2025 Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDi Prime 10-seater Review

In Malaysia's commercial MPV market, spaciousness, high practicality, and reliable performance have always been the core needs of users—whether it's for businesses transporting clients or goods, or for large families handling daily commutes and festive gatherings, a vehicle that can "fit everyone and everything" is always in demand. The 2025 Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDi Prime 10-seater, which we test drove today, aims to address this need: a 10-seater configuration, diesel powertrain, and practical features. Can it truly fulfill its positioning of being "suitable for both commercial and personal use?" In this test drive, we focus on three core aspects: Is there enough space? Is it smooth to drive? Is the RM196,800 price tag worth the features?

First, let's look at the exterior. The design of the Staria doesn't follow the traditional "boxy" MPV route but instead features more fluid lines. Its front fascia has a large blackened grille, complemented by a full-width LED daytime running light, giving it a distinctive appearance. The side of the vehicle maintains the elongated feel of an MPV. With a length of 5253mm and a width of 1997mm, the 10-seat configuration has a solid foundation. The LED tail lights at the rear also adopt a full-width design, echoing the front, and there's a silver skid plate below the rear bumper, adding a touch of ruggedness. The lighting system is fully LED with standard automatic headlight functionality, which makes it convenient for daily use.

Opening the doors, the interior layout focuses on practicality. The center console has a simple design, with an 8-inch touchscreen placed ergonomically, featuring a clear operating logic. Bluetooth and USB connections are seamless. The 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster provides rich information, including RPM, fuel consumption, and speed, all clearly presented. Regarding materials, the top of the center console uses soft-touch plastic, while the lower part uses hard plastic. However, the workmanship of the seams is decent, aligning with the positioning of a commercial vehicle. The multifunctional steering wheel can control audio, phone, and cruise functions (though the test vehicle didn't have cruise control installed, the buttons are reserved). The steering wheel is manually adjustable, both in height and reach, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position.

Space is the core strength of the Staria. The 3273mm wheelbase is key, and the 10-seater configuration adopts a 2+3+2+3 layout. Legroom in the first two rows is quite spacious; a 175cm passenger sitting down would have about two fists' worth of space from their knees to the front seat. The third and fourth rows are slightly more compact but fine for short journeys. For long trips, these spaces are more suitable for slimmer passengers or children. In terms of storage, the front door panels can hold two large water bottles, and there's a storage compartment under the center console for items like phones or wallets. The third and fourth rows can be manually folded, and when folded, the trunk space expands significantly, making it sufficient for cargo. The air conditioning system is independent for the front and rear; the front is automatic while the rear is manual, and each area has air vents. This ensures quick cooling even when the vehicle is fully occupied during summer.

As for performance, the 2.2T diesel engine delivers 177PS of power and 430Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. At startup, the low-end torque of the diesel engine is apparent; a light press of the accelerator gets the vehicle moving without feeling sluggish. During mid-to-high-speed acceleration, gear shifts are smooth. When overtaking, a deeper press on the accelerator provides quick power response, and when the RPM exceeds 2000, torque is fully unleashed. Even with 10 people on board, the vehicle doesn't feel underpowered. There are Eco and Sport driving modes available. In Eco mode, throttle response is slower, which is good for fuel saving, while in Sport mode, the power delivery is more direct, suitable for situations when you're in a hurry.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers moderate weight, and the direction control is fairly precise without excessive free play. The chassis uses a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, most of the jolts are filtered out, so it doesn't feel too bumpy. Despite the large body, the vehicle remains stable at high speeds, and cruising at 120km/h does not feel floaty. The braking performance is good, with a linear pedal feel and evenly distributed braking force. During emergency braking, the vehicle maintains a stable posture.

Fuel efficiency is one of the advantages of diesel cars. During this test drive, which included a mix of city and highway conditions with five passengers and the air conditioning on, the fuel consumption was approximately 8.5L/100km. For such a large vehicle, this is a very ideal result. Regarding noise control, while wind and tire noise are somewhat noticeable at high speeds, the noise from the diesel engine is well suppressed, and conversation inside the car doesn't require raising your voice.

In terms of features, the safety configuration of the Staria Prime 10-seater is considered comprehensive: 6 airbags, vehicle stability control, 360-degree panoramic camera, front and rear parking sensors, and hill start assist—a plus for commercial models. Keyless entry, push-start button, automatic air conditioning, and a fully digital instrument panel add convenience as well. Compared to the similar Toyota Granvia 2.8L diesel version (10-seater priced around RM220,000), Staria is over RM20,000 cheaper while maintaining similar features, making it a better value for money.

In summary, the 2025 Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDi Prime 10-seater presents clear core advantages: spacious interior, practical features, fuel-efficient diesel engine, and relatively affordable price. It is suitable for two groups of people: first, small and medium-sized enterprises needing to shuttle clients or carry goods, as the 10-seat layout and large trunk meet commercial needs; second, large families, especially for holiday gatherings or long trips as it can accommodate all family members and help control travel costs with its diesel engine. If you're looking for a practical MPV that can carry both passengers and cargo, the Staria Prime 10-seater is worth considering.