Hyundai Staria

Hyundai's new MPV, STARIA, takes a bold "inside-out" approach, focusing on expansive interiors and practicality. With cutting-edge designs and innovative space solutions, it offers an unparalleled in-car experience, marking Hyundai's evolution into a leader in smart mobility. Plus, STARIA sets the bar high with top-tier security, making it perfect for both business and home use.

The Hyundai Staria is the brand's entry into the minivan segment in the Philippines. It is made available in four variants with one being a cargo model and the rest being passenger vehicles. An all-wheel-drive variant is also available making the minivan a versatile vehicle that can handle almost any kind of terrain. It is powered by a 2.2-liter turbo diesel that sends power to all four wheels or just to the rear via an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. 

History

Launched on August 17, 2022, the Hyundai Staria comes in four variants with two drivetrain options: front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. You can choose between an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual, both powered by a potent 2.2-litre turbo diesel making 177hp and 430 Nm of torque. With three seating configurations including a 3-seater cargo model, an 11-seat mid-range model and a 7-seat top model, Staria caters to every need.

Variant and Price

The sleek look of the Hyundai Staria is an eye-catcher on Philippine roads. The length is 5,253 mm, the width is 1,970 mm, and the height of different models is between 2,000 mm and 1,990 mm. All models have a consistent wheelbase of 3,273mm and a ground clearance of 186mm.

Staria's round box design gives it a bold, futuristic look. While striking and unique, its modern aesthetic may not be for everyone. The fusion of futuristic and eccentric elements makes it unique, attracting the eyes of many but leaving others indifferent.

The front view of the modern Staria is striking, underscored by its wide dashboard. Its wide windscreen and sloping, compact bonnet give way to a uniquely wide and distinctive lower layout. These include a mesh grille design, square full LED headlights, integrated turn signals and an elegantly slender daytime running LED light strip.

Viewed from the side, Staria's modern boxy appeal stands out, contrasting tradition and innovation. Its oversized window panels cover the upper half, accentuated by sliding door panels and slightly flared wheel arches.

The rear of the modern Staria has a futuristic look reminiscent of Hyundai's all-electric Ioniq range. The design features vertically stacked LED tail lights. The top half showcases the massive rear windshield, while the bottom half presents a clean and simple design, anchored by a rectangular license plate housing.

Dimensions

Step inside Staria and you'll find a spacious interior tailored to your needs. There are 3-seat cargo, 11-seat commuter and GLS+ or 7-seat premium configurations to choose from. Luxury options range from fabric seating on base models to nappa leather seating on top-spec Premium trim, with Hyundai-exclusive premium lounge seats or captain's chairs for the second row. In addition, ambient mood lighting on premium models adds an extra touch of elegance.

Hyundai's Staria boasts tailored interior color schemes for different versions. The Cargo model features an all-black layout, while Commuter and GLS+ versions offer a stylish black and beige two-tone interior. For a touch of luxury, the top-tier Premium+ variant comes with an elegant black and brown two-tone leather upholstery.

The cockpit of Hyundai Staria is equipped with a modern four-spoke multi-function steering wheel, a hidden 10.25-inch full TFT instrument panel and an 8-inch floating vertical infotainment system. Automatic climate control and stylish air-conditioning vents span the width of the dashboard. The lower center console is uniquely equipped with switch-style transmission controls.

Apart from innovative design, Hyundai Staria also comes with premium amenities such as ventilated front seats, wireless charger, reclining power rear seats, top-of-the-line BOSE audio system.

Safety features

The Hyundai Staria sets high safety standards, achieving a five-star rating in ANCAP testing, cementing its reputation as one of the safest vans on the market. Safety is paramount, from the standard two airbags in cargo and commuter models to the full suite of six airbags in the GLS+ and Premium models. Features like ABS, EBD, electronic stability control and hill-start assist are all standard. Additionally, higher-end models come with a suite of advanced safety tools, including tire pressure monitoring, parking warning, surround view monitors, rear seat alert, and blind spot monitoring.

The Premium version of the Staria further enhances safety, adding standard features like forward collision assist, lane keeping assist, and lane following assist.

Space

Its exceptionally roomy interior is striking. Whether it is the comfortable seven-seater configuration (2+2+3 seats) with multifunctional premium leisure seats in the second row, or the new nine-seater configuration (3+3+3 seats), the 5.25-meter-long STARIA Spaciousness is unmatched.

With its multifunctional long sliding seat feature, STARIA has first-class legroom and its interior transforms into a generous cargo space. The fully-flat mode of the rear passenger seat enhances the car's adaptability, making it perfect for camping, sporting heavy gear, or any activity that requires space and flexibility.

With a generous 4,935 liters of cargo space, the Cargo model is perfect for small business or premium hauling. Passenger models such as the Commuter and GLS+, on the other hand, offer up to 1,024 liters of displacement depending on seating configuration, while the Premium version offers 431 liters.

The Hyundai Staria is powered by a powerful 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine producing 177 hp and 430 Nm of torque. Depending on the model, power is sent to the front wheels or all four via an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission.

Piloting a Staria isn't as intimidating as it might seem. Although the van's generous dimensions of 5.2 meters long, 1.9 meters wide and 1.9 meters high require care in tight spaces, Hyundai has equipped it with clever features to make navigating this massive vehicle easier.

The Staria GLS+ makes driving easy with electric power steering and innovative features such as a turn signal-activated camera that shows blind spots and a 360-degree camera that shows wheel direction.

Hyundai's Staria stands out for its comfortable ride, absorbing bumps smoothly, outperforming rivals such as the current-generation Hiace. It uses a one-piece platform with four-wheel independent suspension to deliver a quiet interior whether you're the driver or passenger.

While the Staria GLS+ impresses in many aspects, it's not without its flaws. Notable concerns include a rattling seat when unused and a squeaking issue with the rubber moldings on the right-side sliding door. Though minor annoyances, especially when driving alone, these could become bothersome for passengers in the long run.

Fuel economy for the Staria is impressive at 8.4 km/l in the city and 13.5 km/l on the highway.

The Hyundai Staria's bold design may be a conversation starter, but it's the luxurious interior and smooth ride that truly define this vehicle. While not without flaws, the Staria's unique appeal and value position it as perhaps the best van in its price bracket.