Hyundai Staria 2027: fuel-efficient hybrid option arrives to rival Kia Carnival and Toyota Hiace

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Hyundai has revealed a facelift for its versatile Staria van platform with huge changes underneath, revealing an all-new plugless hybrid drivetrain said to outperform the existing diesel and claim significantly greater fuel economy than the V6 petrol.

The new drivetrain debuts alongside an equally new Staria Lounge flagship passenger variant, which features a seven-seat captain’s chairs interior layout alongside a wealth of premium appointments. The Staria Lounge starts from $73,740 before on-road costs.

Existing prices for Staria remain unchanged, with the model itself split into two distinct segments: A towing, cargo and payload focused Staria Load range from $49,990 and a passenger-focused Staria eight-seater range from $54,300.

Either flavour of Staria will rival its respective Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit or Volkswagen Transporter / Multivan equivalent, with all competitors offering some form of diesel powertrain and pricing between $50- and $70,000.

Base model diesel powertrains are a right of passage in the van world, and the Staria is no exception. It will continue to offer a 2.2-litre diesel across both grades, as well as a 3.5-litre petrol V6 exclusive to the Staria passenger range. 

New for both grades of Staria however is Kia Carnival-rivalling turbocharged 1.6-litre plugless hybrid powertrain developing 180kW and 304Nm – up 50kW over the oil-burner, and just 20kW shy of the gargantuan V6. 

The new hybrid Staria claims a combined fuel efficiency of 6.5L/100km to the diesel’s 7.2L/100km and thirsty petrol’s 10.5L/100km figure. It forgoes the range-wide eight-speed automatic in favour of a hybrid-focused six-speed with brief electric driving and regenerative capabilities.

Despite the heft of a plugless hybrid system, the Staria HEV is said to match the payload capacity of its non-hybrid siblings, offering a maximum carry of 1039kg — the heaviest load capability across the Staria range. 

It won’t be able to tow, though, rated for 0kg braked and unbraked where its siblings offer 2500kg and 750kg respectively. 

The plugless hybrid will be offered in the Staria Load from $53,490 before on-road costs, or $61,240 in the now hybrid-only Load Premium guise. Base-model Staria passenger variants miss out, with the powertrain reserved for an all new Staria Lounge seven-seater.

The Staria Lounge offers lavish appointments such as 18-inch wheels, Nappa leather seat trim (front and second rows), second-row captain’s chairs, suede rooflining, chrome-coated door handles and more. It starts from $73,740.

Also confirmed for Staria is a dedicated electric drivetrain developing 160kW. Specific to the Load grade, it will feature an 84kWh battery, front-wheel drive, a 2000kg braked towing capacity and 1005kg payload. More details for that van will arrive closer to the model’s launch.

All variants of Staria benefit from several upgraded suspension components along with new front subframe bushes to improve rough-road comfort. New rear hydro bushes are intended to provide better articulation over bumps. 

Range-wide updates for the facelifted Staria include new wheel designs, widened strip LED DRL, new grille, new front clip, new tail-lights, rear spoiler and shark-fin style antenna.

Inside, a new 12.3-inch multimedia touch-screen, push button start, and Smart Cruise Control become standard. Greater care has been taken for improved cabin insulation, including thicker foam dash insulation and new foam in the rear quarters. 

All new grades of Staria – aside from the forthcoming Staria EV – are on sale now. 

Hyundai Staria 2026: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

Passenger

• Staria eight-seat diesel: $54,300
• Staria eight-seat petrol: $54,300
• Staria Lounge seven-seat hybrid: $73,740

Load (cargo variant)

• Staria Load diesel: $49,990
• Staria Load hybrid: $53,490
• Staria Load Premium hybrid: $61,240