Sonata VIII (DN8) vs Camry XV70: which is better?
Hyundai Sonata VIII (DN8) (2019–present) vs Toyota Camry XV70 (2017–2024): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Sonata VIII (DN8)
Toyota Camry XV70Specifications
| Hyundai Sonata VIII (DN8) | Toyota Camry XV70 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2019–present | 2017–2024 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 Smartstream | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 180 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque, up to | 232 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 900 mm | 4 885 mm |
| Width | 1 860 mm | 1 840 mm |
| Height | 1 445 mm | 1 455 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 840 mm | 2 825 mm |
| Ground clearance | 155 mm | 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.
Toyota Camry XV70
Pros
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 2AR-FE engine (2.5): VVT-i actuator rattle on cold start
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2AR-FE (2.5)): VVT-i coupling rattle on cold start; water pump leak; at high mileage — increased oil consumption.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- Sonata VIII (DN8) — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase.
- Camry XV70 — if you care more about: power.
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 Camry XV70?
Sonata VIII (DN8): up to 180 hp, Camry XV70: up to 181 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Sonata VIII (DN8): 155 mm, Camry XV70: 155 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Sonata VIII (DN8) — about 29 450 ₸, Camry XV70 — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.