Cruze I (J300) vs Avensis III (T270): which is better?
Chevrolet Cruze I (J300) (2009–2015) vs Toyota Avensis III (T270) (2008–2018): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Chevrolet Cruze I (J300)
Toyota Avensis III (T270)Specifications
| Chevrolet Cruze I (J300) | Toyota Avensis III (T270) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2009–2015 | 2008–2018 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| Power, up to | 141 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque, up to | 176 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 597 mm | 4 695 mm |
| Width | 1 788 mm | 1 810 mm |
| Height | 1 477 mm | 1 480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 685 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 15 075 ₸ | ≈ 15 075 ₸ |
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.
Toyota Avensis III (T270)
Pros
- Toyota CVT gearbox: generally reliable
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota CVT gearbox: jerking with old fluid
Gearbox (Toyota CVT): generally reliable; jerks with old oil.
Which one to choose
- Avensis III (T270) — 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: Cruze I (J300) or Avensis III (T270)?
Cruze I (J300): up to 141 hp, Avensis III (T270): up to 147 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Cruze I (J300) — about 15 075 ₸, Avensis III (T270) — about 15 075 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.