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.
Launch
The Hyundai Staria officially made its debut on August 17, 2022, and was made available in four different variants and two different drivetrain options. The first drivetrain option was a front-engine front-wheel-drive, while the other was a front-engine all-wheel-drive. Power is sent to the front or to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. all versions of the minivan come powered by a 2.2-liter turbo diesel motor that pushes out 177hp and 430 Nm of torque. The Hyundai Staria is made available in three different seating configurations, the first is a 3-seater for the cargo model, the second is an 11-seater format for the middle variants, and the last is a 7-seater configuration for the top-of-the-line model.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
Powering the Hyundai Staria is a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine that pushes out 177hp and 430 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels or all four via either an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, depending on the chosen variant. It rides on a selection of wheels ranging between a 17-inch steel wheel for the cargo model, a 17-inch alloy wheel for the middle variants, and an 18-inch wheel for the top-of-the-line model. stopping power comes from disc brakes all around and the vehicle rides on a MacPherson Strut with a coil spring suspension system at the front and either a leaf spring or rigid axle 5-link coil spring setup at the rear.
For tech features, the Hyundai Staria can be equipped with a modern interior and tech features with screens everywhere even in the gauge cluster. Speaking of which, the Hyundai Staria comes with a Supervision 4.2 TFT LCD screen for the Cargo and Commuter variants, or with a Supervision 10.25 TFT LCD for the GLS+ and Premium variants. The audio system can either be a Mono LCD with Stereo, SUB, and Bluetooth capabilities for the cargo and commuter variants, while an 8-inch touchscreen is available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto or the GLS+ and the Premium variants. The speaker system is also a 12-speaker Bose Audio system which is reserved for the Premium variant only. Meanwhile, the Cargo gets 2, the Commuter gets 4, and the GLS+ gets six. You also get a wireless charging pad in the GLS+ and Premium variants of the Staria.
For Premium variants, Hyundai outfits them with a suite of driver assistance tech. Lane keep assist, forward collision assist, and lane following assist are standard for the Premium variant, but the GLS+ also gets a few features from the Premium’s spec list namely tire pressure monitoring, forward collision avoidance, forward and reverse parking distance warning, a surround-view monitor, rear seat alert, and blind-spot view monitor. Other notable tech features include a remote engine start, remote window control, and an electronic parking brake. Features that are standard for the lineup include ABS with electronic brake distribution, drive modes, and even speed-sensing door locks. Premium and GLS+ variants will get a Hyundai Smart Key system which allows for keyless locking and unlocking. A folding key will be supplied to the Cargo and Commuter variants with remote locking and unlocking.
Exterior
The exterior of the Staria is a sight on Philippine roads. The dimensions of the exterior cone in at 5,253mm long, 1,970 mm wide, 2,000 mm tall for the Cargo variant, and 1,990mm tall for the Commuter, GLS+, and Premium variants. The wheelbase dimensions are shared between all variants at 3,273mm long, as well as the ground clearance measurement of 186mm.
The front fascia of the Staria has a futuristic appeal to it with a LED bar that serves as a daytime running light, and LEDs depending on what model you get. Expectedly, the top trims will get LEDs all around, and the lower trim levels will get halogen projectors situated in the lower half of the bumper as is the case with other Hyundai crossovers and MPVs.
Overall, the Staria is a rounded box which further adds to its futuristic look. The rear is also a treat to look at with its vertical taillights and the front is a buffet of matte and shiny textures and finishes that would sit nicely in any high street or garage.
Interior
Opening the doors to the Staria will reveal a spacious interior. Depending on which variant you buy, you will be treated to three seats in the Cargo, 11 for the Commuter and GLS+, and 7 for the Premium. The seating material is fabric for the Cargo and Commuter, while the GLS+ gets synthetic leather upholstery. Meanwhile, the Premium gets Nappa leather on its seats should you splurge and get the top-spec trim. The Premium variant only gets seven seats because of its Premium Relaxation Seats which is Hyundai’s way of saying captains’ chairs which can be found on the second row of the vehicle. For premium variants, the cabin atmosphere is enhanced by mood lighting all around.
Up front, the amenities also include ventilated and power seats for the Premium variant for both the driver and front passenger,
Other interior features include manual climate control for the Cargo and Commuter, while an automatic system is available for the GLS+ and Premium variants. There are also power door locks for all variants of the Staria, and the Premium gets a sunroof added to its list of specifications.
For interior cargo volume, the Cargo variant has up to 4,935 liters worth of space. With no rear seats, the entire rear can be dedicated to cargo, and it’s a prime candidate for small businesses or premium hauling. Meanwhile, passenger models like the Commuter and GLS+ come with up to 1,024 liters of cargo space depending on the seating configuration that was set up. Meanwhile, the Premium variant gets up to 431 liters of space.
Safety
Keeping occupants safe, the Staria scored five out of five stars in its ANCAP testing, making it one of the safest vans on the market today. As for its safety technologies and features, it comes with two airbags for the Cargo and Commuter variants, and a full suite of six airbags for the GLS+ and Premium variants. ABS and EBD are standard across the lineup and so is electronic stability control. There are more features yet with hill-start assist being added to the list. For upper and top-spec variants, GLS+ and Premium, the Staria is well-equipped with driver assist and safety features which include a tire pressure monitoring system, forward and reverse parking distance warning, surround view monitor, rear seat alert, and blind-spot view monitor.
Meanwhile, the Premium variant adds to the Staria’s specifications list with forward collision assist, lane keeps assist, and lane following assist as standard.
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We've reviewed the 11-seater and the 7-seater versions of the Staria, but here is a middle-of-the-road option that balances luxury with practicality. On this episode, Caco's not present, so Jack and Earl were given the task of reviewing this full-sized van. Based on our previous reviews, you'd know that the Staria nameplate is good regardless of what you get, but the big question in this episode of Behind the Wheel is, will Jack and Earl make a good review? Watch and see if they nailed it! Let us know in the comments down below.
The Hyundai Staria is a top pick among van buyers that want it all, especially in its Premium+ AWD trim with captains' chairs and a bunch of features that make it so easy to drive. We're pin...
This is the 2023 Hyundai Staria GLS+, not the top-of-the-line trim, but the mid-trim that's more practical than the Premium. Check it out on this Behind the Wheel review, as we unpack everyt...
Luggage/cargo space is so small. Would have been nice if the rear bench seat can slide a little more forward to accommodate more cargo if nobody will use the rear bench seat. Interior space is comfortable and spacious for passengers.
Luggage/cargo space is so small. Would have been nice if the rear bench seat can slide a little more forward to accommodate more cargo if nobody will use the rear bench seat. Interior space is comfortable and spacious for passengers.
