Honda CRV Vs Hyundai ix35 comparison

Honda CRV
VS
Hyundai ix35

Welcome to the Honda CRV Vs Hyundai ix35 comparison. The Honda CRV is about 12 months old and the Hyundai probably near the end of the expected 4 year model cycle in the car industry. The Hyundai ix35 was quite a revelation when released as it was one of the first genuine small SUV to compete with the mainstream brands. The Honda CRV dropped off the charts thanks to various natural disasters that limited supply and the Hyundai was one of the models to benefit in terms of sales! 

The interesting thing about the recommended retail of the Hyundai is that it is the same as the Honda. Sure the base price appears to have a small advantage but both cost around $29,000 for the base auto. So there is absolutely no excuse NOT to look at either models when shopping as we did. 

Honda CRV Vs Hyundai ix35 exterior comparison: The ix35 was one of the first models to use the edge design in an SUV and as a result it still looks modern. Unfortunately it does not look like a premium model thanks to what we think the use of cheaper paints or method surely it isn’t deliberate? The Honda CRV has been modernised on the outside but the once leading model has become generic SUV shaped. It looks like compact wagon on the road yet has excellent interior measurements. We like both but not in love with either design. 

Honda CRV Vs Hyundai ix35 interior: Time has not been kind to the ix35 and it’s interior feels cramped and a little dated. We think it is the materials and overall design pretty good in most parts but not quite classic enough to stand the test of time. The Honda CRV is all about space and far more welcoming and looking around more practical. However the quality of some parts in the CRV could be much better to look at or touch. That said it should wear quite well. Overall the CRV is not a great generational leap ahead of the older Hyundai.  Nonetheless the Honda CRV wins in terms of interior design and presentation.

Honda CRV Vs Hyundai ix35 engine and technology: The petrol engines Honda and Hyundai have used are modern but both need more fuel saving tech. Judging from Honda’s PR announcements we can expect a whole new range of state of the art engines very soon though. Both are reliable if you follow the servicing schedule . Just beware of buying either of the diesel versions as they will cost more to run and service over a very short period of time as proven with all makes of modern diesel engines.

Honda CRV Vs Hyundai ix35 on the road: We test drove the 2.0 litre and like its relatively spirited engine and comfortable but can remember little else. 

In the end the Honda CRV is the package that small SUVs need to be and wins this comparison. It has enough of everything to appeal to the masses. Enough power, space, looks, comfort and so forth. This is probably the Honda CRV’s biggest  flaw since there is absolutely nothing to make it stand out against at least a dozen other models currently on sale. The Hyundai ix35 is good but not good enough in terms of overall appeal, we think it feels small and uninviting. We also couldn’t find anything exceptional about the Hyundai – not even features or pricing.

 

Honda CRV Hyundai ix35
Honda CRV interior
2013_ix35_2
Hyundai ix35 interior
Engines  

IL4 Cylinder – Petrol – (R20A5)
DOHC 16 Valve VVT
2.4 Litre (2354cc)
Claimed 140Kw @ 7000RPM
Claimed 222Nm @ 4400RPM

IL4 Cylinder – Petrol –  (K2579)
DOHC 16 Valve VVT
2.0 Litre (1997cc)
Claimed 114Kw @ 6500RPM
Claimed 190Nm @ 4300RPM

IL4 Cylinder – Diesel – (D4HA)
Turbo-charged – Intercooler
Direct Injection – Common Rail
2 Litre (1995cc)
Claimed 135Kw @ 4000RPM
Claimed 392Nm @ 1800-2500RPM

 

4 Cylinder (G4KD)
IL4 Cylinder – Petrol
DOHC 16 Valve
2 Litre (1998cc)
Claimed 122Kw @ 6200RPM
Claimed 197Nm @ 4600RPM

4 Cylinder (G4KE)
IL4 DOHC – Petrol
DOHC 16 Valve
2.4 Litre (2539cc)
Claimed 130Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 227Nm @ 4000RPM

4 cylinder (D4HA)
IL4 Cylinder – Diesel
Turbo-charged – Intercooler
Direct Injection – Common Rail
2 Litre (1995cc)
Claimed 135Kw @ 4000RPM
Claimed 392Nm @ 1800-2500RPM

Weight  
Kerb weight FROM 1460 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1500kg

Kerb weight 1482 – 1588 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1600kg

Fuel capacity & consumption  
Up to 58 litres
IL4 2.0 Petrol 7.8 litres per 100km 
IL4 2.4 Petrol 8.7 litres per 100km 
IL4 2.0 Diesel 7.5 litres per 100km

Up to 55 litres
IL4 2.0 Petrol 8.7 litres per 100km 
IL4 2.4 Petrol 9.2 litres per 100km 
IL4 2.0 Diesel 7.5 litres per 100km

Other specifications  
6 speed manual or 5 speed Auto
Overall height/width 1685/1820
Overall length/wheelbase 4545/2620
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Tyre size: 225-60-18 

6 speed manual or 5 speed Auto
Overall height/width 1635/1855
Overall length/Wheelbase 4420/2640
ANCAP Safety: ?/5
Tyre size:

Capability   
Angle of: (degrees) 
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max

Angle of: (degrees) 
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Min ground clearance xxx mm
Water Fording depth xxx mm

Performance  
   
Pricing  
November 2012 $27,490 – 42,290 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!

2013 $26,990 – 40,490 AUD
2012 $26,990 – 38,490 AUD
2010 $25,990 – 38,990 AUD