Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai ix35

One of our favourite crossovers will give new 4x4 a stern test

Few corners of the new car market have witnessed the explosive growth we’ve seen in the compact SUV sector – and the Hyundai ix35 is one of the class leaders. The brand used to trade on its value and customer service, and while these remain undimmed, Hyundai has undergone a steady transformation on design and quality…

Advertisement - Article continues below

The ix35 is a head-turning 4x4, and features a host of stylish details. It looks best from the front where its angular lines, striking headlamps and chrome accents give a distinctive face. The car is less successful from other angles, particularly in profile, but it looks more expensive than it is.

Climb aboard our top-of-the-range Premium model and evidence of its fantastic value for money is difficult to avoid. Part-leather trim, iPod connectivity, voice-operated Bluetooth and two sunroofs, rather than one, all come as standard, so it’s easily a match for the SsangYong when it comes to equipment.

Most impressive of all is the cabin’s top-quality feel. It’s constructed using high-grade plastics with solid switchgear and a smart layout. Spend a few minutes inside and you’ll begin to wonder why the ix35 doesn’t command a bigger price premium over the Korando; at £24,395, it costs £1,400 more.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

5 Series

2023 BMW

5 Series

32,156 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £26,799
View 5 Series
Touareg

2018 Volkswagen

Touareg

37,642 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £24,199
View Touareg
Q5

2020 Audi

Q5

63,211 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £22,299
View Q5
A5 Sportback

2018 Audi

A5 Sportback

41,754 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £18,899
View A5 Sportback

Grasp the attractive steering wheel and fire the 2.0-litre diesel engine into life, and the Hyundai continues to assert itself. Its CRDi engine is smoother and quieter across the rev range, and also beats the Korando for punch.

It only has a small 8bhp power advantage over its rival, but the most telling statistic is its 392Nm torque output; that’s 32Nm more than the SsangYong. As a result the ix35 has more muscular responses, aided by its sharper automatic gearbox. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Around town the smooth engine and gearshift come into their own. The lighter steering also makes the Hyundai more enjoyable to drive at low speeds. 

Up the pace and, if anything, its advantage increases. The Hyundai doesn’t strike the best compromise between comfort and handling in the sector, but its suspension controls the inertia of its tall body through corners more effectively than the SsangYong’s. There’s less roll in bends and more grip, and it does a better job of dealing with ruts and bumps than the Korando.

And that’s not all, as the more precise and linear controls mean the ix35 inspires much more confidence from behind the wheel in all situations. Refinement is better as well, so the Hyundai is a more comfortable proposition over long distances.

That’s not to say this test is a walkover for the car, though, as the SsangYong has a few surprises up its sleeve. Its robust and no-nonsense feel is a benefit off-road and it was every bit as capable as the ix35 on the mild off-roading course we used.

And when we brimmed the fuel tanks at the end of the test, it turned out that the Hyundai was the thirstier choice – although it trailed by only 1.1mpg, with a fuel return of 22.3mpg in our hands.

Plus, despite its advantage in terms of performance, the Hyundai is edged out in the battle of the towing weights. Whether any of this will be enough to deter buyers is another matter.

Details

Chart position: 1
WHY: The ix35 isn’t just good value for money, it’s highly capable. Hyundai’s customer service is very well regarded, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,538 off RRP*Used from £14,000
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,607 off RRP*Used from £15,997
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £5,249 off RRP*Used from £14,350
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,576 off RRP*Used from £11,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition
Fiat Grande Panda La Prima - front cornering

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition

The newly crowned Auto Express Supermini of the Year is available in hybrid or pure-electric form, with the EV offering 199 miles of range
News
1 Sep 2025
Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval
Skoda Elroq - front cornering

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval

Despite some models costing over the £37,000 threshold, Skoda has secured the government grant on its mid-size electric SUVs
News
2 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month
Volvo XC40 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month

Swedish company’s popular compact SUV is still effortlessly cool, and great value with our Deal of the Day for 31 August
News
31 Aug 2025