX 350 is a luxury SUV that screams class and quality. It's a smooth ride among the young Nigerian shoppers, plush interior, and advanced tech (like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen). Despite its higher price tag, its reliability and fuel efficiency (especially the hybrid model) make it a practical luxury choice. Its popularity surged in 2023, and it remains a top pick in 2025 for those who want to stand out.
Price Range: ₦9 million – ₦50 million.
Why It’s Popular: When you see the Toyota Land Cruiser, you see professionals, CEOs, and the Toyota Land Cruiser also serves as an ultimate luxury SUV for Nigeria’s wealthy elite, politicians, and corporate executives. Its rugged durability, off-road prowess, and 7-seater capacity make it perfect for both urban and rural terrains. While its price (starting at ₦70 million) is steep, its reliability and prestige make it a status symbol. It’s the vehicle of choice for those navigating Nigeria’s toughest roads with style.
Price Range: ₦70 million – ₦150 million.
Why It’s Popular: The Honda Civic is a budget-friendly alternative to the Corolla, offering similar reliability and fuel efficiency. Its compact size and stylish design appeal to younger drivers, while its affordability (starting at ₦2 million for used models) makes it accessible. The Civic’s durability and low maintenance costs make it a strong competitor in the sedan market, especially in urban areas.
Price Range: ₦2 million – ₦20 million.
Why It’s Popular: The G-Class, or G-Wagon, is a luxury icon driven by Nigeria’s elite. Its bold, boxy design and high-end performance scream exclusivity. While its fuel consumption is a drawback, its durability, comfort, and status make it worth the hefty price tag for affluent buyers. It’s a show-off vehicle that commands respect on Nigerian roads.
Price Range: ₦40 million – ₦850 million.
Why It’s Popular: The Range Rover, including models like the Vogue, is a dream SUV for many Nigerians, synonymous with luxury and social status. Its elegant design, world-class performance, and ability to handle Nigeria’s diverse terrains make it a favorite among celebrities and high-profile individuals. Despite its high cost (starting at ₦8.7 million for used models), its prestige and comfort keep it in high demand, as seen with Instigator PH’s recent 2024 Range Rover Vogue purchase.
Price Range: ₦8.7 million–₦100 million.
Nigerians prioritise cars that offer a mix of affordability, fuel efficiency, durability, and suitability for local conditions. Toyota’s dominance (Corolla, Camry, Sienna, Highlander, Land Cruiser) comes from its reputation for reliability, low maintenance costs, and widespread availability of spare parts. Honda’s Accord and Civic appeal for similar reasons but with a sportier edge. Luxury vehicles like the Lexus RX 350, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and Range Rover cater to the elite, offering prestige and performance. SUVs (Highlander, Land Cruiser, Range Rover) are favoured for their ability to handle Nigeria’s often rugged roads, while sedans (Corolla, Camry, Accord) dominate urban areas for their fuel efficiency and affordability.
For those looking to join the millions cruising in these popular models, platforms like carlots.ng offer verified listings for both new and used vehicles. Always check for warranty coverage and after-sales service to ensure a smooth ownership experience.
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