Sportage V (NQ5) vs C5 I: which is better?
Kia Sportage V (NQ5) (2021–present) vs Omoda C5 I (2022–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Kia Sportage V (NQ5)
Omoda C5 ISpecifications
| Kia Sportage V (NQ5) | Omoda C5 I | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2021–present | 2022–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 Smartstream | 1.5 Turbo |
| Power, up to | 150 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque, up to | 192 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 660 mm | 4 400 mm |
| Width | 1 865 mm | 1 830 mm |
| Height | 1 665 mm | 1 588 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 755 mm | 2 630 mm |
| Ground clearance | 181 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 54 L | 51 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 8 650 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Kia Sportage V (NQ5)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Kazakhstan
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Smartstream): new engines, few widespread problems so far.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Omoda C5 I
Pros
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Chery 1.5 (SQRE4T15C) engine: some complaints of oil consumption and fuel dilution of oil on short winter trips
- Chery CVT25 CVT: complaints of jerks when pulling away and whine
- Front-wheel drive only
Engine (Chery 1.5 (SQRE4T15C)): data still limited; some complaints about oil consumption and fuel dilution of oil on short winter trips.
Gearbox (Chery CVT25 CVT): limited statistics; complaints about jerks when pulling away and droning.
Which one to choose
- Sportage V (NQ5) — if you care more about: power, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- C5 I — if you care more about: torque, 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: Sportage V (NQ5) or C5 I?
Sportage V (NQ5): up to 150 hp, C5 I: up to 147 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Sportage V (NQ5) — about 16 475 ₸, C5 I — about 8 650 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.