Stepwgn IV (RK) vs H-1 / Starex II (TQ): which is better?
Honda Stepwgn IV (RK) (2009–2015) vs Hyundai H-1 / Starex II (TQ) (2007–2021): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Honda Stepwgn IV (RK)
Hyundai H-1 / Starex II (TQ)Specifications
| Honda Stepwgn IV (RK) | Hyundai H-1 / Starex II (TQ) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2009–2015 | 2007–2021 |
| Body | minivan | minivan |
| Fuel | petrol | diesel |
| Engines | 2.0 | 2.5 CRDi |
| Power, up to | 150 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque, up to | 193 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Gearbox | CVT | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 690 mm | 5 125 mm |
| Width | 1 695 mm | 1 920 mm |
| Height | 1 815 mm | 1 925 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 855 mm | 3 200 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 190 mm |
| Fuel tank | 55 L | 75 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Honda Stepwgn IV (RK)
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Honda CVT: jerks when pulling away as it wears
Gearbox (Honda CVT): jerks when pulling away once worn; bearing wear.
Hyundai H-1 / Starex II (TQ)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 75 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia D4CB engine (2.5 CRDi): timing chain (stretch)
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia D4CB (2.5 CRDi)): timing chain (stretch); injectors and injection pump on poor fuel; burnt injector washers.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Which one to choose
- Stepwgn IV (RK) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- H-1 / Starex II (TQ) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Stepwgn IV (RK) or H-1 / Starex II (TQ)?
Stepwgn IV (RK): up to 150 hp, H-1 / Starex II (TQ): up to 170 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Stepwgn IV (RK) — about 16 475 ₸, H-1 / Starex II (TQ) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.