Is the Hyundai Custo a Global Model?

[VanGarrett]

Hyundai Custo is not a global model; it is a China-exclusive vehicle. Powertrain of Hyundai Custo: It offers two combinations: 1.5T+8AT and 2.0T+8AT. The 1.5T engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 170 HP and a maximum torque of 253 N·m, paired with an 8AT transmission. Design of Hyundai Custo: This is a China-exclusive MPV, adopting the "Sensuous Sportiness" family design language from the fifth-generation Tucson L. It features the traditional MPV "boxy" shape with a spacious body size, emphasizing space and comfort, and comes with sliding doors. The chassis combines a front MacPherson strut and a rear torsion beam suspension.

[SpencerLynn]

Once at a car club meetup, we talked about this and I specifically looked up Hyundai's information. The Custo is actually a China-Korea jointly developed exclusive model, mainly sold in the Chinese and North American markets. It shares a platform with the Kia Carnival, but the naming and design aren't unified. It's not even sold in South Korea, and in Europe, it's called the Staria. To qualify as a global model, it should at least be launched simultaneously across three continents like the Toyota Sienna. However, exclusive models have their advantages too. For example, the Chinese version has a lengthened wheelbase, allowing the trunk to fit a stroller plus two suitcases, making it more practical. My neighbor bought the top trim last year and drove it on a road trip to Inner Mongolia, reporting that the sound insulation is better than the Odyssey.

[StArya]

After the birth of our second child, I researched this car. It's marketed as a global model, but there are significant differences between domestic and international versions. The North American version uses a 2.5T engine, while in China it comes with a 2.0T+8AT combination. The chassis tuning also differs—the North American version has stiffer suspension, whereas the domestic version is softened for more comfort over speed bumps. Last week, I took the kids for a test drive, and the 4S salesperson admitted that the car was designed with Chinese family needs prioritized. The second-row zero-gravity seats that can recline flat are indeed practical, but there are compromises in safety features—knee airbags come standard across all trims in the U.S. version, while in China, you have to go for the second-highest trim to get them.

[SanEmilia]

From a product planning perspective, Hyundai's use of 'global model' is more of a marketing strategy. I've compared regional spec sheets - the North American version comes standard with power sliding doors and hands-free liftgate across all trims, while the base Chinese model still has manual doors. The Korean domestic market doesn't even get this model, and Australia sells a rebadged Kia Carnival. The true global MPV is Toyota Sienna next door, with less than 15% specification variance across three continents. The Custo's advantage lies in pricing - you can get airline-style seats with leg rests for just 250,000 RMB, about 70,000-80,000 cheaper than competitors. However, last year's C-IASI crash test did show its side impact score was indeed lower than Carnival's.

[StDakota]

The owner of the tuning shop said that aftermarket parts for this car are not interchangeable between domestic and international models. The US version can fit OEM roof rack brackets, but the domestic version has a different roof structure—forcing it on would cause leaks. Last year, I helped a client modify one, and even the fog light wiring harness connectors were different from the overseas version. However, localization has its advantages—aftermarket parts are especially cheap. Replacing an electric tailgate module costs just over 2,000 yuan. The space design is indeed clever—with the third row up, you can still fit two 28-inch suitcases sideways, eliminating the need for a roof box on family trips.