2024 Hyundai Staria Hybrid edges closer to reality

Hyundai could soon roll out a 2024 Staria Hybrid people mover and Staria Load Hybrid van, according to government certification documents which have surfaced online in the South Korean car giant's home market.

It is yet to be confirmed if the hybrid Staria and Staria Load will make their way to local showrooms, however Hyundai Australia's ongoing roll-out of new hybrid models – and the dominance of Toyota hybrids – could make the van and people mover attractive offerings.

Certification documents published by South Korea's Ministry of Environment – as reported by Autobuff – indicates the Staria Hybrid could be unveiled in the first half of this year.

If it is given the green light for Australian showrooms, it could arrive later in 2024 or early in 2025 – but this is yet to be confirmed.

MORE: Kia Carnival Hybrid confirmed for Australia, due this year

Powering the Staria Hybrid will reportedly be the same 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and electric motor as the related Kia Carnival Hybrid.

The South Korean report claims the system will produce 183kW/367Nm, which is a sizeable increase over the 169kW/350Nm offered in the fuel-sipping Santa Fe Hybrid family SUV with a similar 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system.

Fuel economy is also claimed to be approximately 7.7 litres per 100km in South Korean testing standards.

If a Staria Hybrid does come to Australia, it would join the confirmed Kia Carnival Hybrid – due in Australia later this year – as the only people movers without luxury-car badges.

Likewise, a Staria Load Hybrid would stand out from the Toyota HiAce, Ford Transit Custom, and Mercedes-Benz Vito as the only petrol-electric offering, though the latter two do offer electric variants in Australia.

MORE: Hyundai Staria hybrid spotted in South Korea