Hyundai’s industrial hauler has polarising seems, however its practicality is tough to debate.
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MY24 mannequin proven
The Staria Load, like its associated individuals mover namesake, the Staria, is a neat package deal from one in all Australia’s most versatile manufacturers.
There is probably not efficiency or hybrid tech right here, however what you do get is loads of tech and options to maintain you happy. A cushty inside, high quality infotainment, and agile steering are just some issues to get you ; the remainder you’ll find out about via a while behind the wheel.
Hyundai gives a big catalogue of real equipment too, which permits consumers to package out their Staria Load with every little thing they should enhance the bottom package deal in their very own particular means.
All of it is available in at a aggressive value too, matching the comparable Toyota HiAce and undercutting the brand new Ford Transit Customized.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluate of the Hyundai Staria Highlander
In 2023, the industrial Staria outsold the individuals mover variant at 2497 to 1141, promoting in fewer items than solely Hyundai’s best-selling passenger automobiles just like the i30 and Tucson.
Within the van world, it doesn’t fairly match as much as the remainder. Rivals just like the HiAce (7133), LDV G10 (3638), and Transit Customized (2843) all outsold the Staria Load in 2023, because it ranked forward of solely costlier and obscure vans from European manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, and Renault.
Are you higher off sticking with the gang, or is the spaceship-style Staria Load the one you have to be going for as an alternative?
How does the Hyundai Staria examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Hyundai Staria towards equally sized autos.
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How a lot does the Hyundai Staria Load price?
The highest-spec Premium variant of the Staria Load vary rings up at $51,740 earlier than on-road prices – precisely $5000 up on the range-opening two-seater.
It’s costlier than even the five-seat crew van, regardless of lacking out on aspect home windows and people extra seats. That value is earlier than you begin including the additional Hyundai equipment fitted to our tester, which embody a cargo barrier ($916.75), a heavy-duty rubber cargo ground mat ($762.75), and all-weather ground mats ($238.17).
Ours can also be painted in Moonlight Blue, which like the opposite premium colors brings an extra price of $695. Meaning in order for you a Staria Load just like the one you see right here, count on so as to add practically $3000 to the record value – and that’s earlier than you contemplate on-road prices.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Hyundai Staria Load two-seat van | $46,740 |
| 2025 Hyundai Staria Load five-seat crew van | $50,640 |
| 2025 Hyundai Staria Load Premium two-seat van | $51,740 |
to see how the Hyundai Staria Load stacks up towards our rivals? Use our comparability instrument.
MORE: 2025 Hyundai Staria Load value and specs
What’s the Hyundai Staria Load like on the within?
Whereas we’d cease wanting calling it luxurious, there’s lots to love in regards to the Staria Load’s cabin.
The factor value remembering with the Staria Load is that it’s a industrial car, and as such it’d be unreasonable to count on limousine-like consolation ranges earlier than getting behind the wheel.
Being the Premium grade, you do get some further goodies like a bigger infotainment show and digital instrument cluster, however as with the cheaper variants it’s headlined by its work-focused setup and barebones method.
Such parts are evident within the supplies used, that are all arduous to the contact and utilitarian in look. The one soft-touch objects you get are the big gear selector and steering wheel, the latter of which we’ve seen in different massive Hyundai fashions just like the Palisade.
I’m not the largest fan of this steering wheel, nevertheless it does really feel extra at dwelling right here than it does in one thing just like the Palisade. It’s wrapped in easy, high quality leather-based, and its dimension and angle are harking back to a small bus or an older Toyota HiAce van.
A quirk within the driving configuration is the seating place. From the snug cloth-trimmed seat you get a commanding view of every little thing round you, although it does lack armrests that might make the Staria Load that little bit extra cruisy.
It additionally lacks three-person seating up entrance, although meaning you’re capable of make use of the area within the center that’s in any other case occupied by a storage field within the five-seat crew van. The Staria Load’s structure is in any other case standard, which implies it takes no time to get used to.
What you is probably not used to is having to look over the steering wheel to view the instrument cluster, as a result of the show is mounted excessive atop the sprint to make means for a hidden storage cubby.
All of it works as meant, however chances are you’ll must take an additional second to get your self adjusted accordingly should you’re a shorter particular person. That typically gained’t be a difficulty although, and it’s definitely worth the compromise for the additional space for storing it unlocks.
Ignoring the elephant within the van in the intervening time, Hyundai has been inventive to implement as many storage choices up entrance as doable.
There are two hidden storage cubbies on prime of the dashboard for numerous odds and ends, in addition to a extra standard glovebox forward of the passenger seat. On the roof are additionally two storage cabinets with elastic nets.
On the base of the centre console is one other tub for free objects, and a cut-out for telephone storage is discovered simply above that. A wi-fi charging pad is positioned in a bigger slot underneath the local weather management panel, which additionally has loads of area for different issues like the important thing fob.
There’s additionally a singular cupholder on prime of the sprint on the driving force’s aspect, which appears precariously near the digital instrument show. Passengers could make use of the hidden cupholder on the centre console, which folds out whenever you press on its panel.
Storage is in any other case made up of area within the door playing cards and shallow cut-outs beneath the home windows, whereas there’s a hidden compartment built-in into the driving force’s aspect step for restoration gear.
Creature comforts within the Staria Load are saved to a minimal. There are not any heated seats, power-adjustment, or digital rear-view mirrors to utilize; every little thing as an alternative will get straight to the purpose.
Probably the most difficult merchandise is the local weather and infotainment panel, which is populated by a plethora of touchscreen buttons and headlined by that 10.25-inch show. That show is nothing new for Hyundai fashions, and it seems nice graphically with dependable performance.
A draw back to the bigger display screen is the shortage of wi-fi Apple CarPlay from smaller-screen fashions, which implies you’ll should hook up your telephone through cable as an alternative.
Doing so is achieved through the USB-A port subsequent to the gear selector, and there’s that handy slot beneath to your telephone to sit down whereas plugged in.
The local weather management panel is clearly legible because of its massive icons, and its centre show helps to point out what’s occurring. There are shortcuts above for the varied infotainment capabilities, and every little thing might be managed through the buttons on the steering wheel.
These steering wheel buttons all operate because the ought to and labored reliably in our week with the van. They’re additionally the place to regulate issues regarding look too, must you need to mess with the way in which the instrument cluster seems.
The gloss-black button materials is a gripe, nevertheless it provides a extra premium look along with the textured stalks behind.
It’s all clear and stylish – Hyundai has struck a convincing stability between practicality and inside design within the Staria Load.
Shows on the instrument cluster are linked to drive mode, which might be toggled utilizing the discreet button beneath the local weather management interface.
There are three modes and appearances to cycle via, however you’ll be able to lock it in a selected theme should you want one over the others.
Time to speak cargo. It’s a van, and the area you get within the again is essentially as you’d count on.
Our tester was fitted with the non-obligatory rubber ground and cargo barrier, although we really feel such objects must be included as customary.
The ground safety helps to dampen noise and cut back the danger of scratches to the inside paint – very similar to what the panelling fitted to the partitions as customary does.
The cargo barrier, which solely works to maintain cargo from sliding via, is sweet to have even when it gained’t maintain the cabin’s local weather remoted.
Having the non-obligatory strong barrier (and even the non-obligatory partition display screen) can be preferable for passenger consolation and noise dampening, however that is higher than nothing.
Area at the back of the Staria Load is quoted at 4.935 cubic metres, smaller than the HiAce at 6.2m3. Even so, it doesn’t really feel compromised by any means.
Hyundai suits a sliding door on all sides as customary (not like Ford does with the Transit Customized), although being the Premium grade it misses out on a rear barn door choice, one thing included on each the Toyota and Ford rivals.
You get the advantage of a powered tailgate as an alternative, although it’s fairly lengthy when totally open. Meaning you get shelter from the rain, however you’ll battle to load from the rear with a forklift, and also you additionally gained’t be capable to open it should you reverse even remotely carefully as much as a wall.
The Staria Load makes up for it with sliding aspect doorways, although their openings aren’t terribly vast.
On the within you get eight tie-down factors in comparison with the HiAce’s six, however just one mild positioned on the roof above the tailgate. That makes it tough to see should you’re utilizing the aspect doorways at night time.
There’s solely naked panelling on the roof, which echoes noise as soon as on the highway. It’s the identical as what you discover in a Transit Customized, although Toyota provides a roof liner and a central dome mild to its HiAce.
The rear home windows are protected by thick wire bars, and every little thing else is because it says on the field. It really works nicely for the aim it serves, although we suspect the rubber used within the non-obligatory ground contributed to the unusual odor we had been greeted with when stepping inside.
| Dimensions | Hyundai Staria Load Premium |
|---|---|
| Size | 5253mm |
| Width | 1997mm |
| Top | 2000mm |
| Wheelbase | 3273mm |
| Cargo bay size | 2607mm |
| Cargo bay width | 1640mm |
| Cargo bay top | 1436mm |
| Cargo bay quantity | 4.935m3 |
| Payload | 1072kg |
| Kerb weight | 2002kg |
| Gross Automobile Mass (GVM) | 3020kg |
| Towing capability | 2500kg (braked) |
to see how the Hyundai Staria Load stacks up towards our rivals? Use our comparability instrument.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
In contrast to the Hyundai Staria individuals mover, there’s only one engine accessible for the Staria Load.
All three Staria Load variants share the identical 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which is mated with an eight-speed computerized transmission completely. Drive is shipped to solely the entrance wheels, not like within the rear-drive HiAce.
| Specs | Hyundai Staria Load |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Energy | 130kW @ 3800rpm |
| Torque | 430Nm @ 1500-2500rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized |
| Pushed wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Gasoline financial system – claimed | 7.0L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system – as examined | 6.9/100km |
| Gasoline tank dimension | 75L |
| Gasoline requirement | Diesel |
to see how the Hyundai Staria Load stacks up towards our rivals? Use our comparability instrument.
How does the Hyundai Staria Load drive?
We are saying you shouldn’t count on an excessive amount of by way of consolation from a van, and the Staria Load is an effective instance of why.
Unladen, the journey is extremely bouncy. Issues that wouldn’t hassle a typical automobile instantly really feel like small leap ramps, and also you’ll end up going out of your approach to keep away from bumps and holes that would throw the van round.
That’s to not say it’ll turn into unsettled over bigger bumps, however it may well typically be sufficient to catch you off guard. With a pair hundred kilograms value of cargo loaded into the again it’s a distinct story, however should you’re typically driving an empty van it may well turn into tough to dwell with.
Whereas we had comparable feedback in regards to the Transit Customized, it’s nonetheless true that the HiAce can handle its journey lots higher even when the load area is empty.
The Hyundai is quieter than the Toyota, a minimum of in comparison with the bog-standard HiAce we just lately drove with no inside choices chosen. Had they been comparably optioned, the noise battle might have turned out otherwise.
The bounciness isn’t helped by its wheels both, as though they’re a reasonably customary dimension at 17-inches they really feel (and look) far too small for such a big van.
Bumping up the wheel dimension an inch or two would make it look higher, however would improve tyre alternative prices, worsen the bumpy-road journey and likewise come on the expense of on-road noise – which already isn’t nice.
Nonetheless, it’s not all unhealthy, and should you come into the Staria Load with a tough concept of what to anticipate there’s not a lot that may take you abruptly.
When you’re previous the preliminary bumps and bounces, this Hyundai seems to be an satisfying van to drive. It feels significantly taller than its rivals, and that helps to supply the excessive driving place it advantages from.
There’s additionally nice visibility out entrance because of its sloped bonnet, and it’s a superb center floor between a typical passenger automobile and the vans of outdated wherein the crumple zones had been your knees.
Visibility is nice out the aspect home windows too, however that’s the place the constraints begin. Because it’s a typical van with no aspect home windows, bodily blind-spot visibility is poor.
Hyundai makes up for it with the cameras fitted on all sides, which undertaking a dwell picture to the instrument cluster when the corresponding indicator is activated. We’ve seen such tech in different Hyundai and Kia merchandise earlier than, and whereas it appeared superfluous there, we really feel this can be a way more sensible software.
For comparability, Ford’s resolution to the blind-spot problem is to suit a fisheye mirror to every aspect mirror housing, whereas Toyota has nothing past digital monitoring.
Ford and Hyundai complement their blind-spot options with a monitoring system.
The efficiency of the Staria Load isn’t something ridiculous, nevertheless it has no hassle getting on top of things in a rush.
Low-end torque is powerful sufficient to get it out of most sticky conditions, and when there’s nothing within the again it may be fairly spritely and agile. Stunning given its dimensions, nevertheless it makes it even higher as a run-around in built-up areas.
The eight-speed computerized transmission is well-behaved and nearly by no means caught within the incorrect gear, with easy shifts and a fast response its headlining traits.
Hyundai has made the driving expertise as straightforward as doable from a dealing with perspective too, because the Staria Load boasts mild steering and a decent turning circle to make up for its dimension.
In case you’re a industrial car purchaser who wants the Staria Load for transport and logistics, it’s good to have that manoeuvrability for the varied tight areas chances are you’ll end up in.
The Staria Load is fitted with adaptive cruise management with lane centring as customary, and it labored reliably in our week with the van. There wasn’t an inclination to stray out of its lane, and steering inputs had been constant and easy.
Longer drives on the freeway had been made straightforward because of this, particularly should you averted altering lanes as a lot as doable due to these blind-spot limitations.
Downsides embody its headlights, which we really feel may very well be a bit brighter. Its high-beams labored effective, however in unlit areas it’s not fairly as vivid as we’re used to. You do get the advantage of the LED mild bar throughout the entrance, which offers higher visibility for different highway customers.
One other was the highway noise, which was particularly unhealthy on moist roads. Because it isn’t a passenger car, that isn’t a deal-breaker, and it’s manageable should you’re effective with a bit of additional quantity.
to see how the Hyundai Staria Load stacks up towards our rivals? Use our comparability instrument.
What do you get?
There are three grades of Staria Load, every with a handful of key options to set them aside.
Staria Load customary tools:
- Selection of Liftback or Twin Swing rear doorways
- Halogen headlights
- 17-inch metal wheels
- Full-sized spare
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- Fabric upholstery
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi telephone charging
- USB-C port
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
The Crew Van receives a centre console storage field, a three-seat second-row bench, second-row home windows and two extra USB-C ports.
Staria Premium (liftback solely) provides:
- LED headlights
- LED tail lights
- Computerized high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Keyless entry and begin
- Energy tailgate
- Bluelink related companies
- Distant management of local weather and car capabilities
- Automobile settings administration
- Dwell site visitors updates
- Navigation ship to automobile
- Voice recognition for POI lookup, car controls
Is the Hyundai Staria Load secure?
The Hyundai Staria Load has a five-star security ranking from ANCAP, based mostly on testing of the associated individuals mover carried out in 2021.
| Class | Hyundai Staria |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 85 per cent (32.38 out of 38) |
| Little one occupant safety | N/A |
| Susceptible highway person safety | 65 per cent (35.37 out of 54) |
| Security help | 74 per cent (11.90 out of 16) |
Commonplace security tools consists of:
- 7 airbags incl. front-centre
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian, bicycle owner detection
- Junction-turning help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Lane maintain help
- Lane Following Help (lane centring)
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Encompass-view digicam (liftback solely)
- Main car departure alert
- Driver consideration warning
- Clever pace restrict help
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Protected exit warning
Whereas earlier Starias featured blind-spot help as customary, the 2025 mannequin has reverted to an alarm-only system.
The Staria Load Premium provides a blind-spot view monitor, in addition to the mannequin debut of Hyundai’s Bluelink connectivity, which incorporates computerized collision notification, emergency name (SOS) operate and alert companies together with geo-fencing, valet, pace and time alerts.
How a lot does the Hyundai Staria Load price to run?
The Hyundai Staria Load is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, with servicing required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
| Operating prices | Hyundai Staria Load |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5-year, unlimited-kilometre |
| Roadside help | 12 months free, then service-activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | Lifetime Service Plan |
| Complete service price – 5 years | $2375 – Pre-Paid Servicing |
to see how the Hyundai Staria Load stacks up towards our rivals? Use our comparability instrument.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Hyundai Staria Load Premium
In case you’re in want of a van, the Staria Load is one value contemplating.
It is probably not as iconic as one thing like a HiAce or as trendy as the brand new Transit Customized, however should you’re after sturdy cargo capability in a cushty package deal, the Staria Load has lots to supply.
Its inside tech is nice, even with out wi-fi smartphone mirroring, and the cabin is well-enough appointed to maintain you with out going excessive.
The driving tech works reliably and by no means turns into intrusive both, which is greater than might be stated for a lot of different Hyundai and Kia merchandise.
Hyundai’s diesel engine is a powerful unit too, and when mated with a dependable gearbox it makes for an satisfying drive – even when it may be a bit bouncy with nothing within the again.
Journey high quality does depart a bit to be desired, and if you could transport multiple passenger you’re going to battle with the shortage of a center seat.
The choices fitted to our tester, together with the cargo barrier, are issues that must be included as customary, as a result of we really feel they’re van must-haves. Driving round with cargo sliding into the entrance cabin isn’t preferrred, and it’s a number of area to warmth in winter.
It additionally lacks the practicality of rear barn doorways, and for a top-spec mannequin it’d profit from one thing like powered sliding aspect doorways. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay would additionally complement that enormous infotainment show properly.
However as a van made to move cargo and be snug for lengthy hours on the highway, the Staria Load does nicely. It is probably not our first alternative, however as a rival to different well-established van nameplates it’s a worthy contender.
Focused on shopping for a Hyundai Staria Load? Get in contact with one in all CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here.
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