Choose the Toyota Mark X if you want a powerful, rear-wheel-drive V6 sedan; choose the Toyota Premio if you want a comfortable, lower-running-cost front-wheel-drive sedan with smaller four-cylinder engines. Both are Japanese-market Toyotas, and both ended production around 2019–2021, which matters for age-limited countries.
Key takeaways
- The Mark X (2004–2019) is a mid-size V6 sedan with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
- The Premio (2001–2021) is a compact sedan with 1.5, 1.8 or 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines and front-wheel drive or 4WD.
- The Premio uses less fuel and is simpler to run; the Mark X is faster and more engaging.
- For Kenya, only cars first registered in 2019 or later qualify under the 2026 rule, and very few Mark X cars meet that.
1. The two cars at a glance
| Toyota Mark X | Toyota Premio | |
|---|---|---|
| Generations | X120 (2004–2009), X130 (2009–2019) | T240 (2001–2007), T260 (2007–2021) |
| Size | Mid-size sedan | Compact sedan |
| Engines | 2.5-litre V6; 3.0-litre V6 (X120); 3.5-litre V6 (X130) | 1.5, 1.8 and 2.0-litre four-cylinder |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive; all-wheel drive on some 2.5 versions | Front-wheel drive; 4WD on some versions |
| Gearbox | Automatic (manual on limited GRMN versions) | 4-speed automatic or CVT (T240); mainly CVT (T260) |
| Character | Sporty, powerful | Comfortable, economical |
2. Toyota Mark X: power and rear-wheel drive
The Mark X replaced the Mark II in 2004. It is a mid-size sedan with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, which gives smooth power and balanced handling.
The first generation offered 2.5 and 3.0-litre V6 engines. The second generation, from 2009, offered 2.5 and 3.5-litre V6 engines and was updated in 2012 and 2016. Sporty “G’s” and limited GRMN versions were also made. Production ended in 2019.
The Mark X is roomy in front and rear, though the centre rear seat is less comfortable because of the transmission tunnel. Expect higher fuel use than a four-cylinder sedan, especially with the larger V6.
Browse our Toyota Mark X stock.
3. Toyota Premio: comfort and lower running costs
The Premio is a compact premium sedan built on the same platform as the Toyota Allion. It focuses on a quiet, smooth ride and a comfortable rear seat.
The first generation used 1.5, 1.8 and 2.0-litre engines, including a direct-injection 2.0. The second generation, from 2007, used 1.5, 1.8 and 2.0-litre engines, mainly with a CVT, with facelifts in 2010 and 2016. Production ended in 2021.
Front-wheel drive makes the Premio easy to drive, and its smaller engines use less fuel than the Mark X’s V6s. Spare parts are shared with many other Toyotas.
Browse our Toyota Premio stock, or, for Kenya, Premios first registered in 2019 or later.
4. Head to head
Performance and handling
The Mark X wins clearly. Its V6 engines and rear-wheel drive make it faster and more enjoyable on good roads. The Premio is designed for relaxed, comfortable driving.
Comfort and space
Both are comfortable. The Mark X is bigger and feels more upmarket; the Premio has a flat rear floor and a quiet, soft ride.
Running costs
The Premio usually costs less to run: smaller engines, lower fuel use and simpler parts. The Mark X’s V6 needs more fuel, and larger wheels and tyres on some grades add to running costs.
Rough roads
Neither is an off-roader. The Premio with 4WD is easier on wet or loose roads than a rear-wheel-drive Mark X.
5. Import age rules
Kenya accepts only cars first registered on or after 1 January 2019, and the 2027 cut-off has not been announced yet. That leaves late Premios (2019–2021) and only the very last Mark X cars. Zimbabwe bans used vehicles 10 years or older from the date of manufacture. Check your country with our import age checker and ask our office to confirm the first registration date before paying.
What to check before you buy
- Mark X: check the automatic gearbox for smooth shifts, look for oil leaks around the V6, and inspect the rear tyres and suspension for wear.
- Premio: check the CVT for shudder or whining, and the suspension for worn bushes.
- Both: look for accident repairs, rust underneath and mismatched paint.
- Grade and drive: confirm engine size, 2WD or 4WD/AWD, and safety equipment on the listing.
- History: compare the mileage with the auction sheet and export certificate. See how to check a vehicle’s history.
Pay only by bank transfer to an account in the exporter’s company name; read how to avoid scams first.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Mark X or the Premio?
The Premio, because it uses smaller four-cylinder engines. The Mark X’s V6 engines use more fuel.
Can I import a Mark X to Kenya?
Only if it was first registered on or after 1 January 2019. Production ended in 2019, so very few cars qualify.
Is the Premio the same as the Allion?
They share the same platform and engines, with different styling. Read our Toyota Allion guide for more.
Which is better for a family?
Both seat five. The Premio is usually the better value family choice because of its lower running costs; the Mark X suits buyers who want more power and space.
See more models in our Toyota car guides, including the Toyota Altezza for another rear-wheel-drive Toyota.
