The Hyundai H1 is Hyundai’s proprietary large van that also bears other names like the Starex, the H200, the iMax, the iLoad, the H300, and the i800. The H1 is available in a few different iterations depending on what you want. You can get it as a people mover with up to 12 seats or you can get it as a standard cargo van. So, is Hyundai H1 a good car?
If you are after a vehicle that can transport lots of people, lots of cargo, and can easily be used as a fleet vehicle, the H1 is certainly a good choice. The engines on offer are mostly powered by diesel fuel, but all of them are efficient, relatively powerful, and long-lasting.
Design-wise, the H1 is nothing to brag about as it is just a van. The interior is more or less the same, but it can be really well-equipped if you find a high-spec model. The driving experience is akin to a large van which means that it can do long-distance and short-distance journeys without any issues. The size might be a problem for some, but a boxy shape makes it a bit easier.
Reliability-wise, the H1 is pretty reliable as is the case with most Hyundai models, but we are going to mention the most common issues in this article. Value-wise, the H1 is really good as these can be had for a really low price on the 2nd hand market. Practicality is excellent as the H1 can take up to 12 people at the same time.
Hyundai H1 – The powertrain
The Hyundai H1 is mostly available with diesel engines, but the 2015-2018 model can be had with a gas engine as well. It is a 2.4L MPI 4-cylinder engine with 171hp and 165lb-ft of torque. A 2.5L TCI diesel 4-cylinder offers 101hp and 167lbft of torque. 2018 and on models are available with a 2.5L 4-cylinder diesel with power ranging between 116hp and 170hp respectively.
You can get the H1 as a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. This transmission isn’t really state of the art technology, but it does get the job done. It comes with FWD as standard and the most efficient models can get up to 30MPG max.
Either way, the H1 does get relatively good engines that are known to be reliable. This is why you can see many H1 models constantly being driven for decades on end.
Hyundai H1 – Design and chassis
When it comes to design, the H1 isn’t anything special which means that it is just a van. The interior is also nothing to brag about, but you can get it with lots of equipment if you want. Comfort levels are okay for a van, but you should not expect the H1 to drive like it isn’t as big as it is.
The suspension and chassis tuning is designed for ease of use and so it can withstand lots of cargo. This inevitably means that the suspension is on the stiffer side as is the case with virtually all cars from this segment. Handling is limited to say the least as the H1 leans into corners a lot and is not designed to be driven quickly.
Hyundai H1 – Reliability and common issues
Reliability-wise, the H1 is able to last a long time without experiencing serious issues. You ought to take proper care of it as these tend to be used all the time. The most common H1 issues include problems with excessive oil consumption which, if not dealt with in time, can destroy the engine. Rough idling is also often reported for the H 1 and can be caused by a bunch of different components.
Electrical issues are also common, and so are issues with the car’s equipment. The rear sliding doors are also known to be a sore point for the H1 which is why Hyundai recalled the H1. Hyundai also recalled earlier H1 models due to potential fuel leaks which can cause the entire van to burst into flames.
Hyundai H1 – Value and practicality
Value is excellent as these can be had for a really low price on the 2nd hand market. It is also worth mentioning that many of these tend to be bought by companies as fleet vehicles which means that you can often find 3-5-year-old models for a bargain.
Practicality is also excellent as the H1 can pack massive amounts of cargo. If you go for the people carrier version, you can pack 12 people into the H1 without any issues. Visibility up front is superb while rear visibility might be a bit of a problem for those not used to driving vans.
FAQ Section
Is the Hyundai H1 worth it?
Considering the fact that the Hyundai H1 is available in many different iterations and price groups, it is easy to find one that suits your needs. That being said, if you are after a van that can do everything, the H1 is certainly a good choice.
On the other hand, if you don’t need something as big as the H1, you are better off going for something smaller as vans as big as these can be tricky to live with if you are not used to it.
How big is the Hyundai H1?
The Hyundai H1 is 198-203 inches in length (5035mm – 5170mm) depending on the model you go for. Width is measured at 71-76 inches (1820mm-1920mm), height is at 76-78 inches (1925mm-1965mm). The Hyundai H1 ground clearance is at 7.5 inches or 195mm while the wheelbase is at 126 inches or 3200mm.
How many people can sit in the Hyundai H1?
The standard version of the Hyundai H1 can sit nine people at a time, but there is also a 12-seater version for those who want to use the H1 as a bus. The H1 Urban trim is the one that can sit 12 people and is typically being used as a shuttle at places like airports or train stations.
The good thing is that the H1 can sit up to 12 people comfortably which means that the interior space has been really well organized.
