Cerato III (YD) vs Corolla E170: which is better?
Kia Cerato III (YD) (2013–2018) vs Toyota Corolla E170 (2013–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Kia Cerato III (YD)
Toyota Corolla E170Specifications
| Kia Cerato III (YD) | Toyota Corolla E170 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2013–2018 | 2013–2019 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 | 1.6 |
| Power, up to | 130 hp | 122 hp |
| Torque, up to | 157 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 560 mm | 4 620 mm |
| Width | 1 780 mm | 1 775 mm |
| Height | 1 445 mm | 1 465 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 700 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Ground clearance | 150 mm | 150 mm |
| Fuel tank | 50 L | 55 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Kia Cerato III (YD)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 engine (G4FC, G4FG): catalytic converter breakdown and debris entering the cylinders — scoring
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 (G4FC, G4FG)): catalytic converter breakdown with debris entering the cylinders — scoring; timing chain stretch after 150k km; knocking when worn (valves adjusted with shims).
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Toyota Corolla E170
Pros
- Toyota CVT gearbox: generally reliable
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 1ZR-FE/FAE engine (1.6): oil consumption from 150k km
- Toyota CVT gearbox: jerking with old fluid
Engine (Toyota 1ZR-FE/FAE (1.6)): oil consumption from 150k km; VVT-i coupling rattle; water pump leak.
Gearbox (Toyota CVT): generally reliable; jerks with old oil.
Which one to choose
- Cerato III (YD) — if you care more about: power, torque.
- Corolla E170 — if you care more about: 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: Cerato III (YD) or Corolla E170?
Cerato III (YD): up to 130 hp, Corolla E170: up to 122 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Cerato III (YD): 150 mm, Corolla E170: 150 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Cerato III (YD) — about 13 675 ₸, Corolla E170 — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.