Creta II (SU2) vs Sonet I: which is better?
Hyundai Creta II (SU2) (2021–present) vs Kia Sonet I (2020–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Creta II (SU2)
Kia Sonet ISpecifications
| Hyundai Creta II (SU2) | Kia Sonet I | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2021–present | 2020–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 | 1.5 |
| Power, up to | 123 hp | 115 hp |
| Torque, up to | 151 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 315 mm | 3 995 mm |
| Width | 1 790 mm | 1 790 mm |
| Height | 1 635 mm | 1 610 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 610 mm | 2 500 mm |
| Ground clearance | 190 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 50 L | 45 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 8 650 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Hyundai Creta II (SU2)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Kazakhstan, Russia
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- 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
- Front-wheel drive only
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.
Kia Sonet I
Pros
- Local assembly: Uzbekistan
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Hyundai IVT CVT gearbox: some complaints of jerking when pulling away
- Small tank: 45 L
- Front-wheel drive only
- Modest power: up to 115 hp
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Smartstream): new engines, few widespread problems so far.
Gearbox (Hyundai IVT CVT): the gearbox is relatively new, statistics are being gathered; there are complaints about jerks when pulling away.
Which one to choose
- Creta II (SU2) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- Sonet I — if you care more about: 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: Creta II (SU2) or Sonet I?
Creta II (SU2): up to 123 hp, Sonet I: up to 115 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Creta II (SU2) — about 13 675 ₸, Sonet I — about 8 650 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.