Hyundai Staria
The Hyundai Staria is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and purpose-built vehicle (PBV) manufactured by Hyundai Motor Company since its global debut on April 12, 2021, designed to redefine family and commercial transport with its innovative "inside-out" architecture that prioritizes spaciousness and versatility.[1] Measuring 5,253 mm in length, 1,997 mm in width, and 1,990 mm in height with a 3,273 mm wheelbase, the Staria accommodates seating configurations from 2 to 11 passengers, providing up to approximately 5,000 liters of cargo volume in commercial variants.[1] It features a futuristic spaceship-inspired exterior with parametric jewel-like lighting and panoramic windows, complemented by a cruise ship-like interior boasting swiveling second-row seats in premium models and optional 64-color ambient mood lighting.[1] Powertrain options include a 2.2-liter VGT turbodiesel engine delivering 177 PS and 430 Nm of torque paired with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission, alongside a 3.5-liter MPI gasoline engine producing 272 PS and 331 Nm with an 8-speed automatic; a hybrid variant, combining a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor for enhanced efficiency, was introduced in 2024 for select markets including Europe.[1][2] Safety is bolstered by up to six airbags, three-point seat belts on all seats, and advanced systems such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Occupant Alert.[1] Available in trims like the standard Wagon, commercial Van, luxurious Premium, and specialized Limo or Camper versions, the Staria targets diverse needs from family hauling to business transport, with an electric variant, the ST1 commercial model, introduced in April 2024 and a passenger electric version planned for 2026.[1][3][4]Introduction
Overview
The Hyundai Staria is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) introduced by Hyundai Motor Company in 2021 as the successor to the long-running Starex and Grand Starex models.[5] It marks a shift to a front-wheel-drive platform, emphasizing spaciousness and modern functionality for both personal and commercial applications.[5] In July 2025, the Staria received a mid-cycle update with revised equipment and new trim names: Style (replacing Lite), Prime (replacing Inspire), Signature (replacing Tourer), and Lounge (replacing Premium). The Staria's design draws inspiration from a futuristic "spaceship" aesthetic, featuring sleek aerodynamic lines, a parametric jewel-like front grille, and expansive glazing to enhance interior openness and visibility.[6] Exterior designer Joon Seo led the effort, focusing on versatility to accommodate passenger transport, cargo hauling, and even specialized variants like campers.[7] This approach positions the Staria as a premium people mover tailored for families seeking comfort and for commercial fleets requiring adaptability.[8] Production of the Staria occurs at Hyundai's Ulsan Plant 4 in South Korea, with additional assembly at the Jeonju plant since 2022 to support growing demand.[9][10] Local manufacturing has also begun at the Inokom facility in Kulim, Malaysia, for CKD (completely knocked down) models serving regional markets.[11]Development history
The Hyundai Staria was conceived as the successor to the long-running Starex multi-purpose vehicle, forming a key part of Hyundai Motor Company's strategy to modernize its MPV offerings for diverse global applications, including family transport and commercial use.[1] Development emphasized advancements in space utilization, safety systems, and onboard technologies to surpass the capabilities of its predecessor, with a focus on creating versatile vehicles that align with evolving consumer demands for mobility solutions.[1] This included the adoption of an innovative "inside-out" design approach, prioritizing expansive interior layouts inspired by traditional Korean architecture while integrating modern aerodynamic elements for improved efficiency.[1] The prototyping and testing phases involved rigorous evaluations of suspension systems, powertrain integration, and advanced driver-assistance features to ensure optimal performance, comfort, and crash protection, culminating in final preparations ahead of the public reveal.[1] Hyundai unveiled the Staria through a digital world premiere event on April 12, 2021, held virtually in Seoul, where the model was presented as a pioneering MPV blending futuristic aesthetics with practical functionality.[1][12] Production commenced at Hyundai's Ulsan plant in South Korea shortly thereafter, with initial sales beginning domestically on April 15, 2021, and exports to international markets rolling out in the second half of the year, leading to first customer deliveries in various regions starting late 2021 and into 2022.[12] Post-launch, Hyundai introduced a hybrid variant in 2024, combining a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor for improved efficiency in markets including Europe. Additionally, development of the Staria EV progressed, with production preparations at Ulsan Plant 4 beginning in January 2025 and series production for Europe slated to start in 2026.[2][4]Design and variants
Exterior design
The Hyundai Staria's exterior embodies a futuristic, spaceship-like aesthetic, with a pure, streamlined silhouette defined by a single fluid curve extending from the front to the rear, evoking a sense of motion and openness. This monolithic profile is enhanced by lowered beltlines and expansive panoramic side windows that maximize visibility and contribute to the vehicle's lounge-inspired visual identity. At the front, a bold parametric mesh-patterned grille anchors the design, flanked by low-set, split-style headlamps featuring horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) and cube-type full-LED projection units, creating a layered, parametric pixel effect. The rear incorporates elongated vertical tail lamps with similar parametric detailing, further emphasizing the cohesive, high-tech appearance.[1][13] The Staria measures 5,253 mm in length, 1,997 mm in width (1,970 mm without door handles), and 1,990 mm in height for standard passenger variants, providing a spacious yet maneuverable footprint with a 3,273 mm wheelbase. Height varies by model, reaching up to 2,095 mm for the camper variant due to its pop-top roof system. Aerodynamic optimizations include a sculpted upper body, flattened A-pillar, rear spoiler, and underbody improvements that reduce the drag coefficient, enhancing fuel efficiency without compromising the bold styling. Wheel designs, such as 18-inch alloys with tinted brass accents on premium trims, further support airflow management.[14][1][15] Variant-specific exteriors adapt the core design for utility. The cargo version, or Staria Van, emphasizes practicality with twin swing rear doors for easy loading, optional window security bars, and configurations that may include blanked rear windows for privacy and security in commercial use. The camper variant adds roof rails for external storage and a fully automatic pop-top roof that extends interior height while maintaining a compact closed profile suitable for urban parking. Across trims, the body structure employs high-strength steel for structural integrity and aluminum elements in accents to reduce weight, aligning with Hyundai's advanced materials strategy.[16][17][18]Interior design
The Hyundai Staria's interior emphasizes versatility and spaciousness, thanks to its front-wheel-drive platform that enables a flat floor design throughout the cabin, facilitating easy movement between rows and maximizing usable space.[19] The vehicle accommodates up to 11 passengers in configurations like the camper variant, with flexible seating arrangements that include long-sliding second- and third-row seats for adjustable legroom and cargo flexibility.[1] In premium setups, the second-row captain's chairs swivel up to 180 degrees, allowing face-to-face conversations among passengers.[20] Cabin dimensions contribute to a sense of openness, with a high ceiling providing abundant headroom and a second-row hip room of 1,676 mm for comfortable seating.[21] Panoramic windows enhance natural light and visibility, complementing the airy layout inspired by cruise ship lounges.[22] The infotainment system features a dual-screen setup with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a matching 10.25-inch touchscreen for navigation and multimedia, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.[21] Additional comforts include wireless smartphone charging and 64-color ambient mood lighting that illuminates the cockpit, doors, and cargo area for a customizable atmosphere.[23] USB outlets are available at all seating positions, ensuring connectivity for multiple occupants.[20] In lounge variants, the interior elevates luxury with Nappa leather upholstery, electronically reclining second-row seats equipped with ottomans for footrest functionality, and a 25-inch rear entertainment display supporting HD content and wireless mirroring.[24] These features create a premium, hotel-like environment for rear passengers.[25] For utility, the Staria van version offers up to 4,935 liters of cargo capacity with the second- through fourth-row seats folded flat, enabling transport of oversized items or three Euro pallets.[26]Model variants
The Hyundai Staria lineup encompasses a range of variants designed for passenger transport, commercial use, and specialized applications, with configurations emphasizing seating flexibility and purpose-built features. The standard Staria includes the Tourer model, available in 9- or 10-seater configurations for family or group travel, and the Cargo variant, a panel van optimized for goods transport without rear seating. These base models were introduced via a global digital premiere on April 13, 2021, with sales commencing in select markets from the second half of that year.[5] Building on the standard offerings, the Staria Lounge and Premium variants provide upscale 7- or 9-seater luxury options, featuring captain's chairs in the second row for enhanced comfort and a premium interior with advanced infotainment. These models debuted in August 2021, targeting executive and high-end mobility needs.[27] In April 2022, Hyundai expanded the lineup with the Staria Lounge Limousine, a top-tier variant available in 4- or 7-seater layouts, incorporating fully reclining second-row seats, privacy glass, and an extended wheelbase for superior rear passenger space. Concurrently, the Staria Lounge Camper was released, offering an 11-seater semi-camper configuration for group outings and a 4-seater deluxe version equipped with a kitchenette, refrigerator, and convertible bed options to support recreational travel.[25] The ST1 represents Hyundai's entry into electrified commercial vehicles within the Staria family, configured as an electric cargo truck in standard van, refrigerated, and chassis cab body styles, with a focus on low-floor loading and MPV-inspired cabin comfort. It was unveiled on March 14, 2024, with sales beginning in South Korea on April 24, 2024.[28] For the 2025 model year, Hyundai refreshed the Staria lineup in July, introducing updated trim nomenclature such as Style, Prime, and Prestige for 10-seater variants in markets like Malaysia, along with equipment enhancements including improved connectivity and safety aids, while integrating a hybrid powertrain option across passenger models for greater efficiency.[29][2]Powertrain
Engines
The Hyundai Staria offers a variety of powertrain options across global markets, including conventional petrol and diesel engines, an LPG variant primarily for South Korea, a hybrid system introduced in 2024, and the all-electric ST1 model. These engines are paired with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, depending on the variant and region. Fuel efficiency varies by powertrain and drivetrain setup, with diesel options generally providing the best economy among internal combustion engines.Petrol and LPG Engines
The standard petrol engine is the 3.5-liter Smartstream G3.5 MPI V6, which delivers 272 PS (200 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 331 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. This naturally aspirated engine emphasizes smooth power delivery for the Staria's multi-purpose vehicle role. Combined fuel consumption for the petrol variant stands at 10.5 L/100 km under official testing cycles.[30][31] In South Korea, an LPG-adapted version of the 3.5-liter V6 is available, rated at 240 PS at 6,000 rpm and 314 Nm (32.0 kgf·m) at 4,500 rpm. This bi-fuel engine supports liquefied petroleum gas for cost-sensitive applications like commercial shuttles, while maintaining compatibility with petrol.[19]Diesel Engine
The 2.2-liter R-family CRDi turbodiesel engine produces 177 PS (130 kW) at 3,800 rpm and 430 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm. This common-rail direct-injection unit provides strong low-end torque suitable for heavy loads and towing in the Staria's cargo or passenger configurations. Combined fuel economy ranges from 7.3 to 8.2 L/100 km, with front-wheel-drive models achieving the lower end and all-wheel-drive versions the higher figure.[32][31]Hybrid Powertrain
Launched in 2024 for premium trims, the Staria Hybrid integrates a 1.6-liter Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi turbocharged inline-four petrol engine with a 54 kW electric motor and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion-polymer battery. The petrol engine alone outputs 180 PS (132 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 275 Nm from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm, while the electric motor contributes 304 Nm; the combined system yields 245 PS (180 kW) and 367 Nm. This setup enhances efficiency in urban driving without compromising the vehicle's spacious utility. Combined fuel consumption is approximately 7.6 L/100 km.[19][33]Electric Variant (ST1)
The ST1, an all-electric derivative of the Staria platform introduced in 2024, employs a single electric motor producing 160 kW and 350 Nm of torque, powered by a 76.1 kWh battery pack. Designed primarily for commercial use in South Korea, it offers a driving range of up to 317 km under local testing standards, suitable for urban delivery and cargo tasks.[3]| Powertrain | Displacement/Battery | Power | Torque | Fuel Economy/Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol 3.5 V6 | 3,470 cc | 272 PS @ 6,400 rpm | 331 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | 10.5 L/100 km combined |
| LPG 3.5 V6 | 3,470 cc | 240 PS @ 6,000 rpm | 314 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | N/A (LPG-specific) |
| Diesel 2.2 CRDi | 2,199 cc | 177 PS @ 3,800 rpm | 430 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 rpm | 7.3–8.2 L/100 km combined |
| Hybrid 1.6 T-GDi | 1,598 cc + 1.49 kWh | 245 PS combined @ 5,500 rpm | 367 Nm @ 1,000–4,000 rpm | 7.6 L/100 km combined |
| Electric ST1 | 76.1 kWh | 217 PS (160 kW) | 350 Nm | 317 km (combined) |