Hyundai STARIA 2022 Motoring Minute Review

We drive the STARIA People on a road test review

Hyundai replaced their popular IMAX model in August last year with the STARIA. Available in both people mover and Load versions, the STARIA is unusual looking to say the least, but that hides a very competent people mover inside.

Hyundai Staria

Engineered from the ground up on a dedicated passenger car platform shared with Santa Fe, STARIA provides car-like handling, ride and refinement.

STARIA comes in three different variants, the STARIA, Elite and top spec Highlander, a choice of two engine, the 3.5L V6 and the familiar 2.2l turbo diesel, both combined with an 8 Sp AT.

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Hyundai STARIA Highlander 2.2D AWD in snow

What sets the STARIA apart is the fact that the diesel version comes with AWD capability for added stability and safety. There is a lot of safety features packed in both engine versions as well.

Currently the class leader in sales is the KIA Carnival that shares many component with the STARIA, but unfortunately not the AWD capability. This is a real winner.

Hyundai Staria interior

STARIA Highlander is comfortable, luxurious, drives very nicely thank you as well as pretty good value.

Prices start from $48,500 through to $66,500 for the top spec Highlander AWD, all plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Hyundai Staria dash

What is good?

What is not so good?

  • Diesel AWD capability
  • Cavernous interior
  • Packed with features
  • Unusual styling
  • Cumbersome in tight car parks
  • No third row child seat anchors

Hyundai Staria engine

Model   

Hyundai STARIA 2.2L Highlander AWD

Model Price $66,500 MLP*
Engine 2.2L 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel
Drivetrain AWD 8 Sp Sports AT
Power 130kW @ 3800rpm
Torque 430Nm @ 1500-2500rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP (Tested 2021)
CO2 Emissions 218 g/km
Economy ADR/ Capacity 8.2L/100km / 10.1L/100K on test / 75L
0-100kmh/Top Speed N/A
Servicing 12 Mths / 15,000km Fixed price service
Warranty 5yr/ Unlimited km with 5 Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

Hyundai Staria Highlander profile

Overall Rating    

84/100

Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 7
Ride and Handling 8
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 9
Style / appeal 7
Technology / connectivity 9
Value for Money 9

Hyundai STARIA Highlander 2.2D AWD interior rear

Motoring Minutes are heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 150,000 listeners. That’s over 750,000 listeners a week.

Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia.

Motoring Minutes are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia

  • 9/10
    Behind the Wheel - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Comfort - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Equipment - 9/10
  • 7/10
    Performance - 7/10
  • 8/10
    Ride and Handling - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Practicality - 8/10
  • 9/10
    Fit for Purpose - 9/10
  • 7/10
    Style / appeal - 7/10
  • 9/10
    Technology / connectivity - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Value for Money - 9/10
8.4/10

Summary

STARIA Highlander is comfortable, luxurious, drives very nicely thank you as well as pretty good value.

Prices start from $48,500 through to $66,500 for the top spec Highlander AWD, all plus the usual costs.

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About Rob Fraser 2507 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.