Hyundai Custo

Model Overview

The Custo is a large MPV from Beijing Hyundai, first produced locally and launched in 2021 as a strategic model tailored specifically for the Chinese family market. Positioned as a dedicated "family MPV", it penetrated the RM200,000-bracket MPV segment with an accessible starting price from RM170,000, filling a gap left by joint-venture marques in this price range. Currently on sale, the 2024/2025 Custo is offered in five variants, with official retail prices ranging between RM171,800 and RM220,800. In showrooms, Beijing Hyundai previously rolled out a "trade-in fixed price" campaign, slashing the entry-level variant's starting price to as low as RM139,800. As a value-driven joint-venture large MPV, its key rivals include the GAC Trumpchi M8 and SAIC Maxus G90.

Design Language

The Custo blends Hyundai's "Sensuous Sportiness" design philosophy with its "Parametric Dynamics" styling. The front fascia features an inverted trapezoidal parametric jewel grille accented with neatly arranged chrome mesh, flanked by headlamp clusters seamlessly integrated into the grille. The 2024 model gains "Eagle Wing" hidden daytime running lights (DRLs) and smart welcome lights—blending seamlessly into the grille when switched off, and transforming into an outstretched "eagle wing" motif when illuminated for an aggressive visual impact. The front bumper incorporates a full-width lower air intake, complemented by side air vents with diamond-pattern chrome garnishes to elevate its premium appeal.

Along the sides, an ascending waistline complements the lower door creases and wheel arch contours, paired with a two-tone paint scheme to deliver a floating-roof effect. Dual powered sliding doors come standard across the range, making ingress and egress effortless for second- and third-row occupants. The rear styling remains clean and understated. In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 4,950 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,734 mm tall, with a generous 3,055 mm wheelbase. Exterior colour options include Polar White and Midnight Blue, alongside newer additions such as Phantom Black and Shimmering Silver.

Inside, the Custo adopts a cosy, home-inspired cabin design. The centre console houses a 10.4-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen and a fully digital instrument cluster, complemented by a flat-bottom D-cut steering wheel and shift-by-wire push-button gear selectors. The dashboard is finished with metallic-textured accents and oak wood-grain trim. Seating is configured in a 2+2+3 seven-seater layout.

Powertrain Performance

The Custo lineup offers a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines—a 1.5T and a 2.0T—both mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT). The 1.5T engine puts out 125 kW (170 PS) and a peak torque of 253 Nm, while the 2.0T engine delivers 173.6 kW (236 PS) and 353 Nm. On the WLTC test cycle, combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.4 L/100 km for the 1.5T and 7.7 L/100 km for the 2.0T. While the 1.5T's power output can feel somewhat strained for a large MPV of this size, the 2.0T offers punchy performance on par with mainstream contenders like the Buick GL8.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Custo features a suspension setup comprising front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam. The rear torsion beam is a rather basic setup for a large MPV in this segment—matching the entry-level Buick GL8 Firstland series—representing a lower specification benchmark. The vehicle is built on a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout. Overall chassis tuning is tuned for family comfort, with the 3,055 mm wheelbase, short front overhang, and long wheelbase layout contributing to well-balanced proportions.

Cabin and Features

Capitalising on its 3,055 mm wheelbase, the Custo delivers an impressive 61.7% cabin space utilisation rate. The second row boasts one-touch zero-gravity captain seats inspired by NASA zero-gravity ergonomics, featuring 10-way power adjustment alongside one-touch relaxation mode, leg rests, full recline, seat ventilation, and heating. The third-row seats fold flat into the floor to significantly expand boot space. Wireless smartphone chargers are provided for both front and rear rows. Dual powered sliding doors are standard across all variants, ensuring generous legroom and headroom for second- and third-row passengers alike.

On the infotainment front, the Custo runs on the Baidu Smart Connectivity 3.0 system, equipped with natural voice recognition capable of accurately executing voice commands for navigation, media playback, and vehicle controls. Pre-loaded apps include QQ Music, Baidu Maps, and Tuanyou. The system also supports vehicle-to-user location connectivity, smart remote climate control pre-conditioning, smart air purification, remote vehicle status monitoring, and smart car-to-home IoT controls.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Custo is equipped with the Hyundai SmartSense suite, incorporating 24 ADAS active safety features. Key systems include Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Safe Exit Assist (SEA), Surround View Monitor (SVM) 360-degree camera, Lane Centring Assist (LCA), and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA). In addition, robust passive safety construction and standard safety equipment ensure comprehensive protection for all occupants.

Market Performance and Verdict

The Custo has demonstrated steady sales growth in China's MPV market, achieving a total volume of 11,521 units in 2025. Between January and April 2025, cumulative sales reached 6,071 units. The model posted positive year-on-year growth for 11 consecutive months, securing a firm spot in the top five best-selling joint-venture MPVs. In 2025, Beijing Hyundai's total annual sales reached 210,000 units—up 14.8% year-on-year—cementing the Custo's foothold in the joint-venture MPV market.

According to motoring media reviews, the Custo's core strengths lie in its exceptionally competitive pricing for a joint-venture MPV (with entry variants dropping below RM140,000 after discounts), cavernous cabin room afforded by the 3,055 mm wheelbase, and a comprehensive suite of ADAS safety tech. On the downside, compared to rivals such as the Buick GL8 and Denza D9, its 4,950 mm body length is comparatively compact, giving it a less imposing road presence; its rear torsion beam suspension lacks the pliancy and ride comfort of a multi-link independent setup; and the 1.5T engine feels slightly underpowered when hauling a full load. Nonetheless, as a value-focused family MPV, the Custo's winning recipe of "generous space, rich equipment, and an accessible price tag" makes it a genuinely practical choice for multi-generational families on a sensible budget in a fiercely contested market.