Creta II (SU2) vs Sportage V (NQ5): which is better?
Hyundai Creta II (SU2) (2021–present) vs Kia Sportage V (NQ5) (2021–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Creta II (SU2)
Kia Sportage V (NQ5)Specifications
| Hyundai Creta II (SU2) | Kia Sportage V (NQ5) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2021–present | 2021–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 | 2.0 Smartstream |
| Power, up to | 123 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque, up to | 151 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 315 mm | 4 660 mm |
| Width | 1 790 mm | 1 865 mm |
| Height | 1 635 mm | 1 665 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 610 mm | 2 755 mm |
| Ground clearance | 190 mm | 181 mm |
| Fuel tank | 50 L | 54 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
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 Sportage V (NQ5)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Kazakhstan
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Smartstream): new engines, few widespread problems so far.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Which one to choose
- Creta II (SU2) — if you care more about: ground clearance, kz tax 2026.
- Sportage V (NQ5) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
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 Sportage V (NQ5)?
Creta II (SU2): up to 123 hp, Sportage V (NQ5): up to 150 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Creta II (SU2): 190 mm, Sportage V (NQ5): 181 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Creta II (SU2) — about 13 675 ₸, Sportage V (NQ5) — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.