Sonata VIII (DN8) vs ES VII (XZ10): which is better?
Hyundai Sonata VIII (DN8) (2019–present) vs Lexus ES VII (XZ10) (2018–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Sonata VIII (DN8)
Lexus ES VII (XZ10)Specifications
| Hyundai Sonata VIII (DN8) | Lexus ES VII (XZ10) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2019–present | 2018–present |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 Smartstream | 2.5 (ES250) |
| Power, up to | 180 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque, up to | 232 Nm | 243 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 900 mm | 4 975 mm |
| Width | 1 860 mm | 1 865 mm |
| Height | 1 445 mm | 1 445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 840 mm | 2 870 mm |
| Ground clearance | 155 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Hyundai Sonata VIII (DN8)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Smartstream G2.5 engine: some complaints of oil consumption
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Smartstream G2.5): new engine, data still accumulating; some complaints about oil consumption.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Lexus ES VII (XZ10)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 200 hp
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota Dynamic Force engine (A25A, M20A, T24A, V35A): new, little reliability data so far
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota Dynamic Force (A25A, M20A, T24A, V35A)): few widespread issues: the engines are relatively new, with less data.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- ES VII (XZ10) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase.
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 VIII (DN8) or ES VII (XZ10)?
Sonata VIII (DN8): up to 180 hp, ES VII (XZ10): up to 200 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Sonata VIII (DN8) — about 29 450 ₸, ES VII (XZ10) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.