Hyundai iMax TQ-W (2008-2026)

I bought a second-hand 2015 IMAX 2.4L petrol in 2024, and my family absolutely loves it. I removed the third row to create more cargo space, so I no longer need to hire a ute for transporting furniture (I even transported around 10 tons of bricks with the van, though I did so in 1-ton loads each time.). Two people can sleep comfortably in the van… Read more

during camping trips, with the second row moved forward. The van only requires regular petrol (91) for fuel. The 2.4L petrol engine is simple and easy to maintain. While it’s not a racing car, it’s definitely powerful enough for daily use. I also noticed that its turning radius is much smaller than I expected for such a large van, and it drives like a car. The fuel economy is about 11L/100km with air conditioner running which is very reasonable for such a big van. The only downside is that it’s not a 4WD, but that’s something I can live with.

The petrol engine is perfectly adequate, who are you, Craig Lowndes??! – I own a 2014 petrol automatic. I've just returned from a trip with four blokes in it, luggage and heaps of gear, vehicle was probably pushing three tonnes, the car was faultless. People go on about the petrol engine being gutless. Yes, there is less torque than the diesel, but it's easily driven around...How you ask?? Just kick it into third via… Read more

the button on the gear stick! The car was accelerating up hills this way, it's totally adequate. Torque peak is at 4000 rpm, let it spin there when you need to, and you will have no problem. It just requires a bit more from YOU, the driver.

With all that weight and sitting on 110kph+, we were at 10.7 l/100. Completely acceptable.

I like the fact the petrol engine is NOT the direct injection version that has given issues in other Hyundai vehicles, it is the port injection version and is very well proven, based on a Mitsubishi design that has been in many cars. There is no turbo charger, and if you abuse it, it's probably more resistant to abuse than the diesel is as it's lower tech.

Use floor mats and possibly seat covers as the carpet and fabric seems a bit thin, they've prob tried to save some money here.

I'm happy with it, it's kind of like a lumbering St Bernard dog, loyal and a bit goofy : )

Useful vehicle – We use ours as a big family wagon, minibus and van. Getting the seats out is easy but they are heavy! Also the 14mm bolts holding the 2 rows of seats come out of the factory super tight, so you'll need a heavy duty rattle gun to loosen them for the 1st time. The petrol is underpowered and requires the use of the overdrive button on steep hills.… Read more

The 2.4l engine is super quiet and might have enough grunt if it had 2 or more gears. That aside it is very quiet out on the road, not just for a van, it is very quiet, the sound system is good and the warranty and service from Hyundai excellent. There is lack of flexibility as the seats don't fold down. However you can carry 8 adults in comfort and still have plenty of luggage space. Being rear wheel drive and sitting over the front wheels it's quite a pleasurable driving experience with an amazingly tight turning circle. The lack of cruise control can be fixed with an aftermarket unit for $750, that's only 1 or 2 speeding fines so definitely worth it. Overall, it's cheap and it's big :)

Update* On the Diesel vs Petrol argument

The diesel is quicker

The petrol is cheaper to buy, maintain, service, the engine is more reliable and the cost ULP makes the fuel costs comparable. The petrol is super quiet round town, the diesel sounds like a commercial vehicle. The diesel engine is known to be fragile and very expensive to fix

I love my imax – I have the diesel and it's a great drive. I love the torque of the diesel. Pulls like a bloody train and l get nearly 900km to a tank. I tried the petrol but wouldn't recommend. It's a very basic vehicle which suits me. Good mechanics and a great turning circle. Build quality is good and it's very solid. My only gripes would be: The very rear… Read more ·  1

seat can not be folded down to make extra room- it has to be removed (4 bolts and a two person lift)

There is no grab handle for the passenger but there is one for the driver. This is odd as the van version, the iload, does have a passenger handle. lt's very handy to swing yourself into your seat. Don't know why they wouldn't put that in.lf anyone can tell me, please get in touch.

The aftermarket cruise control is clunky and awkward to use, so not really the imax's fault but these units seem to be fairly common on older imax's.

All in all, a good vehicle and if you are used to car performance, you will be at home in a diesel imax.

An absolute dream to climb in and drive anywhere – Used every day around town delivering kids to school and occasional lengthy trips on the highway, tows a large camper trailer/tent or our 5m pop top caravan with consumate ease Show details

Great vehicle – Work driving on an expressway and camping driving up the coast and country Daily commuting to work and holidays Regularly at designated service times and if there was an issue No issues have arisien  Show details

Good engine poor plastic – We bought this car in 2014 and recently we started having issues where the dashboard fascia crashed and started to fall apart, cup holder also broke in the second year or so, power outlet socket came off in the third year. I've also been extremely disappointed with the service centre where I take the car to get maintenance done but that's a different story. The pros of this car is the space and and engine reliability.  Show details

blown injectors therefore blown engine – anyone have a similar problem? imax less than 70,000km blown injectors and had to have the engine rebuilt. Always serviced with Hyundai around 15,000-17,000km traveled per year. It was less than a year out of warranty and their "Customers, we dont Care" department said bad luck out of warranty, When issue was escalated (which took around 2 months… Read more

to talk to a so called manager) they then said bad luck because I authorised the repair!! Never have I had such an ordinary experience with a manufacturer and vow that there will be no Hyundais in my shed ever again. So to let everyone know about this issue and caveat emptor

Unexplained engine problem – Bought a 2014 IMAX which went fine for around 18 months. Inexplicably the fuel consumption has completely fallen off a cliff. We're now getting around 450kms per 70 litre tank. That's 15.5 litres per 100km. Nothing like the manufacturers specs. That's also using 98 octane fuel. The service centre is telling us all the diagnostics are all clear. They are helpful but this feels like a time bomb ticking on a dud vehicle.  Show details

Great for a big family !! – Great for a big family, i have plated 2013 brought early 2014, ive owned since New, never skipped a beat and never let me down . Great to drive & even fits a double mountain buggy in the boot sideways while set up!! a god send with the Twins. Great Mummy van !!  Show details

Good & cheap service & – We are very satisfied. It’s cheaper than other companies. We drove from GC to Brisbane & back. All went smoothly. The staffs are all helpful & friendly. We will use them again. Show details

Value for money – Great specious vehicle, probably you can live in it. You must be a good driver as the van is big it is bit tough to park and get around. Take fair bit of fuel though. Good warranty period Show details

2010 Market Value – Hi there, wanting feedback on the market value of a 2010 Hyundai iMax 8 seater fuel auto 170,000kms approx. The vehicle is service regularly. Clean and tidy inside. Had a touch up repaint. Show details

Great spacious car – Now have a had two of these, updated in June 2017. Current 2016 model is diesel instead of Petrol which has more power and tank lasts twice as long. So spacious for our large family, only wish it had more towing capacity as we will probably have to trade in next year to a more suitable vehicle to tow a camper. The kids love it with a DVD player… Read more

now and plenty of space for growing teenagers and the young ones with car seats.

The main issue/complaint is the latest models cruise control is terrible and very delayed at responding, probably not an issue if only traveling around town but we frequently travel long distances. My husband has mentioned this to service department, they stated they have had several complaints but no action offered to rectify. Overall would highly recommend to anyone looking for a large passenger only vehicle.

Big family car – We bought our family 8 seater car in Feb 2017. We love this car cos it's a very spacious car. We just back from camping and we put even tower fan, 2 bicycles, 5 camp strechers , tents, blankets and all camp equipment into the car. Perfect size except the petrol is so so. We understand the big car probably petrol is one of the concern. Other than… Read more

that, the bluetooth is good too.

I love the air conditioning in the 2nd and 3rd rolls so my kids can adjust during the hot or cold day by themself.

One of dislike is the slide door is too heavy. I need to close harder.

Can't beat it for a big family – We've had this car for five years and we're in love. Not only does it cart us around (five kids two adults and a dog) to everywhere, we could pretty much live in it because it has so much room! The seats are normal size so even with 8 adults it is comfortable - the only negative is I wish it had cruise control and that the windows could open more at the back. Air conditionings pretty good!  Show details

Excellent People Mover if you dont fancy all the Bells and Whistles – This is in particular the 2016 Hyundai iMax TQ3-W Series II (Aug) -Petrol We drove one of these as a hire car for 5 days. What a vehicle it was. We use to own a tarago so i am comparing my though to a Tarago. (Base Model vs Base Model) - I'm not sure if the IMAX even comes in different trim levels. * More spacious than Tarago * More… Read more

comfortable than Tarago (much roomier / ride quality)

* Very responsive to throttle response (6 adults and constant Air conditioning)

* It is a Very big vehicle but if your a car person you wont feel it that big as its quiet boxy so you know where all the corners and edges are.

* Relatively good fuel consumption for the amount of people we carried.

* Had all the necessary tech to get the job done (rev camera, sensors, Bluetooth, front and rear climate controls)

All in all i prefer the looks of the Tarago, but the functionality/practicality/engine refinement of the iMAX.

Only downside i can point out in the iMAX is that its not as good as Tarago on Highways/Hills/Rapid acceleration.

No tiptronic so if you wanted to down a gear you'd have to use the overdrive button. It struggles to climb hills (Petrol Version)- flooring it doesnt necessarily down a gear automatically- it takes some time.

However if your plotting around town moving people (what this is made for) at speeds about 80kph or so this thing is awesome.

When we returned from our trip we hired a MAXI TAXI (Tarago) to get us all home, immediately i felt the difference, not as much room. Sure it looked better on the outside and bit more updated on the inside but you really do feel that difference extra room.

My conclusion is if you just need to transport people short distances you can go with any people mover. But if you want to do it in comfort (lots of comfort)- cant go wrong with the iMAX

The diesel iMax is a great thing. Highly recommended – This is a review of the MY16 TQ3-W Series II What a revelation! After the petrol-powered iMax, this diesel version (in automatic form) is just so much better it’s hard to describe. No more overtaking with gritted teeth, this iMax has solid go and is an all-round pleasure to drive. Around town it’s easy to drive, is easy to see out of and… Read more

you soon forget you’re driving a fairly large van. It’s comfortable and well appointed for the price. Out on the open road and it’s more good news. Good power, quiet by anyone’s standard, and a nice ride. Actually, I would rate it as ‘yes please’. The older petrol model I would score 2 stars, this diesel is a 4.5 out of 5. As a used buy they still seem pretty expensive, but they’re well worth it over the petrol.

My only minor criticism would be the cruise control tends to be slow to come up to speed (say after pressing ‘resume’). That’s about all I could find. In fact, for the purpose it’s built for, it’s a 5 star result

Great car for tranpoorting people in confort – I drove an iMax for several years and found it to be very reliable and easy to drive in all weather. I would often drive the iMax with 7 adult passengers and found there was plenty of space and that it drove well. The only thing I would like to see improved is the very back seats do not fold down to make more room for large items needed to be transported.  Show details

Good van for transporting a lot of people and still have boot space – Great car if you want to move a large number of people and still have boot space, adjustable middle row of seats allows for good adult leg room in the back row. Has enough room to take my family (6 people) and luggage/ or camping equipment for a 2 weeks driving holiday or a weekend away. The Imax handles like a car which was surprising, and is… Read more

the easiest car to back into a parking spot I've ever had.

I've found the petrol model (2.4) a little underpowered, especially when loaded up and trying to get up a steep hill and after originally test driving the diesel there is a difference.

The only issues I've had so far are that the engine will occasionally cut out during the warm up period before it gets up to full temperature - an issue that Hyundai hasn't been able to identify as it won't repeat at the dealer service centre, the other was the engine light was coming on every 2 weeks with a variable cam timing issue. Was told I may have to have the whole cam/phaser system replaced at a cost of around $3000, but came down to a few extra engine flushes and oil changes between scheduled services, the engine seems to be a bit sensitive to not having the optional 7500km flush/oil change between 15000km services, so would definitely recommend the optional service to keep build up of gunk in the engine to a minimum. That said, these issues are probably isolated to mine.

If you want a good people mover with functional luggage space, this is probably the van for you.

Another blown turbo and ceased engine victim! – 2011 Diesel Imax, such a stunning car to drive, serviced every 7-10k km by the same mechanic, going down a hill after dropping my 4 little children off at preschool, I had an almighty big bang from under the bonnet, then lost steering and brakes, eventually came to a stop, not sure how, but anyway, got towed to local nrma place only to be told my… Read more

engine had ceased. Hyundai didn't want to know a thing about it, 5 months out of warranty which I understand to a point, but their super "helpful customer service centre" told me there were NO known problems with their cars at all, had never heard of the turbos going and engines ceasing.......the turbo went, the conrod went through the engine block (not sure if all of this is spelt right), it pretty much shattered the engine, well that's what I was told by the guy who took it all out and replaced with a reconditioned engine. We were told by a Hyundai dealership that a new engine would cost $23k with a 1yr warranty (as if I'd accept that poor offer) or $15k for a reconditioned engine with a 1yr warranty (umm no thanks), they suggested to cut my losses and buy another car (great customer service as they were totally honest with me but how sad they don't have faith in the cars they sell). Traded it in and reluctantly got a Toyota Aerus, nice car but I miss the comfort of my Imax, but the reviews on the petrol ones aren't much better!! Can anyone shed some light on the petrol Imax's for me?

Fantastic people mover – Feels like a car to drive. I've fitted aftermarket cruise control, sunroofs, leather seats and is like nothing available in the market today. Excellent space for 8 people and all imaginable luggage. Fantastic car. Hyundai should offer it in Australia with the Starex Royale finishing also... With the second row captain chairs swivel seats also...  Show details

Great Van – Drives well - long van but turning circle is excellent in tight spaces - very comfortable and powerful turbo diesel motor perfectly matched to the auto gearbox. Apart from regular service haven't had any problems or cost. Very cheap to run this van. Basic bells and I fitted cruise control after market ($800). Its my mobile office and it's great to sit up high in Sydney traffic. Highly recommended.  Show details

Best option – Can't fault the space! Just amazing space. Six kids aged from two to sixteen. Great and wonderful size. Pick up is okay, towed a trailer from Perth to Melbourne, no problem. Battery had a fault but the Hyundai dealer in Adelaide sorted it and we were on our way again. The only thing I would fault is the drivers seat is awfully… Read more

uncomfortable, like even on small trips to the shops, I am constantly annoyed at how jolly uncomfortable the seat is!!!

I wouldn't say it is a fault but if I had the money I would put an automatic boot closer button on the key. It is a very heavy boot to close.

No bells and whilstles on this model but we had a cruise control added , tints and a tow bar added.

Very happy – Our iMax is now just running out of warranty after 5 years of great service. We are extremely happy with the 130 thousand clicks of work this diesel has done for our large family. I'm still amazed at the power and economy this motor produces. Only problem we have had was at 4 years and 10 months old the a/c blew a compressor. No questions asked,… Read more

problem was fixed under warranty. I wish there was a new model on the market as I would seriously consider going again with another but the slightly dated look and the lack of mod cons will probably mean we will go with something else.

So many good features but terrible problems – Bought imax at 57,000km and it's been fantastic. Run it on 98 fuel. All of a sudden the power just cuts out when I've been making a turn. Scary. Starts again and away it goes. 84,000km all.of a sudden the check engine light came on. Used all the oil and has low power. Mechanic is baffled. Computer said crankshaft sensor and some other sensor. Both replaced. Still coming up with same computer messages and still has no get up and go. Help!  Show details

Clutch Problems with 75000km – 75000km and the clutch is gone, have been told by Hyundai this is wear & tear cost $7050.00 big and lots of room but never again I am going to have an Hyundai. Reading the forums it looks like it is hit and miss if you purchase a Hyundai. Do your homework.  Show details

Exceeded Expectations – I was dreading having to make the transition to a people mover until I found the Imax. It powers up the hills and handles the corners with ease. Turns on a dime and tows without a whimper. Tyres are expensive to replace. Loving the full sized seats throughout. All it.  Show details

Very Good Choice would buy another – I bought my I-Max 2.5 turbo diesel auto new from Trinity Hyundai Cairns two and a half years and 50,000 km ago, I am a retired private owner and wanted a large reliable vehicle for travelling long distances with space for heaps of luggage and to pull over and take a break in the back in reasonable comfort, after much consideration and research, I… Read more

talked to I-Max and I-Load owners before making the decision, one local contractor had done over 200,000 kms with his I-Load turbo diesel auto with no with no trouble (he now has another two and his original has done over 300,000)

The I-Max is no luxury vehicle or family sedan but for it's size and weight it handles and drives well, make sure the tyre pressures are right and not too hard or the ride becomes harsh, the high driving position is a real benefit in traffic, I don't find it particularly noisy (with my hearing aids out) but it's not as quiet as my old Mazda 3 and previous Magna, the interior is functional and quite basic, to front and rear air conditioning is very good, rear passenger seat space is huge with the seats pushed fully back, it's easy to enter or exit the rear seats through the right or left sliding door, there is a large space between the two front seats, I have a small esky in that space, I have a child seat in the centre at the back for my young grandson, he likes the clear view through the front window from this position and two adults can sit either side of him, the centre position is reccomended for safety by the seat manufacturer.

I had cruise control and a reversing camera fitted from new, the cruise control looks neat like it came with the vehicle, it was fitted by the Hyundai dealer here in Cairns.

The vehicle was thirsty when new but after about 3,000-4,000 km it improved, fuel consumption is about 10 to 10.5 litres per 100k on short trips around town and better than 9 litres per 100 km on longer trips using cruise control, it will cruise happily at the speed limit all day, I don't drive any faster than the speed limit but one crazy owner told me that they will do 180 kph wouldn't want to try it myself!!

Fixed servicing costs seem a bit high but with 15,000 km service intervals for normal use the cost is not too bad.

I have removed the back row of seats temporarily and can refit them easily if required they just bolt in place, this is legal in Queensland on a temporary basis, ( Queensland Government regulation VSIL50Permanentandtemporaryremovalofseatsfromlightmotorvehicles) this gives me a massive amount of floor space in the back up to nearly 1.9 metres if you don't have passengers in the back seats probably 1.7 metres with 5 occupants.

The I-Max has given me no trouble except a stereo switch problem and a fogged reversing camera lens, both fixed quickly under warranty by the Hyundai dealer.

If you accept the I-Max for what it is and don't crave a status symbol vehicle or sporty performance and handling it could be right for you, if you can hire one or request a long test drive from your dealer it may help your decision either way but for me it was the right choice.

One annoying thing is the ignition key, with just one push button on the side it's easy to lock/unlock the vehicle accidentally if the key is in your pocket jostling with other pocket contents.

Was...The Best Family Vehicle – I reviewed the iMax on May 27 2012 "The Best Family Vehiccle" and have now had the iMax for nearly 4 years. Last week (at 150,000 ks) the turbo died which caused the engine to 'run away', redlining hard on the stop for approx. 1-2 minutes, after which, (with a huge amount of smoke and several people running from their businesses to see what the… Read more

problem was), the engine died. I serviced the van at the regular interval at a licenced mechanic and Hyundai have asked for all the service invoices, outlining the oils used, their viscosity and if they are full synth, semi or not, all filters used and brand, parts and coolant...

I questioned why when my log book is stamped, signed and dated correctly and I was told by the service manager, "to see if I had caused the turbo to die" and "I could get a stamp and stamp the book, how do we know you had it serviced?" I also had to fill out a declaration stating the van wasn't used for commercial purposes - ignoring the 3 child seats across the middle seat and no tow bar, roof racks, rear cage fitted..

When I asked about a courtesy vehicle (for work, school etc) I was told I had to book two weeks in advance....

I heard from Hyundai customer care today and was informed that they may or may not honour the 5 year/unlimited k warranty, even though the van is 4 years old...

My advice - keep every receipt for this vehicle. It appears blown turbos are common for the 2.5l diesel. Local mechanics and a man from a well know roadside assist/windscreen repair company (fixing a windscreen on my other vehicle) stated that after about 100,000ks the turbo lets go...

Will keep you posted

Light globe regularly blow, blown turbo, engine destroyed...

Unreliable but roomy – The Imax is ok when it does actually start and can carry 8 people with luggage easily. The problems have however has left us with an overall dissapointing vehicle. Firstly on pickup from dealership when new we noticed the drivers door was out of line with body and steel was rubbing on chassis of car, after a week of twisting the door and… Read more

respraying the body it now sticks out and causes wind noise for the driver. Then the car has trouble starting, will not fire the engine after continual cranking, we have a diesel and wait for the glow plugs to go off and have tried to start numerous times, even when its hot or been driving for some time it wont fire- sometimes up to 5 minutes which is extremely frustrating. We also had an issue at 17000 klm when the oil went through the radiator and coolant from the radiator went into the engine and dumped black oil all over our garage floor; the car went on the back of the truck back to hyundai again for two weeks; when we got it back we had no air conditioner working. When you look at the car from above the doors do not line up and hang out of body not quite square. We have now done 31000 klm and has had all its services done on time but found this car to be the most unreliable we have ever owned and will never buy another Hyundai again.

exceeded expectations – Purchased MY2010 iMax used from pickles auctions, 124,000 kms on the odo. I was previously looking at getting a Multivan, but given up due to the realibility and cost concerns. The iMax turned out the be a great all-rounder. Many pleasant surprised including: * very nice streeing feel/feedback, enjoyable to drive, does not roll much in… Read more ·  2

corners, nice ride at the same time.

* quiet enough at cruising, not much tyre noise on standard tyres.

* moved 400kg of pebble bags in the boot, plus 4 passengers, with no issues.

* nice, creak-free, interior.

* feels strong and tight. nice streering, good handling, good ride. quiet crusing. fuel economy just OK, not great. can feel slow until pressed on. no walk-thru to 3rd row without disturbing the 2nd row. vibrates a bit at idle (but not as much as a Tdi multivan)..