2017 Hyundai i40 2.0 GDI from North America

Summary:

Greater than the sum of its parts

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Rented this car on vacation in Florida at the exact time Hurricane Irma threatened to kill us.

We had to change our plans and ended up driving to the Florida Panhandle to escape the path of Irma.

The drive took two days in appalling traffic.

The car was absolutely immense, just as comfortable after ten hours in the seat as when we first sat in. Great visibility, and enough performance for everyday.

Economy was immense, averaging 38 MP(US)G.

The car gave us such confidence and comfort at a worrying time it really impressed.

Not a driver's car or prestigious, but this is a car that provides a great place to be in all kinds of situations.

Highly recommended.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 2018

3rd Mar 2026, 21:54

Since this was an american car, the 2.0 engine would have been the 2.0 turbo GDI gasoline. The other engine offered was the 2.4 non turbo GDI gasoline. Unfortunately, a diesel engine was not offered by Hyundai or Kia in North America.

2013 Hyundai i40 Tourer Style Blue Drive 1.7 CRDi 136PS turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Not bad, but maybe not as green as it should be

Faults:

Nothing has failed.

General Comments:

Although nothing has failed, the centre console door rattles pretty much all the time, and so does the seat belt adjuster on the driver's side. Both can be quite annoying.

After over 12k miles, the gearbox/clutch doesn't feel so good. It has become very notchy and the clutch seems inconsistent, to the point where it won't go into gear on occasion - mainly when in traffic and my foot is planted into the carpet.

The auto hold feature is good, although it's needed because the hand brake is a small lever.

The level of trim, when compared to similar priced competitors is great value - sat nav, front/rear sensors, reversing camera (very useful gadget).

Some how the designs have managed to build a boot hatch that collects water when it rains and then pours out when it's fully open. Onto the unsuspecting person getting items out of the boot; not so great.

Economy isn't as good as the book suggests, I do a fair amount of high mile trips and it usually only manages between 50-55 MPG, and I only cruise, I'm not pushing it.

It does have a vast amount of room inside, despite not looking too big on the outside.

The A pillars are very thick, which can obstruct other vehicles at roundabouts, but that's not unique to this car.

On the whole it's not a bad car; not the greatest looking one on the block, but it does look good from some angles. My main concern is the possible gearbox issue that might be developing. Haven't been to the dealer yet, so this could be a good time to give them a try out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd May, 2014

7th Oct 2014, 16:33

Have now completed over 20K miles.

The car went back to the dealership with the suspected "gearbox" problem; this became so bad it was almost impossible to change gear. It turned out a modified clutch assembly needed to be installed. Unfortunately, it took Hyundai over a month to stock the items needed for the repair.

The rattle from the centre console seems to be getting worse, but the dealership can't actually hear it, and therefore as far as they are concerned there isn't a problem.

The car then had to go back to the dealership because the cruise control button stopped working and somehow became stuck down. Approximately another month has gone past for the part to come into stock at the dealership. I guess accounting doesn't allow any stock to be held.

I have to say in the last 14 years I've been lucky enough to have various different brands of company car, and so far the Hyundai is proving somewhat temperamental in terms of reliability, when compared to the VW, Skoda and Mazda branded cars I've had before.

Although not directly my car, as it is a company car, I can see why a 5 year warranty is needed. Maybe I've been lucky with the other cars I've had and just unlucky with this one. Will have to wait and see what the next two years has in store, in terms of reliability.

In reply to 7th Oct 2014, 16:33

16th Jul 2019, 17:16

Thanks for the update, I know your review and comment was written a few years ago, but I have had my Hyundai i40 a couple of years now and so far it has been good - I'm hoping long term it holds up. Myself I've had similar experiences with many cars just like you, however I find reliability and quality of modern cars so variable it almost does not matter if it is a Skoda, Audi, Mercedes, Ford, Vauxhall or Hyundai. Sometimes it is just your luck!

3rd Mar 2026, 21:57

The i40 and i45 were labelled as Sonata in North America. We never got the diesel engine, only petrol 2.4 GDI and 2.0 turbo GDI. The clutch on recent Hyundai vehicles is well known for being difficult to operate, friction point is difficult to sense. Many complaints from owners on forums.