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Hyundai Custin: Luxury made accessible

Hyundai's newest minivan offers a fusion of two attributes: a luxurious experience and an affordable price.

Jerome Tresvalles on Nov 08, 2023

The Hyundai Custin has recently entered the Philippine market alongside the Stargazer X, and it is set to carve its own place in the minivan segment thanks to its features and price point. Filipinos are not spoilt for choice in the minivan segment. Mainly because the market revolves around a few models namely the Kia Carnival, the Toyota Alphard, Maxus G10, and the Hyundai Staria. With the debut of the Custin, Hyundai has presented a new competitor that provides a premium experience while still being accessible to a wide demographic. Beyond its pricing, the Custin boasts numerous other qualities that we'll look into to understand why it deserves a spot as our Car of the Week.

Spacious and comfortable

Being a minivan, the Custin doesn’t have to be a car that breaks records, it’s simply not the role it was meant to play. Supple, comfortable, and stable is the way a minivan should ride. The Custin uses the N Platform, an attribute it shares with the Hyundai Tucson, and the Kia Carnival. Supported by MacPherson struts up front and a torsion-beam rear axle, the Custin promises a comfortable ride while maintaining a sense of connection between the road for the driver.

Inside, the first thing you’ll notice about the interior is the intelligent way Hyundai used the space inside the Custin to provide an airy and welcoming atmosphere. The minivan offers ample amounts of headroom and legroom for the front and rear passengers with a reasonable amount of space for the third row.

The seats of the second-row passengers are captain’s seats which are supportive and plush. This feature is sure to shine during long journeys, emphasizing the Custin's focus on comfort, a crucial selling point that makes it an ideal choice for families.

Fun, safe, and secure

Hyundai has equipped the Custin with a range of tech features for entertainment and for safety. Starting in the entertainment department, the Custin features a 10.4-inch touchscreen with USB, Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto connectivity. The system also features voice recognition to make the task of navigating the infotainment system much easier while on the move.

Meanwhile, in terms of safety, standard features include anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), a tire pressure monitor, front, side, and curtain-mounted SRS airbags, and ISOFIX anchors. Both the GLS and Premium trims come with standard safety features like a rear-view monitor and parking sensors.

The Custin Premium version meanwhile, is equipped with Hyundai's Smartsense Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite, which encompasses an array of features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

Sleek and dynamic design

The Custin features design elements in line with Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design philosophy, that’s why the front end may remind some people of the Hyundai Tucson. The exterior design blends sleekness and dynamism, accentuated by a striking front grille featuring a unique pattern and sharp LED headlights, creating a modern and sophisticated aesthetic.

The Custin's appearance has been designed to find the perfect balance between understated elegance and excitement. In our opinion, the Custin’s design can be appreciated by a wide range of tastes.

A capable engine

Under the hood, the Custin is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged Smartstream gasoline engine, delivering a robust 168 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that propels the front wheels. The Custin achieves peak power at 5,300 rpm while torque is available at 1,500 rpm. The Custin reaches its maximum power output at 5,300 rpm, and torque is readily accessible as low as 1,500 rpm. This early torque availability equips the Custin to effortlessly conquer steep inclines. The ample torque also ensures that the Custin can comfortably transport a full load of cargo and passengers without breaking a sweat.

A competitive price

The price of the entry-level Custin GLS sits at P1,770,000 which is on the lower end of the price range for seven-seater minivans while the Premium is priced at P2,080,000. Given that the Custin GLS provides nearly identical features to the Custin Premium, with the exception of the Hyundai Smartsense suite and some additional convenience features, the Custin becomes a compelling choice for individuals seeking a comfortable people carrier.

Regardless of your choice between the GLS and Premium models, the Custin delivers exceptional value for your investment.

Does it stand out?

As previously stated, the minivan category in the Philippines is very limited, with most options exceeding the P2,000,000 price range. While the Custin Premium does surpass this price point by P80,000, it stands out by providing an unparalleled level of technology and gear within its price range, a feat that is unmatched by any other minivan in the market. The Custin addresses a gap in the market for budget-friendly seven-seater minivans. Although it comes at a reasonably affordable price, the Custin's value is remarkably deceptive, in a good way of course, given the amount of car you receive in return for your money.