Hyundai Starex 2018 Philippines: Super Express variant Review, Price, Specs

Updated Oct 14, 2020

Take a deeper insight into the current-gen Hyundai Starex 2018 Philippines via our comprehensive review covering price, specs, interior and more.

Hyundai Starex 2018 Philippines: More seats, more fun

Being a van lover, some may be familiar to the Hiace from Toyota. For others, we believe that you can immediately name the Hyundai Grand Starex.

The Starex is one of the most common sights in our country which features tough and durable machine and accommodates 10 or 12 people at max. Thanks to the van’s proven reliability, Hyundai PH sales have been always on a high altitude for years. The company knew the truth and back in last year, it introduced an all-new variant - the Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express which is capable of housing up to 15 people.

So, let’s find out together what the new trim has to offer through this in-depth Hyundai Starex 2018 review by Philkotse.com.

Hyundai Starex 2018 model

The Starex is one of the most common sights in our country

1. Hyundai Starex 2018 Philippines: Exterior

Everything in the Starex is designed with the Filipino drivers in mind, remember this.

Hyundai Starex 2018 angular front

Everything in the Starex is designed with the Filipino drivers in mind

Hyundai Starex 2018 front view

The Super Express is quite akin to other Starex models

Hyundai Starex 2018 side view

The utilitarian dual-sliding doors are also preserved​

When it comes to exterior, the Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express is quite akin to other Starex models. Still the jutted nose, long parallel rear windows, a big windshield and steel wheels, but turning your gaze rearwards, you will see a “Super Express” sticker to differentiate this car from its siblings. The utilitarian dual-sliding doors are also preserved.

Hyundai Starex 2018 angular rear

The van comes with long parallel rear windows

Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express badge

Turning your gaze rearwards, you will see a “Super Express” sticker to differentiate this car from its siblings​

2. Hyundai Starex 2018 Philippines: Interior

Compared to the 10-seat variants, the new Super Express is given more seats. Interestingly, this does not make the van any bigger. In truth, the Starex Super Express shares the same overall dimensions with 10-seater models. As a result, the cabin space is not as airy as you’ve expected. Sitting in the middle two rows, tall people might not have enough space to put their leg.

Thankfully, jump seats are present for easier rear access. Besides, getting in and out of the car is not difficult at all thanks to a handful of handles. Although fabric seats are a bit firm but mostly, they’re comfortable.

Hyundai Starex 2018 seating

Compared to the 10-seat variants, the new Super Express is given more seats

A daily people carrier cannot provide you with latest techs or upscale features, generally speaking. That said, the Hyundai Starex 2018 interior still has a radio head unit with available USBs ports and Aux cables that allow you to play your playlist to keep passenger entertained on every road trip.

Extra features in the Hyundai Grand Starex 2018 consist of central locking and front power windows. Coming as an option from dealership is an available slot for electric side mirror adjustment. What’s more, a cup holder and a storage nook can be created with middle seat up front down.

Hyundai Starex 2018 Philippines Interior

The Starex 2018 interior still has a radio head unit

Hyundai Starex 2018 Philippines Interior

A cup holder and a storage nook can be created with middle seat up front down

Hyundai Starex 2018 Philippines Interior

Jump seats are present for easier rear access

3. Hyundai Starex 2018 Review: Engine & Performance

3.1. Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express engine

The Super Express has a 2.5-liter TCI 8-valve 4-cylinder engine under its hood that is regarded as the best quality of this van. The diesel engine can deliver 99 hp and 226 Nm of torque. Though these figures are not very high, the engine can pick up speed relatively easily when the revs climb. Beyond that, power remains stable throughout the power band.

Hyundai Starex 2018 engine

The Super Express has a 2.5-liter TCI 8-valve 4-cylinder engine under its hood

The power plant is married to a 5-speed manual transmission which can give ample power in most cases, even when you shift rather early.

With regard to fuel economy, the Grand Starex 2018 can do a commendable 14 km/L in heavy traffic as long as it just carries only one person.

3.2. Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express ride & handling

First, speaking of ride, the Starex performance is not very great, broadly. It runs on 16-inch tires mated to MacPherson struts up front together with a rigid-axle five-link at the rear. When on the move however, you might feel that the rubber is somewhat small for this big van.

Even worse, the Super Express seems not to do well the job of absorbing road imperfections while passing uneven roads, making occupants feel the chassis poking upwards underneath them.

In the interval, the handling appears to be agile and light for a 15-seater. In contrast to modern electronic power steering, the hydraulic set up does not feel heavy while driving. In fact, you can be easily used to controlling this guy. Nevertheless, remember that sensors and back-up camera are absent from the Starex, so be careful in case of reverse parking.

4. Hyundai Starex 2018 Price in the Philippines

In 2018, the Starex Super Express can be had at ₱1,418,000 – a tag that we suppose affordable for those who’re seeking for a van in the market. If the Hiace is slightly more expensive to go for, a Starex will be an optimal alternative.

Hyundai Starex 2018 price in the Philippines
Model Price
2018 Hyundai Grand Starex 2.5 GL MT  ₱1,378,000
2018 Hyundai Grand Starex 2.5 CRDi GLS AT  ₱1,778,000
2018 Hyundai Grand Starex 2.5 CRDi GLS AT (with Swivel)  ₱1,988,000
2018 Hyundai Grand Starex 2.5 GL MT (Super Express)  ₱1,418,000

By the way, if you’re into other Hyundai models, click here to see the updated Hyundai car price list in the Philippines in 2018.

5. Hyundai Starex 2018 Review: Pros & Cons

Hyundai Starex 2018 Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Agile powertrain
  • Comfortable cabin
  • Competitive price
Cons
  • Lack of performance at high speeds
  • Heavy steering

6. Hyundai Starex 2018 Specs in the Philippines

Hyundai Starex 2018 Specs in the Philippines
 Overall
Name Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express
Body Type Van
Price ₱1,418,000
Transmission Type Manual
Dimensions
Length 5,150 mm
Width 1,920 mm
Height 1,925 mm
Wheelbase 3,200 mm
Turning Circle 11.2 m
Ground Clearance 190 mm
Number of Doors 5
Number of Seats 15
Engine & Performance
Engine Size 2.5 L
Displacement 2,467 cc
Number of Cylinders 4
Number of Valves 16
Transmission Category 5-Speed Manual
Power Train Rear-Wheel Drive
Max Output 100 hp @ 3,800 rpm
Max Torque 225 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Fuel Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 75 L
Safety Features
  • Driver's Airbag
  • Security Alarm
Other Features
Rear Parking Sensors No
Wheel Size 16 in
Wheels Metal Type Alloy
Airconditioning System Manual Type w/ Roof Mounted Vents
Entertainment System 4-Speaker Head Unit w/DVD
Connectivity
  • Aux-in
  • USB port
Warranty 5 Years (Unlimited Mileage)
Keyless Entry Yes
Power Steering Yes
Power Windows Yes
Power Outlet No
Steering Wheel Audio Control No

7. Hyundai Starex 2018 Philippines: Verdict

All told, the Super Express is the same as other Starex variants but for more seats. Honestly, it is a top pick for Filipino commuters whose main purpose is just carrying a big group of stuff, students or family in one trip. In other words, the Hyundai Grand Starex 2018 is perfect for commercial use.

Hyundai Starex 2018 angular front

The 2018 Grand Starex is perfect for commercial use

At the end of the day, hopefully our Hyundai Starex 2018 Review has given you useful information for your car search. Want to learn more about other hot-sellers in the Philippines, please click here.