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Hyundai ix35 engines
Since its market launch in 2010, the Hyundai ix35 has established itself as a solid compact SUV in the competitive segment and has offered a balanced Hyundai ix35 engine range over two generations. The technological evolution of the powertrains reflects Hyundai's shift from conventional to ultra-modern, electrified drive concepts.
Hyundai ix35 Generation I (2010-2015)

The first Hyundai ix35 generation marked the Korean company's entry into the European compact SUV segment and was characterized by proven, but still technically conservative engine technology. With proper maintenance, the mileage reached a respectable 250,000 to 300,000 kilometers, whereby the diesel engines were generally more durable than the petrol engines. Major repairs were usually due between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers, with occasional problems with the timing chain, especially in the petrol engines. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 2.0 CRDi with 184 hp, which optimally combined power, reliability and moderate consumption values. Technically, Hyundai relied on proven naturally aspirated engines and early common-rail diesels, which, although not innovative, were reliable. In a market comparison, the ix35 positioned itself as an inexpensive alternative to established competitors such as the VW Tiguan or Ford Kuga.
Hyundai ix35 petrol engines: Generation I (2010-2015)
The Hyundai ix35 petrol engine range mainly comprised naturally aspirated engines without turbocharging. The entry-level engine was a 1.6 GDI with 99 kW (135 PS), which offered decent power delivery thanks to its direct injection, but occasionally showed problems with coked intake valves at higher mileages. The more powerful 2.0 GDI with 122 kW (166 hp) proved to be a reliable everyday engine, but suffered from relatively high fuel consumption of 8.5-9.2 liters per 100 km. These Hyundai ix35 engines were considered to be robust, but technically not state-of-the-art - turbocharging or hybrid technology were not to be found. Direct injection was quite modern for 2010, but in the long term it led to the typical coking problems of all GDI engines of this generation.
Hyundai ix35 diesel engines: Generation I (2010-2015)
The Hyundai ix35 diesels were dominated by the tried-and-tested 2.0 CRDi engine with various output levels. The basic version produced 100 kW (136 PS), while the more powerful version reached 130 kW (177 PS) and later 135 kW (184 PS). There was also a smaller 1.7 CRDi with 85 kW (115 PS), but this was less common. The Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi with 184 hp became the absolute favourite of the generation - especially the variants produced from 2013 onwards with optimized common rail injection and a particulate filter as standard proved to be very durable and economical. These Hyundai ix35 engines already met the Euro 5 standard and, with a fuel consumption of 5.8-6.4 liters, offered excellent efficiency combined with powerful performance.
| Hyundai ix35 engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 GDI | 135 HP | 7.8-8.4 l/100km | Valve coking, timing chain | Average |
| 2.0 GDI | 166 HP | 8.5-9.2 l/100km | High consumption, occasional timing chain | Moderate |
| 1.7 CRDi | 115 HP | 5.9-6.3 l/100km | Not very common, sluggish | Average |
| 2.0 CRDi | 136-184 HP | 5.8-6.4 l/100km | Very robust, durable | Very good |
Hyundai ix35 Generation II (2015-2021)
The second Hyundai ix35 generation, which was also marketed in Europe as the Tucson, marked a significant technological leap and is considered the most modern of all generations. Most engines of this generation can easily reach 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, whereby the new turbo GDI petrol engines have become significantly more efficient than their predecessors. Major engine failures have become rare, with only the early 1.6 T-GDI engines occasionally showing weaknesses in the fuel pump. The absolute highlight was the 2.0 CRDi with 185 hp - a mature diesel with an optimum balance between performance and consumption. State-of-the-art engine technology was also introduced for the first time with turbocharging for all petrol engines and refined common-rail diesels. In a market comparison, the ix35 was now technically on a par with German competitors and often offered better value for money.
Hyundai ix35 petrol engines: Generation II (2015-2021)
The Hyundai ix35 petrol engine range was completely revised and now relied entirely on turbocharging. The 1.6 T-GDI with 130 kW (177 hp) replaced the old naturally aspirated engines and offered significantly better driving performance with lower fuel consumption of 6.8-7.4 liters per 100 km. This Hyundai ix35 engine proved to be a big step forward compared to its predecessors, but in the first years of production (2015-2017) it occasionally had problems with the high-pressure fuel pump. The powerful 2.0 T-GDI with 136 kW (185 PS) was available for sporty drivers, but was offered less frequently. The Hyundai ix35 1.6 T-GDI became the most popular petrol engine of this generation as it combined modern turbo technology with acceptable reliability - after the teething troubles of the early years, it proved to be significantly more reliable than comparable German turbo engines.
Hyundai ix35 diesel engines: Generation II (2015-2021)
The tried-and-tested Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi was further developed and offered in various power levels from 100 kW (136 PS) to 136 kW (185 PS). In addition, there was still the smaller 1.7 CRDi with 85 kW (115 PS), which has now been significantly refined. All Hyundai ix35 diesels were equipped with modern third-generation common-rail injection with SCR catalytic converter and particulate filter. The Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi with 136 kW (185 hp) proved to be the most reliable and efficient engine of this generation, with a test consumption of only 5.2-5.8 liters per 100 km and excellent long-term durability - ideal for frequent drivers and trailer operation. These diesel engines were considered the best in their class and often outperformed German rivals in terms of reliability.
| Hyundai ix35 engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 T-GDI | 177 HP | 6.8-7.4 l/100km | Early fuel pump problems | Good |
| 2.0 T-GDI | 185 HP | 7.2-7.8 l/100km | Rarely offered, robust | Good |
| 1.7 CRDi | 115 HP | 5.4-5.9 l/100km | Sluggish at low revs | Average |
| 2.0 CRDi | 136-185 HP | 5.2-5.8 l/100km | Very robust, durable | Very good |
Hyundai ix35 Generation III (2021-today)
The current Hyundai ix35 generation, marketed exclusively as the Tucson, represents Hyundai's vision of the future with full electrification of the powertrain range. All petrol engines are now equipped with mild hybrid or full hybrid technology, and for the first time there is also a plug-in hybrid. As the generation has only been on the market since 2021, there is no long-term experience yet, but the initial tests show promising approaches. The top-of-the-range engine is the 1.6 T-GDI hybrid with 169 kW (230 PS) system output, which combines sporty driving performance with high efficiency. The hybrid technology promises a service life of over 350,000 kilometers, as the electric support significantly reduces the load on the combustion engine. In a market comparison, the new ix35 positions itself as a technological pioneer that is in no way inferior to German premium manufacturers.
Hyundai ix35 mild hybrid petrol engine: Generation III (2021-today)
The Hyundai ix35 engine range is based on two 1.6 T-GDI engines with 110 kW (150 PS) and 132 kW (180 PS). Both Hyundai ix35 engines feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology with electric compressor and start-stop system. The Hyundai ix35 1.6 T-GDI with 132 kW (180 PS) is considered to be particularly successful and is developing into the best petrol engine of this generation - it offers smooth power delivery over a wide rev range and has so far been free of major series production problems. The mild hybrid support significantly reduces turbo lag and ensures spontaneous throttle response.
Hyundai ix35 full hybrid: Generation III (2021-today)
The Hyundai ix35 Hybrid combines a 1.6 T-GDI with 132 kW (180 PS) with a 44.2 kW (60 PS) electric motor for a system output of 169 kW (230 PS). This Hyundai ix35 engine offers impressive driving performance with a standard consumption of just 5.2-5.6 liters per 100 km. The hybrid technology is proving to be mature and reliable, with initial long-term tests showing no particular weaknesses.
Hyundai ix35 plug-in hybrid: Generation III (2021-today)
The plug-in hybrid version of the Hyundai ix35 offers a system output of 195 kW (265 PS) with an electric range of up to 62 km. This technically complex drive combines efficiency with high performance, but is more maintenance-intensive than the other variants due to the additional technology.
Hyundai ix35 diesel engines: Generation III (2021-today)
A single Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi engine with 136 kW (185 hp) continues the tradition of reliable Hyundai diesels. This engine features the latest common rail technology and easily meets the Euro 6d standard. With a fuel consumption of 5.8-6.2 liters per 100 km, it remains the most economical option for frequent drivers.
| Hyundai ix35 engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 T-GDI MHEV | 150-180 HP | 6.4-7.0 l/100km | No series problems so far | Very good |
| 1.6 T-GDI Hybrid | 230 HP | 5.2-5.6 l/100km | Mature, reliable | Very good |
| 1.6 T-GDI PHEV | 265 HP | 1.6 l/100km + electricity | Complex, high-maintenance | Good |
| 2.0 CRDi | 185 HP | 5.8-6.2 l/100km | Proven, robust | Very good |
Conclusion: The best Hyundai ix35 engines of all generations
The development of the Hyundai ix35 engines shows an impressive technological leap over three generations. While the first generations still relied on proven but conventional technology, the current generation represents state-of-the-art hybrid technology at the highest level. The diesel engines have remained the most reliable choice across all generations, while the petrol engines have become significantly more efficient and sophisticated with each generation.
- Best Hyundai ix35 gasoline engine:
The Hyundai ix35 1.6 T-GDI Hybrid (230 PS, Generation III) combines modern full hybrid technology with excellent efficiency and impeccable reliability to date.
- Best Hyundai ix35 diesel engine:
The Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRDi (185 PS, Generation II & III) offers the best combination of reliability, economy and long-term durability across all generations.
- Best Hyundai ix35 hybrid engine:
The Hyundai ix35 1.6 T-GDI Hybrid (230 hp, Generation III) with its balance of performance, efficiency and reliability.
For maintenance and spare parts for all Hyundai ix35 generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.
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