UNI-K I vs Tugella I: which is better?
Changan UNI-K I (2020–present) vs Geely Tugella I (2019–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Changan UNI-K ISpecifications
| Changan UNI-K I | Geely Tugella I | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2020–present | 2019–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 Turbo | 2.0 Turbo |
| Power, up to | 233 hp | 238 hp |
| Torque, up to | 390 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 865 mm | 4 605 mm |
| Width | 1 948 mm | 1 878 mm |
| Height | 1 700 mm | 1 643 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 890 mm | 2 700 mm |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Changan UNI-K I
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Changan Blue Core engine: new, little reliability data so far
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Engine (Changan Blue Core): data limited; no widespread serious problems known so far.
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Geely Tugella I
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Geely (1.5T, 2.0T, 2.4) engine: the 2.0T (JLH-4G20) is based on the Volvo Drive-E engine
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Engine (Geely (1.5T, 2.0T, 2.4)): data limited; the 2.0T (JLH-4G20) is based on the Volvo Drive-E engine.
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- UNI-K I — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase.
- Tugella I — if you care more about: power.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: UNI-K I or Tugella I?
UNI-K I: up to 233 hp, Tugella I: up to 238 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: UNI-K I — about 16 475 ₸, Tugella I — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.