Hyundai ix35 (2009 – 2015) Review

Hyundai ix35 (2009 – 2015) At A Glance

4/5

+Good value for money. Comfortable and refined interior. Available with two or four-wheel drive. Low CO2 emissions. Five-year warranty. Generous equipment. Full size spare wheel.

-Steering could do with a little more weight and feel.

Insurance Groups are between 14–22
On average it achieves 82% of the official MPG figure

The Hyundai ix35 is effectively the replacement for the dated Tucson, but it's an altogether different car in every department. It's a huge improvement in design, quality and comfort, but retains the typical Hyundai strengths of generous equipment levels and value for money.

It may look like an off-roader but most people choose two-wheel drive versions of the ix35. However, even if you opt for the 4x4, CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are both low, helping to keep running costs down. It's a genuinely good alternative to 'crossovers' such as the Nissan Qashqai or Ford Kuga and does a great job on the road too.

Sit behind the wheel and you could be forgiven for thinking that you're in a Volkswagen, with upmarket, well-finished materials and a smart design. It's incredibly well equipped with air conditioning, Bluetooth and heated seats in the front and back. And if that wasn't enough, it even comes with a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.

Add in a great range of engines, including a refined and punchy 2.0-litre CRDi diesel that returns a claimed 51.4mpg and the ix35 begins to stand out against more expensive competition. In fact, there's very little to criticise. Good looking, easy to drive and cheap to run, the Hyundai ix35 is one of the best family cars on the road.

 

Real MPG average for a Hyundai ix35 (2009 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

82%

Real MPG

24–55 mpg

MPGs submitted

584

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index now

Ask Honest John

Can I make my Euro5 vehicle Euro6 compliant to avoid ULEZ charges?

"I have Hyundai IX35 2.0 CDI which I use for towing my streetfood kitchen (converted horsebox and trailer bbq) but it is not Euro6 compliant. What is required to make it compliant and is this expensive? I would then need TFL to agree the car is now compliant to avoid ULEZ charges."
In short, I don't think it can be done. I'm unaware of any retrofit solutions (for cars or vans) that will convert the engine from Euro5 to Euro6. That said, some Euro5 diesels do qualify for exemption from the ULEZ charge. This is because the standards are based on the tailpipe emissions and not the engine Euro rating. It could be that your car is already exempt from the charge. You can check it here: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/ulez-van-checker-will-you-have-to-pay-the-low-emissions-charge
Answered by Dan Powell

Will my car fail its MoT because a door mirror indicator doesn't work?

"My 2010 Hyundai ix35 has indicators in the door mirrors. One has failed. Does this mean that the car will fail its next MoT?"
As well as an indicator, all cars built after 1 April 1986 must have a side repeater (indicator lamp) on each side. For many modern cars, this is built into the door mirror. The only exception to this rule is indicators (at the front) that are visible from the front and side.
Answered by Dan Powell

What's the best used SUV for £10,000?

"I'm looking for advice on the best used SUV for under £10k. I currently have a Nissan Juke but require something bigger as I'm trying to get the kids outdoors more at weekends."
I'd look for a Kia Sportage. Your budget will get you one of the last of the last-generation (2010-16) models with the remainder of its Kia warranty remaining (provided it's been serviced correctly). Also look at the very similar Hyundai ix35. Alternatively, a Honda CR-V would be an excellent choice.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Could you recommend a good SUV that doesn't cost too much?

"We moved to the North East of England from the South and would like to replace my wife’s 2016 Ford Fiesta (6500 miles, Titanium Ecoboost) with a small 4x4 SUV. She likes the look of a used BMW X1, Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson but is open to suggestions. The budget is the Ford Fiesta plus £6000. The annual mileage will be about 10,000 -15,000. Any suggestions would be much appreciated."
Our system says you're looking at about £7300 p/x for the Fiesta, so - plus your £6000 - you're looking at £11,300. This is an old model X1 4x4 or previous model Sportage 4x4 or ix35 4x4 (not a Tucson). The newest for your money will be a Dacia Duster 1.5 DCI 4x4. Qashqai have not been particularly reliable but, of course, are made in the NE so are well catered for there. If this is a bit depressing, the other way to go is to fit a set of Michelin Cross Climates or Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons to the Fiesta that will then be as capable in the snow as a 4x4 that isn't on winter tyres.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions