Hyundai Staria 2021 model review finds futuristic looks but with ageing performance
Never in the design cool club, the Hyundai Staria people-mover does its best to rewrite the automotive fashion book.
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Space has been generating ample excitement in recent times thanks to Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson.
Cashed-up tourists blasting away to orbit the globe has excitement written all over it … not quite the same vibe surrounding a people-mover.
Nevertheless Hyundai has been using the next frontier to extol the virtues of its groovy new eight-seater.
The Staria usurps the iMax and it’s designed to make an impact.
Prices start from less than $53k drive-away for front-wheel drive petrol models, but our family took a road trip in the range-topping Highlander version with a diesel engine that sends power to all four wheels.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
KEL: Wow, we’ve driven some vehicles that have attracted some attention but this has to be one of the greatest head-turners we’ve had in a long time.
GRANT: The futuristic smooth lines and an expanse of glass certainly sets the Staria apart within a genre that isn’t typically known for good looks.
KEL: At one stage we drew a crowd while parking.
GRANT: Size and style is at the forefront. Striking looks with a body that’s 5.25m long and nearly 2m high it’s no shrieking violet.
KEL: Over the past year we’re been in a few people-movers, I’m guessing this comes up against the Kia Carnival and Toyota Granvia.
GRANT: They are two of the key rivals, along with the VW Multivan and Honda Odyssey. One of the pivotal differences with the Staria is it’s all-wheel drive option and strong towing abilities, but drive-away for the top-shelf model you’re looking at just over $72,000.
THE LIVING SPACE
KEL: Like a lounge room on wheels, there is ample room for the extended family.
GRANT: Unlike SUVs where the third row is limited to young children, this is a genuine eight-seater for all ages.
KEL: Despite the contemporary exterior, inside the cabin seems to be a mix of old and new.
GRANT: Being the Highlander this model gains the best of what’s on offer. Modern expectations are met with the push-button start, 10.25-inch central touchscreen that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility linked to a six-speaker stereo, wireless phone charging, leather seat trim and a large LCD digital instrument cluster for the driver.
KEL: With so many storage spots, including two in the dash, one large console and various recesses in the centre stack, I would struggle to fill all the nooks and boxes.
GRANT: Sharing its underpinnings with the Staria Load van, it still feels like there is a hefty workhorse element in the design that would allow for folders and paperwork.
KEL: Climate-controlled aircon is just for the front and back – not dual zone for those riding shotgun.
GRANT: That’s an interesting omission, and while the sliding doors are electric the small windows are not.
KEL: The expanse of glass is amazing and provides a great view of the road and scenery for all rows. Although I felt a little exposed during first introductions.
GRANT: Window shades are available in rows two and three if it all gets too much, as well as a power blind on the rear sunroof.
THE COMMUTE
KEL: It’s big but not too cumbersome.
GRANT: This turbo diesel would be the pick compared to the petrol V6 in terms of power and fuel efficiency.
KEL: Getting away from the lights it feels brisk and smooth.
GRANT: All-wheel drive offers good grip, especially if parked on grass or gravel with a full load, and it can tow up to 2.5 tonne (downball weight of 100kg).
THE SHOPPING
KEL: No complaints about the boot space for groceries, it’s massive. Although just getting into the supermarket can be a challenge with tight car parks.
GRANT: One location I visited had a 2m maximum, and a nice gentleman guided me under to ensure there was no scraping. The Staria is much higher than a Carnival or Odyssey.
KEL: Thankfully it has the sensors front and back as well as the all-round camera view. I wouldn't be able to survive without those features in a vehicle of this size.
GRANT: Given the size of the boot door it’s also good to have it powered, but you have to remember to turn off auto close (a button on the tailgate) otherwise it keeps beeping while you load.
THE SUNDAY RUN
KEL: Mountain passes really aren’t on the agenda.
GRANT: Slicing through twisty terrain is not a strength, rocking and rolling if attacking the bends with too much vigour.
KEL: Our highway journey was supremely comfortable with so much leg room and limited road noise.
GRANT: It’s certainly built for comfort, not speed, yet it feels predictable and confident.
THE FAMILY
KEL: Accessing the third row was easy with the middle pew on rails that drops and folds.
GRANT: There are air vents in all three rows and five USB ports, along with 16 cupholders scattered throughout the cabin.
KEL: It’s cool to have the wide-angle, hi-definition camera for keeping an eye on the children in the back seats.
GRANT: There is also a “quiet mode” that mutes the speakers in the back rows if the kids are sleeping. The storage space is excellent and better than some rivals. We managed a bike, four suitcases and a range of other small bags on our trip without having to play Tetris.
KEL: All the safety gear I’d expect was included, like blind-spot monitoring and radar cruise control to maintain distances from other vehicles.
GRANT: The Staria also has live camera vision of what’s in your blind spot when you indicate, seven airbags, rear cross-traffic avoidance that can intervene if reversing into unseen oncoming vehicles, along with a safe exit function to warn passengers when getting out.
KEL: How are the running costs?
GRANT: Return to Hyundai and servicing is $360 for the first five intervals that are required annually or every 15,000km. Overall fuel consumption was close to the official figure from Hyundai, and we managed about seven litres for every 100km on the highway, but more than nine around town.
THE VERDICT
KEL: The Staria’s a fun and an uber cool looking package. Perfect for long highway travels, it has excellent interior space, but it’s challenging to drive in confined areas.
GRANT: Brilliant space-age looks that turn heads, but it’s no superstar in the performance galaxy.
AT A GLANCE
HYUNDAI STARIA HIGHLANDER
PRICE $72,088 drive-away (similar to key range-topping rivals)
WARRANTY/SERVICING 5yr/unlimited km warranty (on par with industry); 5 services $1800 (good)
ENGINE 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 130kW/430Nm (strong)
SAFETY 7 airbags, AEB, adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert (excellent)
THIRST 8.2L/100km (8.6 on test)
SPARE Full size (perfection)
BOOT 831 litres (with all seats in place, impressive)
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