LX I vs Forester V (SK): which is better?
Exeed LX I (2019–present) vs Subaru Forester V (SK) (2018–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Exeed LX I
Subaru Forester V (SK)Specifications
| Exeed LX I | Subaru Forester V (SK) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2019–present | 2018–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 Turbo | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 186 hp | 185 hp |
| Torque, up to | 275 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Gearbox | dual-clutch (DCT) | CVT |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | — | 4 625 mm |
| Width | — | 1 815 mm |
| Height | — | 1 730 mm |
| Wheelbase | — | 2 670 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 220 mm |
| Fuel tank | — | 63 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Exeed LX I
Pros
- 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
- 6/7DCT dual-clutch gearbox (Chery, Haval, Geely, Changan): jerks and hesitation when pulling away
- Front-wheel drive only
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.
Gearbox (6/7DCT robotized gearbox (Chery, Haval, Geely, Changan)): jerks and delay when pulling away; overheating in traffic on some units.
Subaru Forester V (SK)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 220 mm
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Subaru FB20/FB25 engine: oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines
- Subaru Lineartronic gearbox (CVT): torque converter and chain wear
Engine (Subaru FB20/FB25): oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines; oil leaks.
Gearbox (Subaru Lineartronic (CVT)): torque converter and chain wear; overheating when wheels spin.
Which one to choose
- LX I — if you care more about: power, torque, 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: LX I or Forester V (SK)?
LX I: up to 186 hp, Forester V (SK): up to 185 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: LX I — about 13 675 ₸, Forester V (SK) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.