New Models
New Models

2021 Hyundai Staria: Eight-seat people-mover due by September with optional all-wheel drive, petrol or diesel power

Hyundai's spaceship-like people-mover will arrive by September with eight seats, petrol V6 or turbo-diesel power, and available all-wheel-drive traction.


The 2021 Hyundai Staria people-mover will go on sale in Australia by the end of August 2021 with eight seats as standard, advanced technology, a choice of petrol or diesel power, and available all-wheel drive.

Details published in the Australian government's Road Vehicle Certification System (RVCS) database indicate the Staria – the replacement for Hyundai's ageing iMax people-mover, and derived under the skin from the Kia Carnival – will be offered with a choice of two engines and optional all-wheel drive.

Diesel-hungry buyers can opt for a revised 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder mill, sending 130kW and 431Nm through a standard-fit eight-speed automatic transmission – up 5kW but down 10Nm over the outgoing iMax, matched to three additional gear ratios.

Whereas its predecessor was rear-wheel drive, the Staria moves to a front-wheel-drive platform shared with the the Kia Carnival. Unlike its twin under the skin however, the Staria's diesel engine can be optioned with all-wheel drive in Australia – one of only two vehicles in the sub-$60,000 people-mover segment to offer it, alongside the van-based Volkswagen Multivan.

Shoppers keen on more power can also select a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V6, sending 200kW and 331Nm through the same eight-speed automatic transmission – though like the Santa Fe SUV with which the engine is shared, front-wheel drive is the only configuration available.

Maximum towing capacity is rated at 2500kg braked for both models.

While full local specifications have yet to be confirmed, the RVCS listing indicates buyers will have a choice of two model grades, both featuring eight seats and twin sliding doors as standard.

Entry-level models (likely badged simply as 'Staria') are slated to feature 17-inch alloy wheels, while higher-spec models (likely badged 'Staria Elite') will gain 18-inch alloy wheels and a sunroof.

Expect range-topping Staria people-mover models to offer many of the safety and connectivity features set to be employed by the upcoming Staria Load van, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, heated side mirrors, tyre pressure monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors.

Above: Overseas Hyundai Staria model shown.

Whereas the Staria Load van is expected to feature an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it's possible the eight-seat Staria could gain the larger circa-12-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster offered in the model overseas.

The Staria measures in at 5253mm long, 1997mm wide and 1990mm high, riding on a 3273mm wheelbase – 103mm longer overall, 77mm wider, 65mm higher and 73mm longer in wheelbase than the iMax that it replaces.

Australian pricing has yet to be confirmed, however given the circa-$5000 price increase estimate supplied to Hyundai dealers for the Staria Load van, expect people-mover prices to start around $55,000 for an entry-level model, increasing to just under $60,000 for the flagship grade.

The 2021 Hyundai Staria people-mover will go on sale in Australia by the end of August 2021. Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest.


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Alex Misoyannis

Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family.

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