Are Hyundai Starex and H‑1 the Same?

Yes—Hyundai’s “Starex” and “H‑1” are essentially the same vehicle line, sold under different names depending on the market. Both refer to Hyundai’s long‑running van/MPV platform introduced in the late 1990s and replaced globally by the Hyundai Staria from 2021 onward. The badges (Starex vs. H‑1) typically reflect regional branding and trim positioning rather than fundamental mechanical differences, though features, engines, and safety equipment can vary by country and model year.

How the Names Differ Across Markets

Hyundai has historically used multiple nameplates for the same van to suit regional marketing and regulatory needs. Understanding which badge appears where can help shoppers and owners match specs and parts more confidently.

• Starex / Grand Starex: Used in South Korea and much of Asia and the Middle East, with “Grand Starex” often denoting the second generation and higher‑spec passenger variants.
• H‑1: Common in Europe and some Asian/African markets, with “H‑1 Travel” (passenger) and “H‑1 Cargo” (commercial) designations in certain countries.
• i800: United Kingdom passenger variant naming.
• iMax (passenger) and iLoad (cargo): Australia and New Zealand naming conventions.
• H‑200: Early European branding used on the first generation in some markets.

These labels point to the same core platform. Differences you’ll encounter are typically market‑specific trims, equipment, and compliance packages rather than a wholly different vehicle.

Generations and Timeline

While the badges vary, the product history follows a consistent timeline. Here’s how the model evolved globally.

1. First generation (circa 1997–2007): Launch of Hyundai’s light commercial/passenger van, badged as Starex, H‑1, or H‑200 depending on market.
2. Second generation (2007–2020/2021): Wider body and modernized design; “Grand Starex” becomes common branding in Asia. Europe continues with H‑1, including Travel (people‑mover) and Cargo (van). Facelifts added notably updated grilles/interiors around 2018.
3. Replacement by Staria (2021–present): The futuristic Hyundai Staria succeeds the Starex/H‑1 line globally, though some regions sold down H‑1 inventory into 2022.

Across these generations, the underlying purpose remained consistent: configurable seating for families or shuttle duty and robust cargo capacity for commercial use, with regional tuning to meet local regulations.

Where Starex and H‑1 Can Differ in Practice

Although the platform is the same, market needs and regulations lead to variations that buyers should note when comparing a Starex to an H‑1 of the same year.

• Seating and interior: Passenger versions (Starex/Grand Starex, H‑1 Travel, i800, iMax) offer 7–12 seats and VIP/limousine trims in some markets; cargo versions (H‑1 Cargo, iLoad) prioritize payload and load space.
• Powertrains: Common engines include 2.5‑liter turbodiesels (CRDi) and, in some regions, 2.4‑liter gasoline units; outputs and transmissions (manual/automatic, 5‑ or 6‑speed) vary by market and year.
• Features and safety: Equipment such as ESC, side airbags, parking aids, infotainment, and advanced safety systems can differ substantially based on local regulations and trim levels.
• Styling and trim: Facelift grilles, wheel designs, and interior finishes may be market‑specific, especially on higher‑spec Grand Starex variants.
• Compliance: Emissions and safety standards (e.g., Euro 4/5/6) drive differences in calibration, aftertreatment, and listed outputs.

These variations mean two vans of the same year—one badged Starex and the other H‑1—may not be identical in features or engine tuning, even though they share the same architecture.

Buying or Comparing One? Key Checks

If you’re cross‑shopping a Starex and an H‑1, verify the specifics rather than assuming parity based on the badge alone.

• Confirm the exact model year and generation, as facelifts brought meaningful updates.
• Match engine codes, transmission type, and rated outputs to ensure parts and service compatibility.
• Check seating configuration and payload needs (passenger vs. cargo, 7–12 seats, VIP vs. standard).
• Review safety and convenience features included in the local trim (airbags, ESC, infotainment, driver aids).
• Verify service history, recall status, and any market‑specific warranty or corrosion coverage.

A focused comparison on specs and condition will give you a clearer picture than the nameplate alone, especially across imports or grey‑market vehicles.

Bottom Line

Starex and H‑1 refer to the same Hyundai van/MPV family, differentiated mainly by market branding and trim strategy. While the core vehicle is shared, equipment and powertrains vary by region and year. Since 2021, the Hyundai Staria has been phasing in as the global successor to both.

Summary

Starex and H‑1 are essentially the same Hyundai model line under different names. Expect regional differences in features, engines, and trims, but the platform is shared across markets. The lineup has been succeeded by the Hyundai Staria in most regions since 2021.

What replaced the Hyundai Starex?

Only the exterior was updated for right-hand drive models. The Hyundai Grand Starex was discontinued in South Korea on 18 March 2021, succeeded by the Hyundai Staria.

What is the other name for the Hyundai H1?

Hyundai H-1 is a nameplate of a van and pickup truck used by Hyundai Motor Company in European export markets for three related models: Hyundai Starex, (called i800 in Europe, iLoad in Australia and H-200 in the Netherlands) a minibus/van. Hyundai Libero, a pickup truck.

Why was the Hyundai H1 discontinued?

But as things stand, the H1 needed to be replaced. It became stale in a global market driven by aesthetics, new technologies, and features. It had to be replaced. This opened the door for the Staria’s introduction, and the new MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) rewrote what we thought was that for Hyundai’s bus.

What is the new name for the Starex?

Hyundai Staria. The Hyundai Staria (Korean: 현대 스타리아) is a 5-door van and minivan manufactured by Hyundai since 2021. It was introduced as the successor to the Starex, replacing the rear-wheel-drive layout of the Starex with a front-wheel-drive-based platform shared with other large Hyundai and Kia vehicles.