- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 3 seats
- Engine
2.5DT, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
125kW, 441Nm
- Fuel
Diesel 8.8L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
5 Yr, 160000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
4/5 star (2011)
Hyundai iLoad 2019 Review
The face-lifted Hyundai iLoad is the model's biggest change since it was first introduced in 2008.
Distinguished by a modern exterior overhaul, the front features a new grille, headlights and bumper while the inside the only modest change is an updated infotainment unit. As for the rest of the van it’s a case of what’s old is new again.
- Proven reliability
- Strong ownership credentials
- Gutsy engine
- Lacks modern safety
- Small side-opening doors
- No reverse camera on barn doors
How does it drive?
The Hyundai iLoad is getting on in years compared to newer rivals but it remains a pleasant yet hard-working van to drive.
Without a load in the back, the suspension is a little firm in the rear but it’s still comfortable and not harsh, as only some sharp bumps can jolt the rear suspension. Then again, that's not unusual for this type of vehicle.
The 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine is a cracker with good torque equalling strong acceleration with virtually no turbo lag. The five speed auto is smooth and knows what gear to be in and when, working a treat with the 441Nm of pulling power of the engine. The steering has a more car-like feel rather than conventional commercial vehicle, which, combined with decent ride and handling characteristics and the strong driveline, makes the iLoad easy to live with.
What’s the interior of the iLoad like?
It’s the same as it ever was with the addition of an updated 7.0-inch touch screen multimedia system and refreshed cloth interior.
The iLoad now gets auto dusk sensing headlights and one other new and welcome feature is a fully adjustable steering column enabling drivers to adjust the steering wheel’s position in both height and reach, making the ideal driving position much easier to find.
As for the rest, well its still a little on the bland side and full of hard plastics - they are quality materials but it’s more old school rather than new. The carpet on the floor up front is a nice touch, while the seats are covered in a durable cloth they have a very flat base and no lumbar support but do have reasonable bolstering.
There is adjustable height seat belts, good storage in the dual front door pockets with bottle holders and there are twin glove boxes in the dash - although they are small. The van could do with other storage compartments for paper work/folders too.
The dash illumination adjustment is quick and easy to use, there are AUX/USB ports, two 12volt power outlets and the centre seat folds down to reveal a small storage area and cup holders. Power mirrors and windows are standard, along with cruise control in the auto model, but both driver and passenger may be disappointed to find vanity mirrors missing on the sunvisors.
What’s the payload and towing capacity?
Payload for this variant is 1096kg. Towing is 750kg unbraked and 1500kg with a braked trailer. Maximum towball down weight is 150kg.
What about load space dimensions and anchor points?
The cargo area measures 2375mm long and 1620mm wide with 1272mm between the wheel arches, and is 1340mm tall, giving it a total capacity of 4426 litres (VDA). The van has eight good sturdy tie down points.
How does the iLoad perform under load?
The chassis and suspension handled our test weight with ease, and the van always felt secure on the road with only larger dips at higher speeds causing the rear suspension to kiss the bump stops. There was no lateral movement from the rear over the dips and rough roads we drove on and the rear-drive chassis never felt compromised leaving us confident the iLoad is capable of safely carrying its full advertised payload.
The engine and transmission have absolutely no issues with weight and feel strong, while the steering remained well weighted and the brakes had a nice firm pedal and good bite.
Any special features worth mentioning?
The new infotainment system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as Bluetooth audio streaming. The twin side sliding doors and rubber matt on rear floor are standard. The iLoad is normally equipped with a liftgate but it is good to have the twin barn door set-up as an option too.
Any criticisms of the Hyundai iLoad?
The iLoad is still lacking in modern safety gear, and centre seat still only has a lap belt with a shallow back rest and no head support. A reversing camera is standard on lift tailgate model but not available with optional twin rear doors. There’s no headlight adjustment to suit different loads and the side sliding doors don’t open as far as you would like for loading large items.
How does the warranty and servicing costs rate?
The iLoad comes with a five-year/160,000km warranty (whichever occurs first). Servicing is every 15,000km or 12months (whichever occurs first) and is fixed under Hyundai’s “Lifetime service plan price”, with the first five years or 75,000km costing $1930.
What else should I consider?
The Ford Transit Custom is Drive’s current commercial vehicle of the year and for good reason, while the Renault Traffic and VW Transporter are other stand outs in this segment. If you have a smaller budget the LDV G10 is a pleasant surprise you may wish to consider.
Verdict
While the exterior styling update makes the iLoad appear more modern, it is showing its age in other areas. Frankly, the game has moved on and newer rivals bring up-to-date safety systems, more efficient engines and more practical load areas.
Having said that, the iLoad remains an affordable and reliable hard-worker with a strong reputation and solid ownership credentials - reasons why it is the second best-selling commercial van in its segment. So, if you’re looking for a long term business partner not likely to let you down the iLoad should definitely be on your short list.
The Checklist
0-60km/h time: 4.9 seconds (unladen), 5.6 seconds (loaded)
0-80km/h time: 8.2 seconds (unladen), 9 seconds (loaded)
0-100km/h time: 12.2 seconds (unladen), 13.2 seconds (loaded)
Load testing weight: 670kg
Safety rating: 4 Star
2018 Hyundai iLoad Price and Specifications
Price: $41,790
On sale: Now
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 125 kW at 3600 RPM
Torque: 441 Nm at 2000 - 2250 RPM
Transmission: Five-speed automatic, RWD
Fuel usage: 8.8L/100km