Cruze I (J300) vs Elantra V (MD): which is better?
Chevrolet Cruze I (J300) (2009–2015) vs Hyundai Elantra V (MD) (2010–2015): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Chevrolet Cruze I (J300)
Hyundai Elantra V (MD)Specifications
| Chevrolet Cruze I (J300) | Hyundai Elantra V (MD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2009–2015 | 2010–2015 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.8 | 1.6 |
| Power, up to | 141 hp | 132 hp |
| Torque, up to | 176 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 597 mm | 4 530 mm |
| Width | 1 788 mm | 1 775 mm |
| Height | 1 477 mm | 1 445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 685 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 150 mm |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 48 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 15 075 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Chevrolet Cruze I (J300)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- GM 6T30/6T40/6T45 etc. gearbox: 3-5-R clutch pack wave spring failure (6T40/6T45)
Gearbox (GM 6T30/6T40/6T45, etc.): broken wave spring in the 3-5-R clutch pack (6T40/6T45); jerks when the valve body wears.
Hyundai Elantra V (MD)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 engine (G4FC, G4FG): catalytic converter breakdown and debris entering the cylinders — scoring
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 (G4FC, G4FG)): catalytic converter breakdown with debris entering the cylinders — scoring; timing chain stretch after 150k km; knocking when worn (valves adjusted with shims).
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Which one to choose
- Cruze I (J300) — if you care more about: power, torque, fuel tank.
- Elantra V (MD) — if you care more about: wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
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: Cruze I (J300) or Elantra V (MD)?
Cruze I (J300): up to 141 hp, Elantra V (MD): up to 132 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Cruze I (J300) — about 15 075 ₸, Elantra V (MD) — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.