1998 Hyundai H-1 I Starex Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Hyundai H-1 I Starex has a width of 1820 mm (approximately 71.7 inches). This width offers a stable and spacious cabin environment, improving passenger comfort by allowing more shoulder room. On the road, this width contributes to good stability during cornering and highway cruising. When it comes to urban driving and parking, while 1820 mm is fairly typical for minivans, it could be tight in narrow parking spaces or dense city streets. Drivers should take care when navigating close spaces or parallel parking, but overall, it remains manageable for most standard parking setups and driving environments.

The height of the Hyundai H-1 I Starex ranges from 1880 mm to 1965 mm (approximately 74.0 to 77.4 inches), depending on the model and roof configuration. The taller height offers increased interior headroom, which is beneficial for passenger comfort, particularly for taller occupants. It also provides better visibility from inside the vehicle. The higher roof variant may also allow for easier loading of bulky cargo and improved ventilation. However, increased height can affect aerodynamics, potentially impacting fuel efficiency and driving dynamics slightly, and might make it less ideal for garages or parking structures with low clearance.

The curb weight of the Hyundai H-1 I Starex ranges from 1790 kg to 1950 kg (approximately 3946 to 4299 lbs). This weight range reflects the vehicle's substantial build to accommodate multiple passengers and cargo, typical for a minivan. While the heavier weight contributes to a stable and solid driving experience, it can also mean that the vehicle consumes more fuel compared to lighter cars, impacting fuel efficiency. Additionally, the weight affects handling dynamics; the H-1 I Starex may feel less agile than smaller vehicles, but it provides a smooth and comfortable ride, which is suitable for long trips and family transportation.

The Hyundai H-1 I Starex supports a maximum weight (gross vehicle weight) ranging from 2350 kg to 2950 kg (approximately 5181 to 6503 lbs). This considerable carrying capacity allows the vehicle to transport multiple passengers along with their luggage or goods comfortably and safely. It points to a robust chassis and suspension setup designed to endure heavy loads, making the H-1 I Starex versatile for family needs and commercial applications such as shuttle services, cargo delivery, or group travel. Operating within this weight limit ensures optimal vehicle performance, safety, and durability.

The luggage capacity of the Hyundai H-1 I Starex is 364 liters (approximately 12.85 cubic feet) when all passenger seats are in use. This space is adequate for everyday needs like grocery shopping or small luggage. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo capacity dramatically increases to a range between 3292 liters and 4400 liters (approximately 116.3 to 155.4 cubic feet). This extraordinary load volume highlights the H-1 I Starex's flexibility, enabling transportation of large items or bulk cargo, making it highly suitable for commercial or utility applications, as well as family trips requiring substantial luggage space.

The Hyundai H-1 I Starex is equipped with 14-inch rims fitted with tires sized 195/80 R14 or 195/70 R14. These relatively modest rim sizes are typical for minivans prioritizing comfort and durability over sporty handling. The tire specifications offer a good balance between ride comfort, road grip, and load-bearing capacity, which is essential for a vehicle of this size and weight. The slightly taller sidewalls provided by these tires absorb road imperfections well, contributing to a smooth ride for passengers. While the handling won't be as sharp as smaller vehicles, these tire and rim sizes align well with the H-1 I Starex’s purpose as a reliable and comfortable people carrier.

Fitting the Hyundai H-1 I Starex into a standard residential garage can be challenging due to its size, particularly its height and length. Standard single-car garages typically have door widths around 2400 to 2700 mm (94 to 106 inches) and ceiling heights close to 2100 to 2200 mm (82 to 87 inches). With a width of 1820 mm (71.7 inches) and a height ranging from 1880 mm to 1965 mm (74 to 77.4 inches), the width is generally suitable, but the taller models approach the ceiling height limits. The length, which can be up to 5035 mm (198 inches or about 16.5 feet), is longer than many standard garages that average about 4800 mm (approximately 15.7 feet). Therefore, owners may need to measure their garage carefully; while some garages can accommodate it, others may require a larger or custom garage space.

The Hyundai H-1 I Starex was introduced in 1998, effectively replacing older Hyundai commercial and van models preceding it. Compared to its predecessors, the H-1 I Starex brought notable improvements in overall dimensions with a longer and taller body, enhancing interior space and cargo capacity significantly. Its modern design reflects late-1990s trends with more aerodynamic styling compared to boxy, utilitarian earlier vans. The increased length (up to 5035 mm) and height (up to 1965 mm) offered more comfort and practicality, making it more suited as a family and commercial vehicle. Mechanically, it also introduced more refined suspension and engine options for better ride quality and performance.

In comparison to similar minivans from the late 1990s and early 2000s, such as the Toyota Hiace or Ford Transit variants, the Hyundai H-1 I Starex holds its own with competitive size and capacity. Its length of up to 5035 mm and width of 1820 mm provide ample interior volume for passengers and cargo. However, it is generally more compact than some larger commercial vans, striking a balance between family-friendly dimensions and commercial practicality. The flexible seating arrangements and generous cargo volume with rear seats folded make it versatile. Additionally, its slightly taller height enhances headroom compared to some competitors, providing a more comfortable ride for all occupants.