Tugella I vs Highlander IV (XU70): which is better?
Geely Tugella I (2019–present) vs Toyota Highlander IV (XU70) (2019–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Toyota Highlander IV (XU70)Specifications
| Geely Tugella I | Toyota Highlander IV (XU70) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2019–present | 2019–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 Turbo | 3.5 V6 |
| Power, up to | 238 hp | 249 hp |
| Torque, up to | 350 Nm | 357 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 605 mm | 4 950 mm |
| Width | 1 878 mm | 1 930 mm |
| Height | 1 643 mm | 1 730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 700 mm | 2 850 mm |
| Fuel tank | — | 68 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
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.
Toyota Highlander IV (XU70)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 249 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Engine Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6): rubber VVT-i oil line can burst on early engines (before ~2010)
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6)): rupture of the rubber VVT-i oil line on early engines (before ~2010); water pump leak; valve cover gasket leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- Tugella I — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- Highlander IV (XU70) — 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: Tugella I or Highlander IV (XU70)?
Tugella I: up to 238 hp, Highlander IV (XU70): up to 249 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Tugella I — about 16 475 ₸, Highlander IV (XU70) — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.