Family-friendly vans were a staple of the past before becoming desperately uncool. This space-age machine could change that.
People movers have largely fallen out of fashion.
But Hyundai’s new van aims to change that with a rare blend of style and practicality.
Value
The cheapest Staria available is a V6 petrol-powered, front-drive model that costs roughly $53,700 drive-away.
The top-of-the-range Highlander model we drove costs about $72,700 drive-away and comes with all-wheel-drive and a diesel engine.
That’s a lot of dough, but the Staria is a lot of car. It seats eight people and most importantly it will comfortably swallow their luggage. Similarly priced seven-seat SUVs have very little room for bags if the third-row seats are up.
Cabin highlights include quality leather throughout, large digital screens in front of the driver, wireless smartphone charging, satnav and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Family-friendly touches include a wide-angle, hi-definition camera for keeping an eye on the back pews and a “quiet mode” that mutes the speakers in the back rows if the kids are sleeping.
A huge sunroof delivers an airy feel in the cabin. A five-year warranty is provided and capped servicing costs $1800 for five visits.
Comfort
Around town, the Staria can feel a little cumbersome, but on the open road, with a full load of passengers, there aren’t many better touring vehicles.
Huge, low-set windows give everyone a great view of the scenery, while the second and third-row seats can be slid forward and back for extra legroom or cargo carrying ability.
There are aircon vents to all three rows, as well as five USB charging ports and 16 cupholders.
The front seats are heated and ventilated, while sliding doors and easily folded seats provide clear access to all three rows.
The floor of the rear load area is low for loading groceries, while a power tailgate makes life easy for mums and dads who have their hands full.
The Staria does a good job of soaking up bumps and corrugations, too. Wind noise is noticeable on the freeway, though, and the tyres can roar on rougher surfaces.
Safety
All the bases are covered here. There are seven airbags, including one between the driver and passenger to stop them bumping heads.
The collision avoidance tech is as comprehensive as you’ll see on a vehicle this price. It includes auto emergency braking, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, auto high-beam dimming and radar cruise control.
The Staria will hit the brakes if you’re about to hit something while reversing or if you’re going to turn into oncoming traffic. It will also stop the doors being opened if a car or cyclist is passing.
Driving
If you’re looking for driving excitement, look elsewhere. A vehicle this long, tall and heavy is never going to feel nimble through the corners but the Staria feels secure and predictable, with a comfortable ride and reasonable feedback through the steering wheel.
The 2.2-litre diesel engine isn’t as refined, punchy or economical as the later generation version in the Kia Carnival but it gets the job done. It’s the pick of the two engines on offer, as the cheaper V6 is thirsty.
Alternatives
Honda Odyssey Vi LX7, from $56,000 drive-away
Cheaper than the Staria, with a classy car-like interior, but fewer seats, a lot less space and a thirstier petrol engine.
Kia Carnival PLATINUM, from $70,790 drive-away
Front-drive only but cheaper and better looking, with just as much space. Engine is slightly more powerful and efficient.
Toyota Granvia VX, from $83,413 drive-away
A lot more expensive and rear-drive. Similar to drive, with roughly same power, but cabin space is less flexible.
Hyundai Staria Highlander
Price: About $72,500 drive-away
Engine: 2.2-litre four cylinder turbodiesel, 130kW/430Nm
Warranty/Servicing: 5-year/unlimited km, $1800 for 5 years
Safety: 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert
Thirst: 8.2L/100km
Spare: Full size
Luggage: 831 litres
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