Hyundai’s commercial vehicle sports polarizing design elements, yet its practicality is unquestionable.
Camera IconMY24 model highlighted Credit: CarExpert
The Staria Load, much like its passenger carrier sibling, the Staria, exemplifies a neat proposition from one of Australia’s most versatile producers.
Though it may not showcase a blend of powerful performance or hybrid innovation, it does come with a plethora of devices and amenities to ensure contentment. A snug interior, superior entertainment system, and agile maneuvering are just a couple of attractions to captivate your interest; the rest reveals itself as you spend more behind the wheel.
Hyundai offers a wide selection of genuine accessories as well, allowing buyers to tailor their Staria Load to improve upon the baseline model to suit their individual tastes.
The costs are also competitive, aligning with the comparable Toyota HiAce and being more cost-effective than the newer Ford Transit Custom.
WATCH: Paul’s review of the Hyundai Staria Highlander
In 2023, the commercial Staria surpassed its passenger version with 2497 units sold compared to 1141, trailing only Hyundai’s leading passenger models like the i30 and Tucson.
In the market of vans, it doesn’t quite outshine its competitors. Rivals such as the HiAce (7133), LDV G10 (3638), and Transit Custom (2843) achieved higher sales than the Staria Load in 2023, placing it just above the pricier and less prevalent European vans like Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, and Renault.
Should you align with the prevailing choice, or is the distinctively styled Staria Load the one to select instead?
What’s the price for the Hyundai Staria Load?
The top-tier Premium trim in the Staria Load series comes at $51,740 prior to on-road costs – precisely $5000 more than the base two-seater model.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
The price is higher than even the five-seat crew van, despite lacking side windows and additional seating. That figure is before any Hyundai accessories included on our version, like a cargo barrier ($916.75), a hard-wearing rubber cargo floor mat ($762.75), and all-weather mats ($238.17).
Our unit features Moonlight Blue, which, like the other premium color choices, adds a fee of $695. So, if you aim for a Staria Load similar to the one pictured here, expect to add nearly $3000 to the base price – excluding on-road fees.
Interested in contrasting the Hyundai Staria Load with our rivals? Make use of our comparison tool.
MORE: 2025 Hyundai Staria Load pricing and specifications
How is the interior of the Hyundai Staria Load?
While we wouldn’t classify it as luxurious, the interior of the Staria Load has plenty to admire.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
Remember that the Staria Load is a commercial vehicle, thus it would be unrealistic to expect limousine-like comfort upon taking the driver’s seat.
Being the Premium model, it includes added benefits like a larger infotainment display and a digital gauge cluster, yet similar to the more economical variants, it emphasizes its work-oriented conception and minimalistic essence.
Those factors are evident in the selected materials, all robust in texture and utilitarian in look. The delicate components you’ll find are the substantial gear selector and the steering wheel, the latter is known from other large Hyundai models such as the Palisade.
Personally, this steering wheel isn’t my top pick, but it feels better suited here than in a vehicle like the Palisade. It’s encased in smooth, high-quality leather, with dimensions and tilt akin to a compact bus or older Toyota HiAce van.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
A quirk in the driving setup is the seat arrangement. From the comfortable fabric-covered seat, you get an elevated view of your environment, although missing armrests that could improve the Staria Load’s usability.
It also omits three-person seating in the front, instead utilizing the central space characterized by a storage compartment as in the five-seat crew van. The Staria Load’s configuration is otherwise conventional, needing minimal alteration.
What might feel unusual is the need to glance over the steering wheel to view the instrument panel because the display mounts high atop the dashboard to provide room for a hidden storage compartment.
It works as intended, though you may require an extra moment to adjust perfectly if you’re shorter. Overall, it isn’t an issue and the gained storage is beneficial.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
Shifting focus from the van’s standout feature momentarily, Hyundai has ingeniously integrated as many front storage solutions as possible.
There are two discreet storage spaces atop the dashboard for various belongings, plus a traditional glove compartment in front of the passenger seat. Two storage shelves with elastic nets are also mounted on the ceiling.
The central console’s base holds another area for loose items, with a slot for phone placement just above it. A wireless charging station is located in a more spacious gap below the climate control area, allowing room for other necessities like the key fob.
There’s also a solitary cupholder positioned on the driver’s side dashboard, seemingly precariously near the digital instrument panel. Passengers gain access to the concealed cupholder on the central console, which pops open when its cover is pressed.
Additional storage includes door pocket space and shallow compartments under the windows, with a hidden section within the driver’s side step for recovery tools.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
The Staria Load restricts plush conveniences. No heated seats, power adjustments, or digital rear-view mirrors are present; all focuses are on simplicity and functionality.
The most complex element is the climate and entertainment console, filled with numerous touchscreen interface options, highlighted by the 10.25-inch screen. This screen, a staple in Hyundai models, impresses visually and with consistent performance.
A drawback of the larger screen is the absence of wireless Apple CarPlay seen in smaller-screen variants, necessitating a cable connection.
Connecting is made easy by the USB-A port located near the gear shifter, with a practical slot underneath for your phone while charging.
The climate controls are easy to read due to large symbols, and its central display clearly conveys the working status. There are quick-access buttons above for various infotainment functions, simplifying management through steering interface toggles.
Camera Icon2025 HyundaiStaria Load Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
These steering interface controls function as expected and remained reliable throughout our weekly assessment with the van. They also provide the ability to modify visual aspects, allowing you to customize the appearance of the instrument cluster if desired.
Although the glossy black button finish is debatable, it does contribute to a distinguished look when paired with the textured levers behind.
Everything is elegant and refined – Hyundai has managed a successful combination of functionality and style in the Staria Load.
The display configurations on the instrument panel align with the driving mode, which you can change using the discreet button located below the climate control console.
You have three modes and appearances to select from, although you can lock it into a particular theme if it aligns with your preference.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
Regarding storage, it’s a van, and the rear space is as expected.
The unit we evaluated featured optional rubber flooring and a cargo barrier, though we think these should be standard offerings.
The floor cover aids in dampening noise and reduces the potential for interior paint damage – akin to the usual wall panelling finishes.
The cargo barrier, while obstructive for sliding loads, is beneficial even though it cannot maintain a distinct cabin climate.
Opting for the additional reinforced barrier (or even the optional divider screen) would bolster passenger comfort and noise reduction, yet this alternative remains superior to having none.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
The rear section of the Staria Load is rated at 4.935 cubic meters, which falls short of the HiAce’s 6.2m3. Nonetheless, it doesn’t feel cramped at all.
Hyundai provides a sliding door on each flank as a standard feature (unlike Ford with the Transit Custom), however, it lacks a rear barn door option in its Premium grade, which Toyota and Ford rivals do offer.
Instead, you receive an electric-powered tailgate, although lengthy when fully extended. This provides shielding from rain, yet complicates rear-loading with a forklift and prevents opening when parked next to a wall.
The Staria Load compensates with sliding side access, but their openings aren’t particularly expansive.
Inside, you receive eight anchor points compared to the HiAce’s six; nonetheless, there is only a single light situated above the tailgate, which complicates visibility when using the side doors at night.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
The overhead is fitted with only unlined panels, which amplifies sound while driving. This is similar to the Transit Custom, although Toyota provides a ceiling liner and centered dome light in their HiAce.
The rear windows are protected by sturdy wire grilles, ensuring everything operates as described. It effectively accomplishes its intended purpose, though we suspect the optional floor’s rubber material played a part in the faint odor noticed upon entry.
Curious to compare how the Hyundai Staria Load measures against its contenders? Use our comparison tool.
What drives it?
Unlike the Hyundai Staria people mover, the Staria Load offers merely a single engine variant.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
All Staria Load models contain the same 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, connected exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power is directed solely to the forward wheels, unlike the rear-drive HiAce.
Eager to see how the Hyundai Staria Load fares with its competitors? Employ our comparison tool.
How does the Hyundai Staria Load fare on the highway?
It’s often advised not to expect much in terms of comfort from a van, and the Staria Load illustrates why.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
When unloaded, the ride becomes exceptionally bouncy. Elements innocuous to a conventional car may suddenly appear as slight ramps, necessitating careful avoidance of bumps and potholes that might unsettle the van.
Yet, it doesn’t become destabilized over more extensive disturbances, though this may often be enough to surprise you. Loading a few hundred kilograms of cargo changes the experience altogether, nevertheless, if frequently driving an unladen van, it may prove taxing to tolerate.
While similar observations apply to the Transit Custom, the HiAce is notably better at managing its ride even with an empty load area.
The Hyundai proves quieter compared to Toyota, at least in the context of the standard HiAce we recently examined devoid of interior options. Had both been similarly specced, the noise comparison could have varied.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
The spirited ride is not helped by its wheels either, though reasonably average at 17-inches, they appear (and look) too small for such a large van.
Choosing slightly larger wheels might improve its exterior look but would increase tire costs, make the ride quality worse on uneven roads, and amplify road noise – an existing concern already.
Nevertheless, not everything is unfavorable, and if you come prepared with certain expectations, few surprises lie in wait when handling the Staria Load.
Beyond initial bumps, this Hyundai reveals itself as a pleasant vehicle to drive. It appears significantly taller than its rivals, aiding in delivering the beneficial elevated driving position.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
Forward visibility is also outstanding due to its sloping bonnet, achieving a balance between a regular passenger vehicle and older vans where crumple areas were as close as your knees.
Side window visibility is commendable, yet limitations exist beyond. As a standard van lacking side windows, the inherent blind-spot visibility is poor.
Hyundai alleviates this with cameras on each side, producing a live feed on the instrument cluster when the respective turn indicator is engaged. This technology has been observed in other Hyundai and Kia models previously, felt excessive there, but proves highly practical here.
In comparison, Ford addresses the blind-spot issue by integrating fisheye mirrors within each side mirror casing, whereas Toyota solely depends on electronic assistance.
Both Ford and Hyundai enhance their blind-spot solutions with a monitoring system.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
The Staria Load’s performance doesn’t strike as revolutionary, yet it quickly achieves acceleration without strain.
Its low-end pulling power effectively extricates it from tight spots, and it exhibits a lively and agile nature when empty. Quite remarkable, given its size, yet enhancing its suitability for city environments.
The eight-speed automatic transmission demonstrates excellent performance, rarely choosing incorrect gears, displaying smooth changes, and fast responsiveness as primary features.
Hyundai simplifies the driving experience from a handling perspective as well, given the Staria Load’s extremely light steering and tight turning circle, making up for its size.
If you’re seeking a commercial van
For anyone requiring the Staria Load for delivery and logistics, having favorable maneuverability is crucial for navigating the small spaces you might face.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
The Staria Load comes equipped with adaptive cruise control and lane centering as part of the standard facilities.feature, demonstrating dependable performance throughout our week with the van. It held its course effectively, with smooth and intuitive steering modifications.
Extended travels on the highway became more straightforward due to this, especially when you limited lane changes given the blind-spot constraints.
Disadvantages include the headlights, which could benefit from increased brightness. The high-beams worked satisfactorily, yet under low-light conditions, they’re not as vibrant as we’re accustomed to. However, the LED light strip across the front offers enhanced visibility for other road users.
Another negative was the road sound, which was significantly noticeable on wet paths. It’s not a passenger car, so this isn’t a major issue, and it’s manageable if you’re okay with a bit more noise.
Eager to see how the Hyundai Staria Load stacks up against our rivals? Use our comparison tool.
What are the inclusions?
There are three Staria Load versions, each exhibiting distinct features to set them apart.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
Standard Staria Load attributes:
- Choice of Liftback or Twin Swing rear panels
- Halogen headlamps
- 17-inch steel wheels
- Full-sized spare wheel
- Heated, foldable electric side mirrors
- Fabric-covered seats
- 8.0-inch media touchscreen
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wireless device charging
- USB-C port
- Leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shift
The Crew Van offers a central console storage compartment, a three-seat second-row bench, second-row windows, and two supplementary USB-C ports.
Exclusive to Staria Premium (liftback version):
- LED headlights
- LED tail lights
- Automatic high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- 10.25-inch media touchscreen
- Navigation system
- Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 10.25-inch digital dashboard
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Keyless entry and start
- Electronic tailgate
- Bluelink connected features
Is Hyundai Staria Load secure?
The Hyundai Staria Load holds a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on evaluations of the analogous people mover done in 2021.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
Typical safety equipment features:
- 7 airbags, including one in the center front
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot supervision
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping support
- Lane Following Assist (lane centring)
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/start functionality
- 360-degree camera (only for liftback)
- Leading vehicle move-off warning
- Driver awareness alert
- Smart speed restriction assistance
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Safe exit alert
Earlier versions of Starias included blind-spot assistance as default, but the 2025 model has reverted to an alert-only option.
Staria Load Premium adds a blind-spot view monitor, along with Hyundai’s Bluelink connectivity, which incorporates automated crash notices, SOS feature, and alert services such as geo-fencing, valet, speed, and timing alerts.
What are the expenses for maintaining the Hyundai Staria Load?
Supported by a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, the Hyundai Staria Load requires maintenance every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
Eager to see how the Hyundai Staria Load stacks up against our rivals? Use our comparison tool.
CarExpert’s Take on the Hyundai Staria Load Premium
If a van is what you need, the Staria Load merits consideration.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
It might not have the legendary status of a HiAce or the modern appeal of the new Transit Custom, but if ample cargo capacity in a cozy package is your quest, the Staria Load offers much to like.
The technology inside is impressive, even lacking wireless smartphone integration, and the interior is decently adorned to sustain interest without going overboard.
The driving aids work competently and remain unobtrusive, which is more than can be said for many other Hyundai and Kia products.
Hyundai’s diesel motor is a noteworthy asset too, and when matched with a reliable transmission, it delivers a pleasant journey – even if it occasionally feels a bit buoyant when empty.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
The ride comfort could be better, and if more than one passenger must be accommodated, the lack of a middle seat might pose an issue.
The accessories installed in our tested unit, like the cargo barrier, should be standard, as they are vital for a van. Traveling with freight spilling into the driving area isn’t ideal, and it’s a lot to heat in cold spells.
It also lacks the convenience of rear barn doors, and for a premium model, power-operated sliding side doors would be beneficial. Wireless Apple CarPlay would greatly enhance that sizeable infotainment display.
Yet for a vehicle crafted to haul goods and offer comfort during long hours on the road, the Staria Load offers commendable performance. It might not be our top pick, but alongside other renowned van contenders, it’s a competent challenger.
Camera Icon2025 Hyundai Staria Load Credit: CarExpert
Interested in acquiring a Hyundai Staria Load? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealerships here.
MORE: Everything Hyundai Staria
Pros
- Excellent driving control
- Functional, adjustable
- Comfortable internal space
Cons
- Lacks barn door alternative
- Bouncy ride at times
- Styling may not be for everyone
Main Specifications
- Power: 130kW
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Fuel Use: 7.0L/100km
- CO2 Emissions: 183g/km
- ANCAP Safety Grade: 5