HS5 II vs Santa Fe V (MX5): which is better?
Hongqi HS5 II (2023–present) vs Hyundai Santa Fe V (MX5) (2023–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hongqi HS5 II
Hyundai Santa Fe V (MX5)Specifications
| Hongqi HS5 II | 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 | 252 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque, up to | 380 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | dual-clutch (DCT) |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 790 mm | 4 830 mm |
| Width | 1 906 mm | 1 900 mm |
| Height | 1 700 mm | 1 720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 870 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
Hongqi HS5 II
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 252 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
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
- HS5 II — if you care more about: wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
- Santa Fe V (MX5) — if you care more about: power, torque.
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: HS5 II or Santa Fe V (MX5)?
HS5 II: up to 252 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: HS5 II — 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.