Hyundai Iload
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a commercial van that doesn’t feel like you’re driving a truck? The Hyundai iLoad might be exactly what your business needs. This mid-size commercial van combines robust cargo capacity with surprisingly refined car-like driving manners, making it an ideal choice for businesses that need reliable goods transport without sacrificing driver comfort. It’s the van for operators who want dependability and value without the bulk of larger commercial vehicles.

From the outside, the iLoad presents a clean, professional appearance that won’t look out of place at a client meeting. Its practical design prioritises functionality, but Hyundai hasn’t forgotten about aesthetics entirely. The cabin feels more like stepping into a passenger car than a traditional work van, with thoughtful design touches that make long driving days more bearable. This sets it apart from some more utilitarian rivals like the Nissan NV200 or Ford Transit.

The iLoad’s appeal lies in its balance of practicality and refinement. The diesel engine provides the torque needed for heavy loads while remaining relatively economical to run. The ride quality is commendable for a commercial vehicle, absorbing road imperfections well enough to keep both driver and cargo comfortable. While it commands a competitive price in the commercial van market, you’re investing in Hyundai’s reputation for reliability and a comprehensive warranty that gives peace of mind to business operators.

How Does the Hyundai iLoad Drive?

The Hyundai iLoad is powered by a robust 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 114bhp and a strong 343Nm of torque. This powerplant is specifically tuned for commercial duties, prioritising low-end torque over outright performance. The engine feels responsive when loaded, making motorway merging and hill climbing feel manageable even with a full payload. The five-speed manual gearbox is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, with a positive shift action that’s easy to use in stop-start traffic.

On the road, the iLoad demonstrates impressive composure for a commercial van. The steering is light at parking speeds but weights up nicely at cruising speeds, giving you confidence on longer journeys. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between load-carrying capability and ride comfort. Even when empty, it doesn’t feel overly bouncy, while a full load settles the van nicely without compromising handling. The driving position is excellent, with good visibility all round making urban deliveries and tight manoeuvres much easier than you’d expect from a vehicle of this size.

Inside the Hyundai iLoad: Comfort & Features

Step inside the iLoad and you’ll immediately notice the car-like cabin quality that sets it apart from many commercial rivals. The dashboard design is clean and functional, dominated by easy-to-read gauges and logically placed controls. The materials feel robust enough to withstand daily commercial use while maintaining an acceptable level of refinement. The seats are well-shaped and supportive, crucial for drivers who spend long hours behind the wheel making deliveries or travelling between job sites.

The driving environment is surprisingly quiet for a commercial vehicle. Hyundai has done an excellent job of insulating the cabin from road and engine noise, making conversations easier and reducing driver fatigue on longer journeys. Storage solutions are thoughtful, with plenty of cubby holes and cup holders for the essentials drivers need within easy reach. The air conditioning works efficiently, while the heating system quickly warms the cabin on cold mornings. Higher specification models include useful features like Bluetooth connectivity and USB charging points, acknowledging that modern commercial drivers need to stay connected.

The Hyundai iLoad stands out in the competitive commercial van market by delivering excellent build quality and refinement at a competitive price point. It successfully bridges the gap between basic utility and driver comfort, making it an excellent choice for businesses where driver wellbeing matters as much as cargo capacity. The diesel engine provides adequate power with reasonable fuel economy, while the cabin quality exceeds expectations for this class. The main limitations are a smaller cargo area compared to some larger rivals and performance that prioritises efficiency over speed. However, these aren’t significant drawbacks for its target market of small to medium businesses needing a reliable, comfortable commercial vehicle. The comprehensive warranty and Hyundai’s improving reputation for reliability make it a sensible business investment. If you need a commercial van that doesn’t feel like a punishment to drive daily, the iLoad deserves serious consideration.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Hyundai iLoad?

As a commercial vehicle, the iLoad’s running costs are designed to be business-friendly. The diesel engine delivers real-world fuel economy of around 35-38 mpg, which is competitive for its class and helps keep operating costs manageable. The engine’s robust design means it should handle high mileage commercial use reliably, while Hyundai’s comprehensive warranty provides additional peace of mind for business operators who can’t afford unexpected downtime.

The initial purchase price positions the iLoad competitively against established rivals, offering good value for the level of refinement and build quality provided. Service intervals are reasonable, and parts availability is generally good through Hyundai’s dealer network. For businesses looking to spread costs, commercial vehicle finance options are readily available with competitive rates. Insurance costs are moderate for the commercial van sector, though exact premiums will depend on your business use and driving record. The iLoad’s strong reputation for reliability helps minimise unexpected repair bills, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious operators.

Is the Hyundai iLoad Practical for Everyday Use?

The Hyundai iLoad excels in the practicality stakes with a well-designed cargo area that maximises useable space. The load bay offers 4.3 cubic metres of cargo volume, easily accommodating pallets, tools, or bulky equipment. The rear doors open wide for easy loading, while the low load floor height means you won’t strain your back lifting heavy items in and out. The side sliding door is a practical touch, allowing access even in tight parking spaces where conventional doors might be blocked.

Inside the cab, the iLoad works well for businesses that need to carry passengers as well as cargo. The three-seat configuration is comfortable enough for short to medium journeys, though taller passengers might find legroom tight on longer trips. For businesses like trades people or delivery operators, the balance of cargo space and passenger capacity makes the iLoad particularly versatile. It’s equally at home carrying a work crew to a job site or loaded with tools and materials. The practical design elements throughout show Hyundai understands how used commercial vehicles are actually used in the real world.

The Hyundai iLoad represents excellent value in the commercial van sector, combining robust build quality with impressive refinement and competitive running costs. It packages Hyundai’s reputation for reliability, thoughtful design, and comprehensive warranty coverage into a practical commercial vehicle that doesn’t compromise on driver comfort. The well-balanced diesel engine and car-like cabin make it particularly suitable for businesses where driver satisfaction matters.

You choose the iLoad because you want a commercial vehicle that feels professionally refined rather than purely utilitarian. Its combination of adequate cargo space, comfortable cabin, and competitive operating costs makes it ideal for small to medium businesses. Whether you’re running a trades business, making deliveries, or need mixed passenger and cargo capability, the iLoad offers a compelling package. For operators seeking cars that deliver commercial capability without sacrificing refinement, the Hyundai iLoad should be high on your consideration list.