Elantra VII (CN7) vs Cerato IV (BD): which is better?
Hyundai Elantra VII (CN7) (2020–present) vs Kia Cerato IV (BD) (2018–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Elantra VII (CN7)
Kia Cerato IV (BD)Specifications
| Hyundai Elantra VII (CN7) | Kia Cerato IV (BD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2020–present | 2018–present |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 Smartstream, 2.0 Smartstream | 2.0 |
| Power, up to | 150 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque, up to | 192 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Gearbox | CVT, automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 675 mm | 4 640 mm |
| Width | 1 825 mm | 1 800 mm |
| Height | 1 430 mm | 1 450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 720 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Ground clearance | 150 mm | 150 mm |
| Fuel tank | 47 L | 50 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 Elantra VII (CN7)
Pros
- Local assembly: Kazakhstan
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai IVT CVT gearbox: some complaints of jerking when pulling away
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
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.
Kia Cerato IV (BD)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Kazakhstan
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 engine (G4NA, G4NB): cylinder scoring
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 (G4NA, G4NB)): cylinder scoring; increased oil consumption; catalytic converter debris.
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
- Elantra VII (CN7) — if you care more about: wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
- Cerato IV (BD) — if you care more about: 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: Elantra VII (CN7) or Cerato IV (BD)?
Elantra VII (CN7): up to 150 hp, Cerato IV (BD): up to 150 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Elantra VII (CN7): 150 mm, Cerato IV (BD): 150 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Elantra VII (CN7) — about 13 675 ₸, Cerato IV (BD) — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.