Hyundai has unveiled a refreshed version of the Staria people mover in South Korea, with updates slated for the Australian market in 2026. The facelift brings subtle exterior styling changes, a larger infotainment screen, and improved interior comfort, while also hinting at future powertrain options including a hybrid and a fully electric variant.
Exterior and Interior Updates
The most noticeable change is the front-end redesign. Hyundai has replaced the current three-section light band with a single, full-width LED strip above a new grille pattern. Inside, the Staria receives a larger 12.3-inch central touchscreen (up from 10.25 inches), alongside a revised dashboard layout with more physical buttons for easier control. Enhanced sound insulation and retuned suspension components – with bushings – aim to improve ride quality. Australian models will receive further chassis tuning to suit local road conditions.
Powertrain and Hybrid Option
The current Staria lineup in Australia consists of three trims: the base Staria, the mid-range Elite, and the high-spec Highlander. These are offered with either a 3.5-liter petrol V6 (front-wheel drive) or a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel (all-wheel drive). The updated model may introduce a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, already available in the related Kia Carnival since mid-2024. Kia recently expanded hybrid availability and reduced prices by $20,000, potentially setting a precedent for Hyundai.
Electric Staria on the Horizon
Hyundai is also developing a fully electric Staria, which has been spotted undergoing testing. This EV variant could compete with models like the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Ford E-Tourneo. The Staria EV is expected to use an 84kWh battery pack similar to that found in the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
An electric pickup version, the Iveco eMoovy, based on the Staria ST1 commercial van (diesel-powered Staria Load), is already in production with a 76.1kWh battery. Whether this version will be part of the Australian Staria Load range remains unconfirmed.
The Staria’s evolution reflects a broader industry trend toward more refined interiors and diversified powertrains, including hybrid and fully electric options. Hyundai’s commitment to these technologies is evident in both the Staria and related models like the Kia Carnival.
