Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4 AT Premium (2015) vs Hyundai Grand Starex CRDi VGT GLS (12 seater) AT (2016)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4 AT Premium (2015) vs Hyundai Grand Starex CRDi VGT GLS (12 seater) AT (2016) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4 AT Premium (2015) Hyundai ₱1,898,000 | Hyundai Grand Starex CRDi VGT GLS (12 seater) AT (2016) Hyundai ₱1,778,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2015 | 2016 |
| Warranty | Unlimited/5-years | Unlimited/5-years |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2359cc | 2497cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated, CVVT | Turbo Intercooler CRDi |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel |
| Max Power | 178 PS @ 6000 rpm | 170 PS @ 3800 rpm |
| Max Torque | 229 Nm @ 4000 rpm | 392 Nm @ 2000-2500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed A/T | 5-Speed M/T |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Segment | D | M |
| Construction | Unibody | Body-on-frame |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3 | 12 |
| Length (mm) | 4820 | 5125 |
| Width (mm) | 1835 | 1920 |
| Height (mm) | 1470 | 1925 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2795 | 3200 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1480 | 2187 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | — | 75 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson | MacPherson |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Rigid Axle, Coil Springs |
| Front Wheels | 18x7.5" Alloys | 16x7.0 |
| Rear Wheels | 18x7.5" Alloys | 16x7.0 |
| Front Tires | 225/45 R18 | 215/70 R16 |
| Rear Tires | 225/45 R18 | 215/70 R16 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Drum |
| Steering Type | hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Steering Column | tilt | Tilt |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | No | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | No |
| Brake Assist | No | No |
| Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Stability Control | Yes | No |
| Traction Control | Yes | No |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | No | No |
| Hill Descent Control | No | No |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | No |
| Driver Airbag | Yes | Yes |
| Knee Airbag | No | No |
| Passenger Airbag | Yes | Yes |
| Front Curtain Airbags | Yes | No |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | Yes | No |
| Rear Side Airbags | Yes | No |
| Engine Immobilizer | No | No |
| Security Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Door Locking | Central Locking | Central Locking |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Automatic Climate Control | Manual Aircon |
| Rear A/C Vents | No | Yes |
| Seat Material | Leather | Fabric |
| Parking Brake | EPB | Hand Brake |
| Key Type | Keyless Entry | Keyless Entry |
| Push-Button Start | No | No |
| Cruise Control | No | No |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | No | No |
| Reverse Camera | No | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | No |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | Yes | No |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | No |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | yes | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Navigation | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Apple CarPlay | No | No |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| AUX Input | Yes | Yes |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | Yes | Yes |
| DVD Player | Yes | No |
| MP3 Playback | Yes | Yes |
| iPod Support | No | No |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Speakers | — | 4 |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | HID | Halogen |
| Fog Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | No | No |
Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4 AT Premium (2015) vs Hyundai Grand Starex CRDi VGT GLS (12 seater) AT (2016): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer, the choice between the Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4 AT Premium (2015) and the Hyundai Grand Starex CRDi VGT GLS (12 seater) AT (2016) depends on your primary need: passenger car comfort versus people/utility hauling. The Sonata is a D-segment sedan priced at ₱1,898,000, offering a refined ride with a 178 PS naturally aspirated gas engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, ideal for daily commuting and highway driving. It seats 5 and has a 4820mm length. In contrast, the Grand Starex is a body-on-frame van priced at ₱1,778,000 (₱120,000 less), with a 170 PS turbo diesel engine producing 392 Nm torque (much higher than Sonata's 229 Nm), paired with a 5-speed manual. It seats 12 and is 5125mm long, making it perfect for large families, group transport, or cargo. The Starex's diesel engine offers better fuel economy and torque for heavy loads, but its manual transmission and van dynamics are less suited for city driving than the Sonata's automatic. The Sonata has a more modern unibody construction and car-like handling. If you prioritize comfort, style, and ease of driving for a small family, choose the Sonata. If you need maximum passenger capacity, cargo space, and lower running costs, choose the Grand Starex.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper?
The Hyundai Grand Starex is cheaper at ₱1,778,000 compared to the Sonata's ₱1,898,000, a difference of ₱120,000.
Which is more powerful?
The Sonata has higher horsepower (178 PS vs 170 PS), but the Grand Starex has significantly more torque (392 Nm vs 229 Nm), making it better for hauling heavy loads.
Which is better for daily commuting?
The Sonata is better for daily commuting due to its automatic transmission, car-like handling, and comfortable sedan ride, while the Grand Starex's manual transmission and van body are less convenient in traffic.
Which has more seating capacity?
The Grand Starex seats 12 people, while the Sonata seats only 5, making the Starex ideal for large families or group transport.