H-1 / Starex II (TQ) vs Estima III (XR50): which is better?
Hyundai H-1 / Starex II (TQ) (2007–2021) vs Toyota Estima III (XR50) (2006–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai H-1 / Starex II (TQ)
Toyota Estima III (XR50)Specifications
| Hyundai H-1 / Starex II (TQ) | Toyota Estima III (XR50) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2007–2021 | 2006–2019 |
| Body | minivan | minivan |
| Fuel | diesel | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 CRDi | 2.4 |
| Power, up to | 170 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque, up to | 441 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 125 mm | 4 795 mm |
| Width | 1 920 mm | 1 800 mm |
| Height | 1 925 mm | 1 730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3 200 mm | 2 950 mm |
| Ground clearance | 190 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 75 L | 65 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 28 750 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
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.
Toyota Estima III (XR50)
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 2AZ-FE engine (2.4): oil consumption due to stuck piston rings (especially before 2009)
- CVT: service history matters
Engine (Toyota 2AZ-FE (2.4)): oil consumption due to stuck piston rings (especially before 2009); stripped cylinder head bolt threads in the aluminum block; water pump leak.
Which one to choose
- H-1 / Starex II (TQ) — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- Estima III (XR50) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
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: H-1 / Starex II (TQ) or Estima III (XR50)?
H-1 / Starex II (TQ): up to 170 hp, Estima III (XR50): up to 170 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: H-1 / Starex II (TQ) — about 29 450 ₸, Estima III (XR50) — about 28 750 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.