Hyundai Grand Starex

When you enter this Hyundai hauler, you’d be pleasantly surprised by the cabin space. It has an overall length of 5,150 mm, is 1,920 mm wide, a height of 1,925 mm, and a wheelbase that measures 3,200 mm. This means ample headroom and legroom. The seating capacity (or lack thereof) can be adjusted and customized but the Grand Starex can carry up to 10 passengers. In front, you’d see a dated looking instrument cluster. No center touchscreen console and still has those bulky knobs and switches. The infotainment system is also nonexistent save for the upper-tier variant that has an 8-inch floating screen with limited capabilities.

The new facelifted Hyundai Grand Starex has a more commanding look than before. It has a stout hood and a robust front grille that gives it a commanding presence. However, the headlights are not LED nor do they have daylight running lights (DRL) but are either projector type or multi-Reflector halogen with an integrated turn signal. It is worth mentioning though that this Hyundai hauler do have fog lights on the lower part of the bumper. Side panels are clean and minimalist while the rear does come with LED taillights, lift type tailgate, rear spoiler with high mount stop lamp, and rubber duck antenna.

For suspension, this Hyundai Van is fitted out with a MacPherson w/ Coil Spring at the front and Rigid Axle 5-Link w/ Coil Spring at the rear. The suspension coupled with the Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS) makes for an easy, maneuverable drive and superb riding experience. 

There are three engine options available for the Grand Starex. First is the 2.5-liter TCI SOHC 8V that delivers 100 Ps of output at 3,800 rpm and 226 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The second is the 2.5L CRDi VGT DOHC 16V Euro 4 compliant engine that delivers 170 Ps of power at 3,600 rpm and maximum torque of 441 Nm at 2,000 – 2,250 rpm. The engine is partnered with H-Matic 5-Speed automatic transmission. The third is the 2.5L CRDi VGT DOHC 16V that passed the Euro 6 standards. This engine is capable of delivering 175 Ps of maximum output at 3,600 rpm and 451 Nm of peak torque at 2,000 – 2,250 rpm and is partnered to the same H-Matic 5-Speed automatic transmission.

When it comes to safety features, Hyundai was able to cover the basics—airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), anti-locking braking system (ABS), and back warning system. However, compared to other vans in the market, these are very unimpressive considering that other automaker offers added safety features like a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, ABS with EBD, and side curtain airbags for back-row passengers. The limited driver-assist features give the impression that this vehicle is meant to be ridden and not driven. However, what it lacks in safety features, Hyundai makes up for in braking. The Grand Starex is equipped with 16-inch disc brakes on all four wheels for maximum stopping power and exceptional control even when the van is fully loaded. 

The Hyundai Grand Starex is a proven and trusted vehicle among Filipinos. The fact that it has been available on our shores for more than a couple of decades and the many options available for this model proves the demand for this South Korean hauler. The Grand Starex is a versatile and functional van. It’s perfect for adventure and daily commute as a family car or as a commercial vehicle hauling cargo and transporting people.