Optima III (TF) vs Camry XV50: which is better?
Kia Optima III (TF) (2010–2015) vs Toyota Camry XV50 (2011–2017): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Kia Optima III (TF)
Toyota Camry XV50Specifications
| Kia Optima III (TF) | Toyota Camry XV50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2010–2015 | 2011–2017 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.4 | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 180 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque, up to | 231 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 845 mm | 4 850 mm |
| Width | 1 830 mm | 1 825 mm |
| Height | 1 455 mm | 1 480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 795 mm | 2 775 mm |
| Ground clearance | 145 mm | 160 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 70 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Kia Optima III (TF)
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
- Low ground clearance: 145 mm
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.
Toyota Camry XV50
Pros
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Large tank: 70 L
- 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
- Optima III (TF) — if you care more about: wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
- Camry XV50 — if you care more about: power, ground clearance.
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: Optima III (TF) or Camry XV50?
Optima III (TF): up to 180 hp, Camry XV50: up to 181 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Optima III (TF): 145 mm, Camry XV50: 160 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Optima III (TF) — about 28 750 ₸, Camry XV50 — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.