ix35 II (LM) vs Sportage III (SL): which is better?
Hyundai ix35 II (LM) (2010–2015) vs Kia Sportage III (SL) (2010–2016): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai ix35 II (LM)
Kia Sportage III (SL)Specifications
| Hyundai ix35 II (LM) | Kia Sportage III (SL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2010–2015 | 2010–2016 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Power, up to | 150 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque, up to | 197 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 410 mm | 4 440 mm |
| Width | 1 820 mm | 1 855 mm |
| Height | 1 655 mm | 1 635 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 640 mm | 2 640 mm |
| Ground clearance | 170 mm | 172 mm |
| Fuel tank | 58 L | 58 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Hyundai ix35 II (LM)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Theta II engine (G4KD, G4KE, G4KJ): cylinder scoring (especially the direct-injection G4KJ)
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Theta II (G4KD, G4KE, G4KJ)): cylinder scoring (especially the direct-injection G4KJ); knocking and oil consumption; catalytic converter debris in the cylinders.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Kia Sportage III (SL)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Theta II engine (G4KD, G4KE, G4KJ): cylinder scoring (especially the direct-injection G4KJ)
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Theta II (G4KD, G4KE, G4KJ)): cylinder scoring (especially the direct-injection G4KJ); knocking and oil consumption; catalytic converter debris in the cylinders.
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
- Sportage III (SL) — if you care more about: ground clearance.
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: ix35 II (LM) or Sportage III (SL)?
ix35 II (LM): up to 150 hp, Sportage III (SL): up to 150 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
ix35 II (LM): 170 mm, Sportage III (SL): 172 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: ix35 II (LM) — about 16 475 ₸, Sportage III (SL) — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.