Tiggo 9 I vs Santa Fe V (MX5): which is better?
Chery Tiggo 9 I (2023–present) vs Hyundai Santa Fe V (MX5) (2023–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Chery Tiggo 9 I
Hyundai Santa Fe V (MX5)Specifications
| Chery Tiggo 9 I | Hyundai Santa Fe V (MX5) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2023–present | 2023–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 Turbo | 2.5 Turbo |
| Power, up to | 254 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque, up to | 390 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | dual-clutch (DCT) |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 820 mm | 4 830 mm |
| Width | 1 930 mm | 1 900 mm |
| Height | 1 699 mm | 1 720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 800 mm | 2 815 mm |
| Fuel tank | — | 67 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Chery Tiggo 9 I
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 254 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Chery 1.6/2.0 TGDI (SQRF4J16, SQRF4J20) engine: some complaints of fuel dilution of oil in the cold and carbon buildup in city driving
Engine (Chery 1.6/2.0 TGDI (SQRF4J16, SQRF4J20)): data limited; some complaints about fuel dilution of oil in cold weather and carbon buildup in city driving.
Hyundai Santa Fe V (MX5)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 281 hp
- 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
- Hyundai 8DCT gearbox (wet clutch): jerking when pulling away, software updates
Gearbox (Hyundai 8DCT (wet clutch)): jerks when pulling away, software updates.
Which one to choose
- Tiggo 9 I — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- Santa Fe V (MX5) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase.
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: Tiggo 9 I or Santa Fe V (MX5)?
Tiggo 9 I: up to 254 hp, Santa Fe V (MX5): up to 281 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Tiggo 9 I — about 16 475 ₸, Santa Fe V (MX5) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.