Teana L33 vs Passat B8: which is better?
Nissan Teana L33 (2014–2020) vs Volkswagen Passat B8 (2014–2023): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Nissan Teana L33
Volkswagen Passat B8Specifications
| Nissan Teana L33 | Volkswagen Passat B8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2014–2020 | 2014–2023 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 | 1.4 TSI |
| Power, up to | 172 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque, up to | 234 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Gearbox | CVT | dual-clutch (DCT) |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 863 mm | 4 767 mm |
| Width | 1 830 mm | 1 832 mm |
| Height | 1 490 mm | 1 456 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 775 mm | 2 791 mm |
| Fuel tank | 68 L | 66 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 8 650 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Nissan Teana L33
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Nissan QR25DE (2.5): oil consumption
- Gearbox Jatco JF016E/JF017E (CVT): bearing whine
Engine (Nissan QR25DE (2.5)): oil consumption; timing chain stretch; catalytic converter breakdown.
Gearbox (Jatco JF016E/JF017E (CVT)): bearing drone; belt and pulley wear; overheating.
Volkswagen Passat B8
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VW EA211 (1.2–1.4 TSI): water pump and thermostat module leaks
- Gearbox DSG DQ200 (7-speed, dry clutch): mechatronics failure (cracked accumulator, control board)
Engine (VW EA211 (1.2–1.4 TSI)): water pump and thermostat module leak; turbo wastegate rattle.
Gearbox (DSG DQ200 (7-speed, dry clutch)): mechatronic failure (cracked pressure accumulator, circuit board); dry clutch wear; jerks when pulling away and in traffic jams.
Which one to choose
- Teana L33 — if you care more about: power, fuel tank.
- Passat B8 — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, 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: Teana L33 or Passat B8?
Teana L33: up to 172 hp, Passat B8: up to 150 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Teana L33 — about 29 450 ₸, Passat B8 — about 8 650 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.