What are the differences between Tucson and ix35?
4 Answers
The differences between Tucson and ix35 are as follows: 1. In terms of configuration: In exterior configurations, the Tucson only has one additional feature compared to the Hyundai ix35 - a panoramic sunroof. In safety configurations, the Hyundai ix35 offers more features including front and rear head airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, lane departure warning, active braking, and fatigue driving reminder. In terms of control configurations, the Hyundai ix35 is equipped with front parking radar and cruise control. 2. Powertrain: The ix35 is definitely at a disadvantage compared to the Tucson in terms of powertrain options. Currently, the ix35 is only equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine. In contrast, the Tucson is powered by a 1.6T turbocharged engine, which delivers superior performance and driving pleasure both in terms of specifications and daily use compared to the ix35.
I just switched to a new Tucson last month, after driving my 2012 ix35 for over five years. To be honest, the ix35 was quite appealing back then with its sleek and rounded exterior, offering a comfortable ride, but the interior felt plasticky with a small infotainment screen. The new Tucson is a complete evolution—its exterior is sharper with more angular lines, and the cabin features soft-touch materials paired with a large touchscreen, plus added safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. In terms of performance, the ix35’s 2.0L engine was noisy and fuel-thirsty, while the new Tucson’s turbocharged engine delivers stronger power with better fuel efficiency. The cabin space hasn’t grown much, but sound insulation is improved, making long drives less fatiguing. The overall difference feels like upgrading from an old iPhone to an iPhone 13—the core DNA is similar, but the tech and experience in the new Tucson are undeniably superior. If you’re torn between a used ix35 or buying new, I’d prioritize the Tucson’s reliability; it won’t feel outdated for at least five years.
As someone who frequently helps friends pick cars, I can tell you that the Tucson and ix35 are mainly differentiated by generations: the ix35 is the second-generation Tucson, launched around 2010 and now long discontinued. The new Tucson is the fourth generation, released after 2020. The differences are quite noticeable. The ix35 uses an older non-direct injection engine with average performance and fuel consumption over 10L/100km; the new Tucson comes standard with a direct-injection turbocharged engine, reducing fuel consumption to around 8L/100km while also improving power. In terms of technology, the ix35's entertainment system only supports basic CD/radio functions, while the new Tucson features an 8-inch touchscreen, CarPlay connectivity, and smart cruise control. Stylistically, the ix35 has a rounded, understated look, whereas the new Tucson appears sharper and more masculine. For repairs, ix35 parts are harder to find, while the new Tucson benefits from readily available new components. Price-wise, used ix35s are cheaper by 30,000-40,000 yuan but come with aging risks; the new Tucson costs more but offers peace of mind—if your budget allows, go straight for the new model.
Simply put, the Tucson and ix35 are different generations of the same series. The ix35 was a model from the early 2010s with a smooth and rounded exterior design, while the new Tucson has a more angular and three-dimensional look. After driving the ix35, I noticed its engine noise is quite noticeable, especially at high speeds; the new Tucson has significantly improved sound insulation, with almost no wind noise. The ix35's interior uses a lot of hard plastics, whereas the new Tucson features softer materials for a more luxurious feel. In terms of features, the ix35 lacks adaptive headlights, while the new Tucson comes with brighter and safer LED headlights. The space is similar, but the new Tucson has a slightly larger trunk. The ix35's advantage is its cheaper maintenance, while the new Tucson is more expensive to repair but has fewer issues. For buying a used ix35, it's advisable to check for common battery problems—it's a good option for tight budgets; otherwise, the new Tucson is worth the investment.
