Used Hyundai ix35 2009-2015 review

Some people might take a look at the Hyundai ix35 and think it’s just another family SUV. It's one with a small claim to fame, though: it enjoyed a starring role in the hit BBC TV series Doctor Foster, as the car driven by the show’s eponymous hero. Aside from its fleeting time in the limelight, the ix35 is a well-equipped, reasonably inexpensive and fairly spacious family car that should be pretty dependable, too.

The engine range powering the ix35 is rather biased towards diesels – there's an economical 1.7 and a more powerful 2.0-litre, the latter of which represents the only way to get an automatic gearbox or four-wheel drive. For those who don’t cover many miles, though, there’s also a 1.6-litre petrol. The 1.7 diesel is the quietest engine in the ix35 but isn't very powerful. This means you need to rev it harder on faster roads than you do the the bigger 2.0 diesel, which rather erodes its greater refinement. The 1.6 petrol, meanwhile, is boomy and – because it doesn't have the torque of the diesels – you need to change gear frequently to maintain speed.

Some might find that the ride is a bit too firm while driving around town, and it’s true that the ix35 does have a stiffer ride than some rivals to cope with body roll in corners. However, while things settle down as speed increases, you will hear more suspension noise over expansion joints and potholes than you might like to.

Unlike more polished rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Yeti, the steering on the ix35 might take some getting used to. That's because it’s very sharp for the first few degrees of movement, but quite slow thereafter. What this means in reality is that, when you’re on the motorway, all it takes to change lanes is a slight steering input. However, when you’re on a country lane, you’ll find yourself having to use more steering lock when taking bends.

Space up front is fine for two adults, and examples fitted with the panoramic glass roof feel quite airy. Rear-seat passengers are well catered for in terms of leg room, but head room can be an issue for taller people. There’s also a rising waistline to contend with – the high-set windows limits the ability of younger children to see out of the car. The boot is big for the class, though, and there’s no load lip to have to deal with. However, the rear seats don’t fold flat, so bear that in mind when you need to transport flatpack furniture.

Equipment levels are very generous – even entry-level S gets air conditioning, alloy wheels, a height adjustable driver’s seat, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Style models (later renamed SE after the facelift) come with driver’s-side lumbar support, cruise control, rear parking sensors and heated front and rear seats. Top-of-the-range Premium has a part leather interior, automatic lights and wipers, climate control and a panoramic glass roof.

Prices for an early ix35 with plenty of miles on it can be as low as £4000, but we’d strongly suggest you increase your budget to £5500 - £6000 for something with below average mileage. A facelifted example from 2013 onwards is around £7000, while top-of-the-range, low-mileage examples from the last year of production can be found for £13,000.

Check the value of a used Hyundai ix35 with What Car? Valuations

When you buy a sizeable SUV you'll have to live with the higher running costs that come as a consequence of its greater weight compared with a family car. This applies to the ix35 when go for a petrol model or a 2.0-litre diesel with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox; fuel and road tax will cost you a lot. The 1.6-litre petrol has an average NEDC fuel economy figure of 41.5mpg and emits 158g/km of CO2, but the diesel in earlier examples is thirstier still at 39.8mpg and 187g/km.

If you choose a 2.0-litre diesel without an automatic gearbox, the ix35's economy improves to 47.9mpg and 153g/km. However, the most cost effective ix35 is the 1.7-litre diesel with 48.7mpg and 139g/km (50.4mpg and 135g/km on later Blue Drive models). To find out all the latest information about road tax costs, read our guide here.

Hyundai offers fixed price servicing on its cars once they’ve run out of manufacturers warranty (in other words, when they're five years or older), with prices starting at £99 for a basic service, rising to £229 for a full one. Be aware though that SUVs such as the ix35 are liable for a £20 service cost surcharge.

For all but those who low tiny annual mileages, the petrol ix35 is too expensive to run for us to recommend it. The same is true of the top of the range diesel automatic – you’re better of going for a manual 2.0-litre diesel if you need four-wheel drive, or choosing the 1.7-litre diesel for its greater refinement and better fuel economy.

There isn’t a huge amount of difference in price between a Style or SE car and a top-spec Premium one, so go for a Premium model to get all the toys.

Our favourite Hyundai ix35: 1.7 CRDI Premium

If you’re not willing to go for a non-premium brand but don’t want to spend a fortune, then try a Volkswagen Tiguan. There are plenty of examples about and the 2.0-litre diesel is a strong choice with plenty of torque and pretty good fuel economy. Space inside is very good and the interior is pretty plush for a family SUV.

One of the most popular family SUVs has been the Nissan Qashqai: it was pretty much the first car of its kind, offering buyers a car with a rugged looks, a spacious, premium interior and running costs not a million miles from those of a family hatchback. It offers a number of engine options, including a small 1.5-litre diesel that offer better fuel economy figures and lower road tax costs than the Hyundai ix35.

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