Hyundai Staria

Model Overview

The Hyundai Staria is a full-sized multi-purpose vehicle (MPV/van) by South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor, officially debuting in 2021 as the successor to the Grand Starex. Capitalising on its futuristic "spaceship" design language and versatile cabin layout, the Staria quickly drew widespread market attention upon its debut. As of 2026, the Staria line-up has undergone its mid-lifecycle facelift and introduced an all-electric variant (Staria Electric) for the first time. Having made its global premiere at the Brussels Motor Show in January 2026, the Staria Electric stands as the largest battery electric vehicle (BEV) Hyundai has introduced to date. In terms of exterior dimensions, the Staria Electric measures 5255×1995×1990 mm (length × width × height), with a generous wheelbase of 3275 mm. The range is offered in two primary seating configurations: 7-seater (Luxury) and 9-seater (Wagon) . The Staria Electric is slated to go on sale in South Korea and Europe in the first half of 2026, while roll-out plans for other markets remain to be confirmed.

Design Language

The Staria's exterior styling embraces an “Inside-Out” design philosophy, translating interior spaciousness and airiness directly onto its exterior silhouette. Up front, the most distinctive highlights are the full-width horizontal LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and the steeply raked A-pillar profile, delivering a bullet-train-inspired futuristic aesthetic. The all-electric variant features a closed-off front fascia, ditching the conventional grille seen on internal combustion engine (ICE) models. Along the flanks, expansive windows and a low beltline provide exceptional outward visibility and an airy cabin feel. At the rear, vertical full-height LED tail lamps span almost the entire length of the D-pillars down to the tailgate, ensuring instant recognition. The EV variant rides on 17-inch aero-optimised alloy wheels as standard. Meanwhile, the late-2025 facelift upgraded the bonnet-mounted LED DRLs to a seamless full-width light bar, complemented by parametric dot-matrix motifs integrated into the front grille.

Inside, the cabin adopts a horizontal layout to deliver an open, uncluttered ambience. Following the mid-life facelift, both the digital instrument display and central infotainment touchscreen have been upgraded to 12.3 inches. The climate control panel has also switched from touch-capacitive controls back to physical buttons for more intuitive tactile operation. Gear selection is handled via either a conventional shift lever or a steering column-mounted electronic shift stalk. A central aisle between the front seats allows seamless walk-through access between the front and rear rows. On higher-spec variants, the interior is trimmed in premium leather upholstery.

Powertrain and Performance

The Staria line-up offers a diverse range of powertrains globally:

• All-Electric (Staria Electric) : Powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor producing a maximum output of 160 kW (approx. 218 PS) . It is paired with an 84 kWh 4th-generation battery pack, delivering a WLTP-rated range of around 400 km. Built on an 800V high-voltage electrical architecture, it supports 350 kW DC fast charging, allowing a 10% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in just around 20 minutes, alongside 11 kW AC charging support. It runs a front-wheel drive (FWD) layout and boasts a maximum braked towing capacity of up to 2000 kg.

• Diesel Variant: Powered by a 2.2-litre VGT turbodiesel engine churning out 177 PS and a peak torque of 44.0 kg·m (approx. 431 Nm) , mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

• Petrol/LPG Variant: Fitted with a Smartstream 3.5-litre LPG engine producing 240 PS and 320 Nm of peak torque.

• Hybrid Variant: Driven by a 1.6-litre turbo hybrid powertrain (1.6T engine + electric motor), generating a combined system output of 180 kW (approx. 245 PS)  and 367 Nm of torque.

Chassis and Handling

The Staria adopts a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup, with all-wheel-drive (AWD) available in select markets. Suspension tuning varies by application; notably, the Staria Electric features a recalibrated chassis and suspension setup engineered specifically to cope with high-payload commercial and passenger requirements. The steering feel is light and effortless, making navigating tight urban streets a breeze. Backed by its generous window apertures and low waistline, driving visibility is remarkably expansive. Multiple drive modes are also on hand to suit different driving conditions.

Cabin and Equipment

The cockpit features twin 12.3-inch displays serving as the primary digital interface. The infotainment runs Hyundai’s latest ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates. The Staria Electric also boasts bi-directional Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality both inside and outside the vehicle, enabling it to power external electrical appliances. Fast-charging 100W USB-C ports are fitted throughout the cabin. Dual powered sliding doors and a powered tailgate come as standard (or optional depending on the trim level). For comfort, the 7-seater Luxury variant features heated and ventilated second-row relaxation seats, delivering a first-class business lounge experience. A Passenger View & Talk intercom feature allows the driver to monitor rear occupants via the display and converse clearly through the built-in microphone. Luggage capacity stands at 435 litres in standard 7-seater configuration, expanding up to a massive 1303 litres in the 9-seater Wagon. In addition, wheelchair-accessible welfare vehicle conversions are developed in partnership with specialist mobility coachbuilders to cater for barrier-free transport needs.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Staria comes standard across the board with the comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite. Key features include: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) (with vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist detection), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), and Traffic Sign Recognition (ISLA). Higher trims further gain a 360-degree Surround View Monitor (SVM). In terms of passive safety, the body shell is constructed with extensive high-strength steel and equipped with multiple airbags. The Staria welfare model has also garnered widespread acclaim in various markets for its accessible mobility solutions.

Market Performance and Verdict

Since entering key markets in 2022, the Hyundai Staria has notched up cumulative sales surpassing 3500 units, propelled by its avant-garde "spaceship" styling and versatile variant line-up, capturing up to a 32.2%  market share in specific sub-segments. Sales of its welfare vehicle variants have also nearly tripled year-on-year, underscoring strong market appreciation for the Staria's sheer versatility.

In the Chinese mainland market, the Staria has yet to be officially introduced. Reports indicate that pricing in markets like Australia starts from around RM250,000; meanwhile, the flagship all-electric STARIA Limousine in South Korea is priced at roughly 88 million KRW (approx. RM400,000). Given Beijing Hyundai's prevailing product strategy and the fiercely competitive local MPV landscape, the likelihood of localising the Staria in China in the near term remains slim. In the global premium EV space, chief rivals to the Staria Electric include electric people movers like the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Mercedes-Benz VLE. Combining head-turning futuristic design, 800V ultra-rapid charging tech, and unmatched packaging efficiency, the Staria occupies a distinct and pivotal strategic position in Hyundai Motor’s electrified and multi-purpose vehicle portfolio.