Amelia checks out the all-new Hyundai Staria in the top Highlander trim. The Staria is a new people mover from Hyundai which has futuristic designs, is full of technology, and added luxury features we aren’t used to seeing in people movers.

Engine Specifications

Staria

Engine: 3.5L Petrol MPi / 2.2L Diesel CRDi
Power: 200 kW @ 6400 rpm / 130 kW @ 3800 rpm
Torque: 331 Nm @ 5000 rpm / 430 Nm @ 1500 – 2500 rpm
Transmission: 8 Speed Auto 2WD / 8 Speed Auto AWDย 
Fuel Consumption (combined): 10.5L/100km / 10.5L/100km

Staria ELITE

Engine: 3.5L Petrol MPi / 2.2L Diesel CRDi
Power: 200 kW @ 6400 rpm / 130 kW @ 3800 rpm
Torque: 331 Nm @ 5000 rpm / 430 Nm @ 1500 – 2500 rpm
Transmission: 8 Speed Auto 2WD / 8 Speed Auto AWDย 
Fuel Consumption (combined): 10.5L/100km / 10.5L/100km

Staria HIGHLANDER

Engine: 3.5L Petrol MPi / 2.2L Diesel CRDi
Power: 200 kW @ 6400 rpm / 130 kW @ 3800 rpm
Torque: 331 Nm @ 5000 rpm / 430 Nm @ 1500 – 2500 rpm
Transmission: 8 Speed Auto 2WD / 8 Speed Auto AWDย 
Fuel Consumption (combined): 10.5L/100km / 10.5L/100km

The Staria has 2 engine choices. A 3.5 L naturally aspirated V6 produces 200 kW and 331 Nm of torque from 5000 revs. A 2.2 turbo diesel produces just 130 kW but 430 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic. The petrol Staria is FWD and the diesel Staria is 4WD.

Itโ€™s wonderfully large, there are loads of glass surfaces, loads of space inside and the design is definitely unique.

But is it better than the Kia Carnival? They are just too different to compare in such a way, which is great for buyers as they can choose which one they prefer with a higher margin. The Staria remains more van-like overall whilst Kiaโ€™s Carnival is moving towards being more SUV-like.