Hyundai H1 — Minivan Rental in Georgia
You're standing at the Tbilisi airport, ten of you, each with a suitcase, someone with a snowboard, and the rental desk is offering a sedan for a paltry $30 a day. It's ridiculous until you try to squeeze the whole group in. Sound familiar? Then we have a solution for you that, for some reason, few tourists talk about. It's a Korean Hyundai minibus that can carry a whole crowd, uses almost no fuel, and doesn't fall apart on Georgian twisting roads. Below, we'll tell you why the Hyundai is worth your consideration and what routes it offers.
What is the Hyundai H1?
We're talking about the Hyundai Grand Starex—a legend among minivans, also known as the H1 or iLoad in various countries. The model has been in production since 1997, and during this time, Hyundai engineers have refined it to the point of perfection for long-distance group travel.
Under the hood is a 2.5-liter turbodiesel producing 170 horsepower. It pulls from the very bottom, doesn't falter on long climbs, and, best of all, consumes only about 11 liters per 100 kilometers. By comparison, a gasoline SUV on the same route will consume 20-25 liters. Over a week's driving, the difference in fuel consumption amounts to thousands of rubles, or more precisely, lari.
The Hyundai's interior is designed with comfort in mind. Three rows of seats: two in front, three individual seats with armrests in the middle, and three more in the back. That's eight passengers plus the driver, and everyone has ample legroom. The trunk is still there, too. And if you fold the rear row, you get a whole cargo area big enough for tents, snowboards, and a couple of barrels of Kakheti wine.
Our Hyundai is a 2017 model, with dual-screen infotainment, ESP, and air conditioning. It's not a run-down work bus, but a truly well-maintained travel vehicle.
Who is the Hyundai H1 ideal for?
Let's be honest: Hyundai isn't about off-roading or extreme off-roading. Its natural environment is highways, winding roads, and comfortable transportation for large groups over long distances. That's who this option is definitely for.
- For large companies of up to 12 people. If you have 8-10 friends, this is a practically ideal setup. You chip in for the rent, and it comes out to $8-10 per person per day.
- For families with children. Five people with luggage—and five more seats to spare. The children ride in the middle row, each with their own seat, no one pushing anyone else. Almost.
- For lovers of wine tours in Kakheti. Twelve people, a couple dozen bottles of Saperavi, a little chacha—the Hyundai can easily transport all of this, and on the way back you can even take a nap in the back row.
- To those who meet the group at the airport. The group arrived on the same flight—one car solves everything, without running between three taxis and losing contact like “we’re in different cars, we’ll meet at the destination.”
- For skiers. The trunk accommodates snowboards and skis for the entire group, so there is no need to mount anything on the roof.
If your route is mostly asphalt and good roads, the Hyundai will be more comfortable than any car and most SUVs.
Hyundai H1 page with photos and specifications.
Economy is the main advantage of a turbodiesel
A big car doesn't necessarily mean a glutton for fuel—and Hyundai proves this in practice. The 2.5-liter turbodiesel produces 170 horsepower and 392 Nm of torque, while consuming around 10-11 liters per 100 km on the highway and around 12 liters per 100 km in the city.
For comparison, we also have a Mitsubishi Delica L400 with a gasoline V6 in our fleet, which gets 18-22 liters per 100 km on the highway. It's half the price on gas, but the Hyundai turbodiesel is still more fuel-efficient, especially with a full load.
Incidentally, diesel is cheaper than gasoline in Georgia, and gas stations can be found even in the mountains of Svaneti. However, it's best to fill up in larger cities rather than risk it. The reserve light comes on when there's still about 70 km of range left in the tank—a nice safety net.
Our advice: on passes like Krestovy, Zagaro, or Goderdzki, don't let off the gas abruptly—the Hyundai H1's diesel engine prefers a smooth ride. If you feel like you're lacking power on a climb, feel free to downshift.
How much does it cost and what is included in a Hyundai H1 rental?
The numbers without embellishment:
- Price: $100 per day
- Minimum rental period: 3 days
- Deposit: $300
- Drive: full
- Capacity: up to 12 people (8 passengers + driver)
- Fuel: diesel
- YOM: 2017
- Included: ESP, airbags, two multimedia screens
If you divide the cost among a group of ten people, it comes out to $10 per person per day – cheaper than a round-trip minibus from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, and in terms of comfort, there’s no comparison.
Basic insurance is already included in the price, and the deposit is fully refundable if the car is in good condition. Before leaving, take photos of the Hyundai from all sides—a standard practice that never hurt anyone.
By comparison, a Mitsubishi Delica L400 costs $85 per day, but it accommodates eight people and has all-wheel drive. Choosing between the two is like choosing between "climbing the mountains" and "driving on the highway with a large group."
Where can I drive a Hyundai H1?
Hyundai isn't about off-roading, it's about roads. And the roads in Georgia are an adventure in themselves.
Tbilisi - Kazbek - Stepantsminda. A classic. The Georgian Military Highway, Ananuri Castle on the Zhinvali Reservoir, Gudauri, the Cross Pass at an altitude of 2379 meters, and a view of Kazbek. With a Hyundai, you're not tied to a minibus schedule—stop wherever you want, take a photo, and then continue on.
Kakheti and the wine tour. Telavi, Sighnaghi, Kvareli, and Akhmeta—this route is for those who want to try everything from classic Saperavi to orange wines served in ancient qvevri. The asphalt is good, the distances are comfortable, and the wine cellars are popular with large groups.
Tbilisi - Batumi via Borjomi. The route crosses the entire country: Borjomi with its mineral water and park, Akhaltsikhe with its Rabati fortress and the nearby Vardzia cave monastery, and then across the Goderdzi Pass to the sea in Batumi. The Hyundai cruises along this route at a comfortable 100-110 km/h, the air conditioning is on, and passengers don't get tired.
Svaneti, Mestia - Ushguli. It seems like this is a land reserved for SUVs only, but the main road to Mestia is paved, and was completely renovated in 2024. The last 40 km from Mestia to Ushguli are gravel, so you need to be careful, but in dry weather, the Hyundai can handle it without any problems.
Transfer to Gudauri, Bakuriani, or Goderdzi. Ski resorts are Hyundai's natural habitat. Direct airport transfers, all skis and snowboards included, keeping passengers warm. Booking a transfer to Gudauri is standard practice for groups of 8-12 people.
What you need to know before renting
- Law. An International Driving Permit is best; it eliminates any issues. EU, Ukrainian, and Kazakh licenses are also accepted without issue. Russian licenses will not be officially recognized since 2023, although some companies still accept them in practice.
- Age and experience. From 21 years old and from one year behind the wheel.
- Insurance. The basic version is already included, the extended version can be discussed separately.
- Delivery. The car can be delivered directly to your flight at Tbilisi airport or to your apartment.
If you're looking for a rental with a driver, check out PVD Club's transfers across Georgia.
Hyundai or Mitsubishi Delica – Which to Choose?
We have two workhorses in the park, and the choice really depends on the route.
A Hyundai H1 with 12 seats for $100 per day is ideal for highways, large groups, and families. It's perfect for Kakheti, Batumi, Borjomi, and Kazbek, where the roads are paved. However, it's best not to drive it through the Abano Pass in Tusheti, as you'll need all-wheel drive and high ground clearance.
A Mitsubishi Delica L400 for $85 per day with 8 seats and all-wheel drive is a story about mountains and off-roading: Tusheti, Svaneti with Ushguli, Racha, Khevsureti.
By the way, the ideal setup for a large group traveling for 7-10 days is to rent a Hyundai for highway hauls, which typically make up 70% of the route, and a Delica for mountain excursions. The costs are shared, and mobility is maximized.
Life hacks from those who have been transporting tourists for years
- Book your Hyundai in advance—during high season (July-August and December-March), cars are sold out 2-3 weeks in advance.
- Before crossing the passes, make sure the tank is full: there are no gas stations on the Cross Pass; the last one is in Ananuri.
- Download 2GIS—it shows the actual road surface more accurately than Google Maps, which sometimes sends you down a dirt road.
- Parking is a problem in the center of Tbilisi; it's best to look for accommodation with parking right away.
- The best food in Georgia is not in restaurants, but in roadside "sakhli": khinkali for a couple of lari, Adjarian khachapuri for five.
- Check your spare tire before heading out - punctures are not uncommon on serpentine roads.
Answering frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai H1 difficult to drive?
No, it's a minibus, not a truck. It has an automatic transmission, good visibility, and the dimensions are easily discernible. Just be mindful of the long rear overhang and don't back into potholes in mountain parking lots.
How many people and luggage can it realistically accommodate? Comfortably, 8-10 passengers with carry-on luggage. If there are 12 people traveling with suitcases, some of the luggage can be stowed in the folded rear row, and there's a roof rack if needed.
Is it possible to sleep inside? If you fold the second and third rows, you get a flat floor—perfect for two with air mattresses. For a full night's sleep, a tent is still better.
What about diesel in winter? We fill up with winter fuel, and the car starts up without a hitch in the morning, even at -8°C in Tbilisi. If you're spending the night in the mountains at -20°C, it's best to warm it up more often.
Are there child seats?
Yes, they are available upon request - just state the child's age when booking.
Can I pick up the car in Tbilisi and drop it off in Batumi? This is discussed individually, usually with an extra charge for the return trip.
You can book a Hyundai H1 right now.
