Minivans and MPVs are making a well-deserved comeback, and honestly, it’s about time. With the surge in crossover popularity, I’m here to make a case for the trusty minivan, especially when it comes to family needs. If you’re shopping for something that seats more than five, why opt for a bulky, hard-to-drive SUV when a minivan ticks all the right boxes? They’re spacious, comfortable, and more practical for family life.
Enter the Hyundai Custin, a minivan that doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It embraces its identity with style and purpose, making it a top contender for anyone looking for a family-friendly ride.
Exterior: Practical and Purposeful
The Custin makes no attempt to disguise itself as an SUV, and that’s refreshing. It’s unapologetically a minivan, and it’s clear that Hyundai designed it with practicality in mind. The sleek lines and modern design give it a clean, polished look without the aggressive stance that many SUVs try too hard to achieve. I also love the sliding doors—an absolute game-changer for tight parking spots, as they allow for effortless entry and exit, especially when you’re juggling kids or grocery bags.
The Custin comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect in this category. It features automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRL), and taillights for enhanced visibility and style. The power-folding and heated side mirrors, along with 18-inch wheels, further add to the overall package. Dual-powered sliding doors and a powered tailgate ensure ease of use, particularly for family life.
Size-wise, the Custin is a tad larger than its key competitor, the Toyota Innova Zenix. It’s bigger, longer, and wider, giving it an edge in terms of interior space and road presence. If you’re worried about getting in and out, the Custin’s low ground clearance ensures that everyone, from kids to elderly passengers, can easily step in without a fuss.
Spacious and Smart Interior
The Custin’s interior is where it truly shines, especially for families who prioritize comfort and space. Starting with the third row, it’s surprisingly roomy for two adults, though three might feel a little tight if you’re all full-sized. What’s great is that the third row comes with its own air conditioning controls—something many budget-friendly minivans don’t offer.
Moving up to the second row, things only get better. Hyundai equipped the Custin with captain seats, complete with power adjustment. These seats recline fully, so you can lay back and relax on long road trips. There’s also a foldable table between the seats—perfect for working on your laptop or enjoying snacks while on the go. Other standout features include a powered sunshade and a panoramic sunroof, adding a touch of luxury to the cabin.
The front cabin is equally impressive. The driver-oriented layout features a digital gauge cluster, which is both sleek and easy to read. The vertical 10.4-inch touchscreen dominates the center console, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for seamless connectivity. The six-speaker sound system delivers decent audio quality, and the automatic climate control keeps the cabin at just the right temperature. Hyundai’s electronic shifter takes the form of buttons, which may seem odd at first, but you’ll get used to it in no time. Overall, the interior feels well thought out and tailored for comfort.
Safety: Hyundai SmartSense Delivers
Safety is a top priority for Hyundai, and the Custin doesn’t disappoint in this department. It comes equipped with six airbags and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), along with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) under Hyundai’s SmartSense branding. This includes features like Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and Driver Attention Warning, all designed to enhance the overall driving experience. Additional systems like High Beam Assist, Lane Following Assist, and Rear Cross Collision Avoidance Assist make highway driving less stressful.
For parking, the rear parking sensors, a rear occupant alert, and a surround-view monitor are especially useful for keeping everyone safe and ensuring you avoid minor fender-benders.
Engine & Driving Experience
Under the hood, the Hyundai Custin is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 170 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain is more than adequate for everyday driving. While it’s not a vehicle designed for speed demons, it excels in comfort, making it perfect for city cruising and highway trips.
What really stands out is how well the Custin handles less-than-ideal road conditions. Whether it’s the pothole-ridden streets of EDSA or the chaotic traffic of Quezon Avenue, the Custin’s suspension system soaks up bumps and imperfections with ease, ensuring that passengers remain comfortable.
It offers four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. I personally left it in Smart mode, which adjusts to your driving habits in real-time. It’s a simple yet effective way to optimize performance and fuel efficiency.
Speaking of fuel efficiency, the Custin averages around 10.3 km/l in mixed driving conditions (mostly city driving), which is respectable for a vehicle of its size and capability.
Family Vehicle That Doesn’t Break the Bank
The Hyundai Custin starts at around ₱1.7 million, but the fully loaded variant I tested is priced at ₱2,080,000. Considering the long list of features, from the spacious cabin to the advanced safety tech, it’s a solid deal for anyone in the market for a practical, family-oriented vehicle.
If you’re tired of oversized SUVs that feel cumbersome to drive or want something more versatile than a crossover, the Hyundai Custin is worth a look. It delivers comfort, space, and safety in a package that doesn’t ask for too much money, making it a top choice for families who value practicality without compromising on style or features.
