2026 Hyundai Staria, Staria Load hybrid incoming

Hybrid power has been added to the Hyundai Staria and Staria Load range, along with a new Lounge flagship for the passenger version. The new additions come as part of the people mover and commercial van’s mid-life update which also includes a facelift, naming revisions and additional equipment.

Pinched out of the Kia Carnival, the Staria and Staria Load’s new turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid system outputs a combined 180kW/366Nm and drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

The existing 3.5-litre six-cylinder petrol (200kW/331Nm) and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (130kW/430Nm) powerplants are both still offered as they were before, however the diesel Staria now matches the Staria Load in being front-drive only.

All Starias and Staria Loads have been treated to Hyundai’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system, keyless entry and start, and a new steering wheel design.

Zeroing in on the Staria Load, the workhorse is now available in diesel and hybrid forms, with the base model gaining a 12.3-inch infotainment interface, over-the-air (OTA) updates as standard, however the 360-degree camera has been removed.

The hybrid adds single-zone climate control.

New to the Staria Load Premium meantime are heated seats and steering wheel, highway driving assist and the 12.3-inch instrument cluster.

As for the MPV, the base model gains smart cruise control with stop and go function, the enlarged centre screen and OTA updates – the 360-degree camera has also been removed.

New to the range is the Staria Lounge; a seven-seat, hybrid-only flagship replacement for the previous Highlander that goes big on luxury with captain chairs in the second row and a wealth of creature comforts.

Nappa leather upholstery, suede roof lining, ambient lighting, heated front and rear seats, dual sunroofs, auto-dimming mirrors, the 12.3-inch digital cockpit, LED projector headlights, power sliding doors and tailgate, in-cabin camera, 360-degree camera, premium trimmings and rear occupant alert are all standard, along with plenty more.

The petrol and diesel 2026 Hyundai Starias and Staria Loads will be available this month while the hybrid variants won’t arrive until June.

A battery-electric Staria Load packing a 160kW motor and an 84kWh battery pack will be offered in the second half of the year, with equipment highlights comprising a battery heating system, satnav, lane following assist, trailer package, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and dual charge ports on top of the base Staria’s goodies.

Local pricing and an official range figure are yet to be announced.

How much does the 2026 Hyundai Staria cost?
Staria petrol – $54,300 (+3800)
Staria diesel – $54,300 (+$800)
Lounge hybrid – $73,740
* Prices exclude on-road costs

How much does the 2026 Hyundai Staria Load cost?
Load diesel – $49,990 (+$2250)
Load hybrid – $53,490
Premium hybrid – $61,240
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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