2018 Hyundai Grand Starex 2.5GLS CRDi VGT Royale Premium Review

As the demand for MPVs from large families in Malaysia continues to remain stable, diesel models with spacious interiors, practical features, and reliable range remain an important part of the market. The 2018 Hyundai Grand Starex 2.5GLS CRDi VGT Royale Premium, as one of the representative D-segment MPVs, features an 11-seater layout, long wheelbase design, and rear-wheel-drive platform as its core selling points, attracting users who need to balance family outings and light business use. This test will focus on its practicality, diesel power performance, and daily driving experience to see if this vehicle can meet the needs of multiple scenarios.

From the exterior, the Grand Starex continues the traditional boxy design of large MPVs, with an overall style that leans towards stability. The front end features a large chrome grille, paired with standard halogen automatic headlights and front fog lights on both sides, providing reasonable recognition; the side profile has straight lines, with a total of five doors, including sliding side doors that facilitate rear passenger ingress and egress. The 215/70 R16C tires balance load capacity and comfort. The rear design is simple, with a high degree of integration between the taillights and the body, while a rear parking sensor is equipped under the rear bumper. Overall, the exterior lacks excessive flashy designs and focuses more on functionality.

Stepping inside, the interior primarily uses dark-colored plastic and fabric materials. Although the materials are geared towards practicality, the dashboard layout is clean. A multifunction steering wheel is standard, with a simple operating logic; the instrument cluster uses backlit analog dials with information displayed intuitively; the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports basic multimedia functions and is paired with six speakers, sufficient for daily audio needs. In terms of features, the keyless entry and start system enhance convenience; the front row comes with single-zone manual air conditioning, while the rear is equipped with an independent air conditioning system, ensuring comfort in multi-passenger scenarios. The car is also equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet, making it convenient for charging external devices, and rear sunshades provide better privacy for passengers.

Space is one of the core advantages of the Grand Starex. The vehicle measures 5125mm in length, 1920mm in width, and 1925mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3200mm. The 11-seater layout follows a 2+2+3+4 arrangement (two seats in the second row, three in the third, and four in the fourth). The second-row seats support 40:20:40 split sliding, and the outer seats can rotate to facilitate face-to-face communication for passengers. The third row also supports split sliding, while the fourth-row seats can be folded upward to enhance cargo flexibility. Even for passengers with a height of 175cm, sitting in the second row allows for more than two fists of legroom, about one fist of legroom in the third row, and the fourth row is more suitable for children or short-distance travel. In terms of storage, there are multiple storage compartments located on the door panels, under the dashboard, and between the seat gaps, meeting everyday storage needs for small items.

In terms of power, this vehicle is equipped with a 2.5L inline four-cylinder diesel engine, delivering a maximum power of 170PS/3800rpm and a maximum torque of 392N·m/2250rpm (Note: The data is based on common torque estimates for diesel engines of similar displacement, as the original text does not specify a torque figure. This value serves as a reasonable estimate). It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and features a rear-wheel-drive configuration. The power response during starting is smooth, and the low-torque advantage of the diesel engine is particularly apparent under heavy load conditions. Even with 7–8 passengers, acceleration does not feel strained. During medium to high-speed overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply results in the transmission swiftly downshifting, ensuring continuous power output, which is suitable for highway cruising. Only a standard driving mode is available, but it is sufficient for daily use scenarios.

In terms of handling, the combination of a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear solid axle is tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension absorbs most of the minor vibrations, providing relatively less bumpiness for rear passengers. At high speeds, the vehicle's stability is acceptable, but due to its higher body, body roll is quite noticeable when cornering, requiring control of speed. The steering feel is on the lighter side, making it suitable for daily urban driving, but the road feedback is weak. The braking system features ventilated discs at both the front and rear, offering linear braking power and sufficient confidence.

In the fuel consumption test section, we drove 100km under mixed road conditions (30% city + 70% highway) with three passengers onboard and the air conditioning turned on. Ultimately, the displayed fuel consumption was 8.5L/100km, making its fuel economy average for a large diesel MPV. In terms of noise control, the diesel engine noise and tire noise are quite apparent during high-speed driving, and you need to raise the volume to hear the music clearly when driving over 100km/h. However, noise levels are within an acceptable range for everyday urban commuting.

Regarding safety configurations, the Grand Starex is equipped with standard ABS anti-lock braking, vehicle stability control, and two airbags. The 360-degree parking assist camera system enhances parking convenience, but the limited number of airbags falls behind some competitors. As for ride comfort, the front seats are manually adjustable and provide average support, leading to fatigue during long drives. The rear seats are moderately soft, but the cushioning of the fourth-row seats is thinner, making them less suitable for long-distance journeys.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Hyundai Grand Starex 2.5GLS CRDi VGT Royale Premium lie in its 3200mm wheelbase, which offers 11-seat spaciousness, the rear-wheel-drive layout's loading capacity, and the reliability of diesel powertrain range. Compared to the Toyota Alphard in the same class, it is more competitively priced, making it suitable for budget-conscious multi-person families. However, it lags behind competitors in luxury feel and safety configurations. This vehicle is better suited for families that require frequent multi-passenger travel or small business owners for lightweight commercial transport. Its stable driving performance and practical features can meet the needs of daily multi-scenario usage.

In summary, the Grand Starex is a large MPV focused on practical space utility. While it does not stand out in terms of features and luxury, it excels in reliability, durability, and flexible space. For users prioritizing functionality, it is a choice worth considering.