How we ranked
We calculated duty for each car using a 2019 model year, current exchange rates, and the standard ECOWAS tariff schedule. Rankings are based on total duty in GHS from lowest to highest.
Hyundai Accent 1.4L
Engine: 1400cc · MSRP: ~$15,000
Smallest engine, lowest MSRP, friendliest duty bracket.
Kia Rio 1.4L
Engine: 1400cc · MSRP: ~$16,000
Near-identical to Accent in duty terms. Slightly newer styling.
Nissan Sentra 1.6L
Engine: 1600cc · MSRP: ~$17,000
CVT efficiency. Low MSRP keeps CIF down.
Toyota Corolla 1.6L
Engine: 1600cc · MSRP: ~$18,000
Gold-standard reliability. Best resale offsets the slightly higher MSRP.
Hyundai Elantra 1.6L
Engine: 1600cc · MSRP: ~$18,500
Compact sedan with good space. 1.6L keeps duty low.
Kia Forte 1.6L
Engine: 1600cc · MSRP: ~$18,000
Modern features at a competitive MSRP.
Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo
Engine: 1500cc · MSRP: ~$21,000
Turbo power in a 1.5L — duty based on displacement, not power output.
Mazda 3 1.5L
Engine: 1500cc · MSRP: ~$20,000
Premium feel. Skyactiv 1.5L is very fuel efficient.
Honda HR-V 1.8L
Engine: 1800cc · MSRP: ~$21,500
Cheapest SUV to clear — 1.8L keeps it in sub-2000cc territory.
Toyota RAV4 2.0L
Engine: 2000cc · MSRP: ~$26,000
Higher MSRP but 2.0L avoids the steeper duty band. Best budget SUV.
💡 Key insight
The difference between #1 and #10 can be GHS 30,000+. Even within the same duty band, the MSRP difference drives a significant gap. Always run the numbers before buying.
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