Sonata IV (EF) vs Impreza II (GD/GG): which is better?
Hyundai Sonata IV (EF) (1998–2012) vs Subaru Impreza II (GD/GG) (2000–2007): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Sonata IV (EF)
Subaru Impreza II (GD/GG)Specifications
| Hyundai Sonata IV (EF) | Subaru Impreza II (GD/GG) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1998–2012 | 2000–2007 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Power, up to | 131 hp | 125 hp |
| Torque, up to | — | 184 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | manual |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 747 mm | 4 415 mm |
| Width | 1 820 mm | 1 695 mm |
| Height | 1 420 mm | 1 440 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 700 mm | 2 525 mm |
| Fuel tank | 65 L | 60 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 Sonata IV (EF)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- No data
Subaru Impreza II (GD/GG)
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Subaru EJ (2.0–2.5) engine: head gasket leaks
Engine (Subaru EJ (2.0–2.5)): head gasket leaks; oil consumption; head gasket on the EJ253.
Which one to choose
- Sonata IV (EF) — if you care more about: power, 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: Sonata IV (EF) or Impreza II (GD/GG)?
Sonata IV (EF): up to 131 hp, Impreza II (GD/GG): up to 125 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Sonata IV (EF) — about 16 475 ₸, Impreza II (GD/GG) — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.
Other comparisons
Sonata vs GalantHyundai Sonata IV (EF) / Mitsubishi Galant VIII (EA)Sonata vs 626Hyundai Sonata IV (EF) / Mazda 626 V (GF)Sonata vs 3 SeriesHyundai Sonata IV (EF) / BMW 3 Series E46Impreza vs C-ClassSubaru Impreza II (GD/GG) / Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203Impreza vs MondeoSubaru Impreza II (GD/GG) / Ford Mondeo IIIImpreza vs CorollaSubaru Impreza II (GD/GG) / Toyota Corolla E120