Sonata VII (LF) vs Teana L33: which is better?
Hyundai Sonata VII (LF) (2014–2019) vs Nissan Teana L33 (2014–2020): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Nissan Teana L33Specifications
| Hyundai Sonata VII (LF) | Nissan Teana L33 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2014–2019 | 2014–2020 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.4 | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 188 hp | 172 hp |
| Torque, up to | 241 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 855 mm | 4 863 mm |
| Width | 1 865 mm | 1 830 mm |
| Height | 1 475 mm | 1 490 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 805 mm | 2 775 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 68 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Hyundai Sonata VII (LF)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 188 hp
- 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.
Nissan Teana L33
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Nissan QR25DE (2.5): oil consumption
- Gearbox Jatco JF016E/JF017E (CVT): bearing whine
Engine (Nissan QR25DE (2.5)): oil consumption; timing chain stretch; catalytic converter breakdown.
Gearbox (Jatco JF016E/JF017E (CVT)): bearing drone; belt and pulley wear; overheating.
Which one to choose
- Sonata VII (LF) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, 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 VII (LF) or Teana L33?
Sonata VII (LF): up to 188 hp, Teana L33: up to 172 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Sonata VII (LF) — about 28 750 ₸, Teana L33 — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.