Hyundai Imax Reviews

The Hyundai iMax is a commercial van that has been transformed into a people mover. It now comes in two specs - the entry-level Active and top-grade Elite - and we've got the more expensive and more luxurious version here.

Hyundai’s contender in the under-$60k people mover segment boasts a decade-long heritage. But it, along with other established people movers, is being clobbered by Kia's acclaimed Carnival.

Kia Grand Carnival and Hyundai iMax go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Hyundai sticks with the people-mover formula of practicality and competitive price. Prettiness, not so much. You might have trouble spotting the difference but Hyundai has upgraded its long-serving iMax people-mover. It's nothing fancy but the van is popular among large families — it's relatively cheap, has

Moving seven or eight needs a durable device. We rate the three top-sellers.When domestic delivery duties turn into a taxi service, it pays to buy the best vehicle. Mum's taxi cops a pounding in any guise so when it comes to a seven or eight-seater, durability is a significant part of the package.People-movers are generally bought when there are no other options and held on to until they're falling apart.At least these days the options do extend beyond conventional van-with-seat shapes and into more car-like motorvation, albeit with sliding rear doors.With that in mind, CarsGuide has cast an eye over the three top-sellers of 2015. The Kia Carnival is the class-leader, even with its four-star safety rating.Honda's Odyssey is the smallest and most car-like of this trio, though boot space is tight with six or seven passengers.The Hyundai iMax is the classic box but is the one to buy if there's an issue with walking into the rear seats without unduly bending the back. A massive cargo capacity seals the deal for those operating on the more for less principle.The Honda is all about making the most of a relatively small package. The lack of cargo space relative to the South Koreans is the only obvious consequence of it being smaller, narrower and lower.Cargo apart, it does a dutiful and well-presented job as a people-mover. The price doesn't hurt: even in as-tested top-spec VTi-L guise the Odyssey is $46,040 before on-roads, or $3000 more than the iMAX diesel.The downside is it has the most expensive servicing costs of this trio, at intervals of six months as opposed to annually.The bling for your buck runs from the eye-searing chrome grille to alloy wheels, powered side doors, eight bottle and cup-holders, seven-inch touchscreen with satnav, 360-degree reversing camera, six-speaker audio and aircon vents (with independent controls) for the second and third rows.Second row seats have separate armrests but not quite enough length under the legs and they don't flip forward as far as the Kia to give third-row access.Software aids are rudimentary with blind-spot and tyre pressure alerts.The Honda drives securely, if too firmly without a full crew on board. Semi-laden, it jiggles over smaller bumps but is by far the easiest of this group to negotiate tight carparks.If pace isn't a priority and fuel use is, the Honda makes sense. The 2.4-litre petrol engine won't win many traffic-light launches but compensates with a claimed combined fuel use of 7.8L/100km.Size matters when it comes to moving bodies and here the Hyundai excels. The van dimensions endow the iMAX with huge interior space and room to throw the chattels down the back.It's not nearly as pretty as the other pair inside or out but it's practical and has genuine seating for eight. The turbo diesel is the better performer but is best reserved for outer urban mums who do a few kays on the school run or when dropping the kids' friends off.Running around the block and up to the shops isn't going to recoup the $3200 premium over the petrol engine, which also comes standard with a four-speed auto.The limited ratios in the petrol auto (even the diesel gets a five-speed self-shifter, at an extra $2500) tell of the iMax's age and the engine doesn't do much better than a serviceable job when assigned to move its own 2230kg plus occupants.Fuel use of 10.5L/100km, more than reasonable for a small bus, also highlights how good the Honda is.The iMAX earns a tick by being the only vehicle here with a handbrake — the ostensibly more car-like rivals make do with a foot-operated parking brake. The Hyundai is also clearly the cheapest to service with $298 annual trips but the likes of brake fluid and engine coolant aren't included, so check the extra hit when booking the car in.Around town the Hyundai is sure-footed but rolls a little through right turns at roundabouts. The diesel engine doubles as the enthusiasts' choice with a solid punch out ofthe turns that settles into a lope at freeway speeds.By far the most expensive in this field, the Kia needs to justify that with extra technology and convenience, especially in CarsGuide's $57,490 Platinum petrol version. That price is inflated by a bunch of active driving aids, from blind-spot and lane-change assist to rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision alert and adaptive cruise control. A six-speed automatic is standard.Gear on the Platinum includes 360-degree camera, powered heated and ventilated front seats, four bottle holders and 10 cupholders, along with three 12V sockets and eight seats if needed (the central pews in both back rows are reserved for those slight of shoulder).Access and comfort in the second or third rows are as good as they get and the second row outer pews are smartly bolstered and designed. Even the pop-up third row seats have a reclining backrest to give taller passengers some prospect of enduring a short journey.On the safety front the Kia is, at least for now, a four-star car, just like the iMAX. It picked up second-row seat belt sensors from August and has already had a factory production change to address ANCAP's first-hit analysis of excess pedal movement in the frontal offset crash.The updated crash test, due soon, will give buyers a more informed choice if safety is a key purchase decision (and the Carnival's sales success to date suggests otherwise).The multi-link rear suspension is better than Honda's more rigid torsion beam at softening bumps with only the driver aboard and the cornering ability is on a par with the Japanese car.The V6 is the best petrol engine here but you pay the price at the bowser with fuel use of 11.5L/100km.The turbo diesel is again the performance pick.Hyundai wins on practicality but the iMAX needs an overhaul to really appeal to mums and dads. The Honda is the smarter choice for smaller families but size hurts the Odyssey as a genuine seven-seater.Those who simply want the best will pay — for now — the extra for the Carnival. In driving and appointments, the Kia is the most sedan-like of this group but more importantly has the safety aids expected in a top-spec vehicle, regardless of the segment.Price from: $37,610 (VTi), $46,040 (VTi-L)Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmCapped servicing: $1702 for 3 years/ 60,000kmService interval: 6 months/10,000kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsEngine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl, 129kW/225NmTransmission: CVT; FWDThirst: 7.6L-7.8L/100kmDimensions: 4840mm (L), 1800mm (W), 1695mm (H), 2900mm (WB)Turning circle: 10.8mWeight: 1819kgSpare: Space-saverTowing: 1000kg (braked)Click here for more 2016 Honda Odyssey price and spec infoPrice from: $38,290Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kmCapped servicing: $867 for 3 years/ 45,000kmService interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety: 4 stars, 2 airbagsEngines: 2.4-litre 4-cyl, 129kW/228Nm; 2.5-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 125kW/441NmTransmissions: 4 and 5-speed auto; RWDThirst: 9.0L-10.6L/100kmDimensions: 5125mm (L), 1920mm (W), 1925mm (H), 3200mm (WB)Turning circle: 11.2mWeight: 2230kgSpare: Full-sizeTowing: 1500kgClick here for more 2016 Hyundai iMax price and spec infoPrice from: $41,490Warranty: 7 years/unlimited kmCapped servicing: $1393 (diesel), $1395 (V6 petrol) for 3 years/45,000kmService interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety: 4 stars, 6 airbagsEngine: 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 147kW/440Nm; 3.3-litre V6, 206kW/336NmTransmission: 6-speed auto; FWDThirst: 7.7L-11.6L/100kmDimensions: 5115mm (L), 1985mm (W), 1755mm (H), 3060mm (WB)Turning circle: 11.2mWeight: 2092kgSpare: Space-saverTowing: 2000kgClick here for more 2016 Kia carnival price and spec info

My friends had spent barely minutes inspecting the massive Hyundai iMax before one decided “Now this is what you take when you go camping.” “No,” another disagreed. ”This is what you camp in when you go camping”.While that may be a bit of a stretch, the eight seater iMax’s carrying capacity certainly makes up for any of its other drawbacks. This barge-like beast isn’t the vehicle in which to nip down to the café strip for lunch, but if you want to transport large – or extended -- families, the iMax can accommodate without a whimper.The girth of this landbound passenger ship may seem intimidating – especially when you think about having to dock it. But if you need to cart extra people around, the iMax has the space and seats. Externally the van looks massive and there’s no disguising that, though the chrome radiator grille and tinted glass are a nice touch at dressing up the large body.Internally passengers in back are well cared for. Access to the back via two sliding doors and a sliding second row, sufficient legroom, cup holders, and roof-mounted adjustable air vents keep everyone happy. The second row seats are reversed, with the single seat on the driver side instead of the passenger, but with two doors, you can still get passengers in from the safety of the curb. A well-appointed dash, and wheel mounted volume controls lets the driver man the helm of cabin comfort. While the iMax is smooth sailing for transporting people, if you’re looking for a van to move precious cargo, you may want to look elsewhere. The seats don’t fold flat, and we couldn’t figure out why, as allowing them to would open the iMax to those seeking a van to move larger freight.The eight-seater could suit a large family on tour, but the height, width and bulk would keep this from being a practical, every day family van. The iMax leans more toward the commercial and small business buyer, rather than the family.The eight seater, automatic iMax diesel we tested is priced from $42,490 (a diesel, six-speed manual, and a petrol four-speed automatic are also available). That price tag gives you dual sliding doors, 16-in alloy wheels, USB audio input with iPod compatibility, Bluetooth, reverse sensing warning system, wheel mounted audio controls, dual zone air conditioning with pollen filter, roof-mounted air vents for passengers in back, and a boatload of luggage space with a cargo capacity of 842L.The four cylinder, five-speed automatic, 2.5-litre CRDi diesel iMax, has 125kW/441Nm, strong enough torque to cart around eight people and their luggage without much whingeing. Our drive around greater Sydney, including a couple heavy trips to the airport, found 13.0L/100km, though the official figure is 9.0L/100km.The iMax’s semi-bonnet design aids in crash protection and the four-channel, four-sensor ABS tries to keep you from needing it. The iMax gets a four-star ANCAP safety rating, with dual front SRS airbags, four-ring body structure with reinforced cross members and floor panels, and impact intrusion bars built into the front doors. Anti-lock brakes with electronic aids, stability and traction plus child safety door locks on sliding doors and child seat anchor points on second row seats all lend a hand in keeping you from harm.You don’t feel the size or weight of the vehicle through the steering wheel, and the turning circle is surprisingly smaller than you expect. The iMax has rear-wheel drive and though there is significant body roll on turns, it’s less noticeable when you have a full load, and the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension keep guests from getting jostled. The driver’s seat is comfortable and the height of the vehicle (1925mm) will give you a clear view over traffic, but good luck trying to fit inside low parking garages.When you do find a good spot, the reverse sensing warning system is indispensible, as without it, the length of the vehicle would require a telescope – possible the deep space Hubble -- to help you park. The iMax is a limited function van; but as long as you’re not moving large cargo that’s okay. Externally and internally, the iMax stays true to its calling – it’s a people mover that’s great for moving people - go figure.Hyundai’s diesel, automatic iMax shies from carrying large cargo, but for transporting people and luggage the iMax ticks all the boxes.

There’s a lot to be said for designing a people mover that’s based on a cargo van. Hyundai’s iMax is a classic example of this.While the iMax may not have the sleek look of something like a Toyota Tarago or Chrysler Voyager it has so much more interior space that it can almost be seen as a small bus not a people mover.Hyundai’s generous warranty apply of five years or unlimited kilometres is much appreciated in those who are in the mortgage-paying, family-raising stage of their lives.Power and torque figures are a relatively standard 129kW at 6000rpm and 228Nm at 4200rpm. Standard features on the iMax include air conditioning with dual-zones and additional controls in the rear. The audio system has an MP3-compatible CD player with auxiliary input jack.On a practical note, the iMax has a semi-bonneted body, which is the best compromise between crash safety and interior volume.Safety gear includes dual front airbags and ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Dual airbags are considered as a bare minimum by many buyers these days so Hyundai may have to up the ante soon.There’s enough toughness in the style of the Hyundai iMax to also make it appeal to those who may otherwise have bought an SUV or even a 4WD. Just look at its prominent bonnet, large mesh grille and big headlights that swoop a long way back. There’s no shortage of chrome in the front end.There are large sliding doors on both sides of the van, making for easy ingress and egress to the second row of seats. Getting into the back is a bit of a squeeze, though the easy sliding of the second row certainly minimises the effort.The first two rows of seats in the Hyundai can slide backwards and forwards to provide numerous combinations of legroom. The split in the second-row seat sees the single seat on the wrong side for Australia. So the easier to move seat is on the traffic side of the iMax rather than on the kerb side. Presumably this has been done as a cost saving design, and at just $39,990 plus on-road costs, the iMax CRDi is certainly light on the wallet.Hyundai iMax is capable of carrying eight adults in spacious comfort - typically, people movers carry four adults and three children unless you want to have crowded interior. When the back seats aren't in use the second-row seats slide right back to give a huge amount of limo-like leg space.Fuel consumption is about seven to nine litres per hundred kilometres on the open road and eight to eleven litres around town. Fill this Hyundai with eight people and motorway cursing means it’s consuming less than a litre of diesel for each person to travel 100 kilometres. Talk about low-cost travel.Even with a full complement of eight passengers, there is a surprising amount of space in the rear of the iMax for luggage. That’s partly thanks to a boot that’s deeper than that of an SUV with a differential under the floor, but also because it’s a boxy van back there, not a sleek people mover.Interior stowage space is good, with not one, but two, deep door pockets in each front door; single pockets in the rear sliding doors and rather shallow oddments areas beside the rearmost seats. There are drink holders beside each of the outboard seats.On the road the big Hyundai iMax people mover rides well and is generally stable. Its shape means it can be affected by strong side winds and the backwash of air from big trucks.The big Hyundai people mover we tested had a 2.5-litre common-rail turbo-diesel.It has a semi-commercial sound to it, not exactly a truck rattle, but there’s no doubt it’s a diesel at idle. Once up and cruising at a steady speed it’s more subdued in its note. Torque is strong and even with seven people in ‘our’ iMax we had no trouble keeping up with traffic or climbing hills.Transmission was by a five-speed automatic with tiptronic-type overrides in our test iMax, it works nicely in conjunction with the engine torque characteristics.Though the emphasis in the suspension setup is on comfort, handling isn’t too bad.There's good turn in and the iMax tracks nicely around corners providing you don’t tackle them at any sort of speed. If you do get cornering wrong understeer will knock the speed back to a sensible level. The Hyundai iMax is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in tight conditions thanks to a tight turning circle. However, it’s a big vehicle and can be challenging in underground carparks.

Here's our guide to the five biggest-selling people movers on the market (2010 year-to-date, VFACTS).

Not all people movers are the same. You may think that they can be simply lumped together as the family bus or van that people with a lot of kids need to buy. The sort of car that would never be anyone's first choice. Well, as someone who has driven most of them, through both need and interest, I can tell you they're not.They roughly fall into four categories. There's the small, such as the Kia Rondo, Toyota Avensis, Renault Grand Scenic and Citroen C4 Grand Picasso which really should be considered five-seaters given the lack of real rear legroom and even smaller cargo areas.Then there's the mid-range, the ones whose ads boast of sex-appeal such as the $40,000-plus range including the Honda Odyssey, Mitsubishi Grandis and the Dodge Journey. In that size too falls the popular Kia Carnival. Above all that are the really big ones. There are the luxury machines such as the up to $77,990 Chrysler Grand Voyager and the Toyota Tarago.Somewhere in that mix sit the people movers that started life as vans including the offerings from VW and Mercedes. And then there's the Hyundai iMax. It's one of the newest people movers on the market and it's no shrinking violet.At $39,990 it combines both the price range of the smaller people movers and the van-like conversion capability of the larger movers. And this one is big. So big that the aerial smacks the roof of underground carparks, so big that the driver sits high enough to nearly eyeball bus drivers, so big that the huge rear door is a wrench to open and shut and so big that you can almost walk through it.But it is also so big that it offers heaps of luggage space in the rear even when the third row of seating is in operation. That's something very few people movers, and basically no SUVs that offer third-row seating can boast.The iMax as tested is a basic machine. Essentially it is a commercial vehicle likely to be mainly used as a company shuttle or by basketball teams needing head room and walk-through space. But as a family van, as tested as a holiday escape machine on the recent long weekend, it lacks a lot of the features seen in comparitively priced cars. The huge gap between the two front seats cries out for a console where you can put cups and mobile phones etc. Honda's Odyssey has for years boasted a neat fold-away tray for this space.Sat-nav and indeed even a display screen with trip information such as average fuel use etc is also missing here. On the steering wheel where cars half the price have push-button controls the iMax just has holes where the controls should sit.Around town road noise is seriously noticeable. There's distinct rattles from the sliding doors as the car hits potholes and Sydney's damaged roads. It sounds like a van or a minibus, not a car.Having said that the improvement in road noise is significant when it escapes the city and hits the highway. But this leads to a new problem. The 2.5-litre 125kW diesel engine is reasonably quiet on startup and on the open flat road, but not when hills are encountered. Laden with two adults and four teenagers and their luggage, it roars when it sinks through the automatic five-speeds of the gearbox up decent hills.Surprisingly the revs don't climb significantly as this happens, indicating there's plenty of torque (392Nm) in the diesel power plant but it is noisy.Apart from independent front and rear air-conditioning and the CD/radio player there isn't much else as far as interior features go for your $40,000.Cloth seats with only manual positioning are standard. This is particularly annoying for the driver who constantly feels as though they are sitting too high. You feel as though you are sitting too upright, which only serves to enhance the idea that you are driving a mini-bus rather than a car.There is a wide-range of options including even a fridge but as a standard unit the car lacks a family-friendly feel.Fuel economy in the diesel runs around 10L/100km and it does boast a big (75-litre) tank meaning we didn't need to even think about visiting a petrol station in our four days away.This is the sort of car that will prove ideal only for a niche of the market. Hyundai boasts that is significantly cheaper than its true competitors but comfort and features are also important.If you don't need to seat eight large people and their goods on a regular basis there are plenty of more suitable options available on the market today.THE BOTTOM LINE Fit for a purpose that will suit only a few families but a lot more companies.Hyundai iMax CRDi Price: $39,990Engine: 2.5-litre/4-cylinder turbodiesel 125kW/392NmTransmission: 5-speed autoEconomy: 9.8L/100km (claimed)Body: 5-door wagonRating: 70/100Rivals Chrysler Grand Voyager: 75/100, from $57,990 Honda Odyssey 78/100, from $43,990 Kia Grand Carnival: 74/100, from $39,390 Dodge Journey: 73/100, from $36,990 VW Caravelle: 72/100, from $50,490