Sonata V (NF) vs Legacy IV (BL/BP): which is better?
Hyundai Sonata V (NF) (2004–2010) vs Subaru Legacy IV (BL/BP) (2003–2009): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Sonata V (NF)Specifications
| Hyundai Sonata V (NF) | Subaru Legacy IV (BL/BP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2004–2010 | 2003–2009 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.4 | 2.0 |
| Power, up to | 161 hp | 165 hp |
| Torque, up to | 220 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 800 mm | 4 665 mm |
| Width | 1 830 mm | 1 730 mm |
| Height | 1 475 mm | 1 425 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 730 mm | 2 670 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 64 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Hyundai Sonata V (NF)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
- 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.
Subaru Legacy IV (BL/BP)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- 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 V (NF) — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- Legacy IV (BL/BP) — if you care more about: power, 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: Sonata V (NF) or Legacy IV (BL/BP)?
Sonata V (NF): up to 161 hp, Legacy IV (BL/BP): up to 165 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Sonata V (NF) — about 28 750 ₸, Legacy IV (BL/BP) — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.