2025 Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDi Style 10-seater Review

In 2025, competition in Malaysia's commercial MPV market is becoming increasingly intense, as the demand for "large space + multifunction" models from family users and small and medium-sized enterprises continues to grow. The Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDi Style 10-seater is precisely targeting this niche market. With its 10-seat layout, diesel engine power, and practical configuration as its core selling points, can it meet multi-scenario usage demands? This test drive will comprehensively evaluate its overall strength, from static experience to dynamic performance.

In terms of appearance, the Staria continues its family-oriented cubic design, with an overall style that leans more towards practicality rather than being aggressive. The front features a large-sized grille, paired with horizontal chrome trim, and the LED headlights on both sides are connected to the grille, visually widening the front profile. The side profile of the vehicle has straight lines, with an indented design along the lower edge of the doors adding some depth. The 17-inch wheels have a simple design, aligning with its commercial positioning. The rear LED tail lights are arranged horizontally, echoing the front, and the black plastic protector at the bottom of the rear bumper enhances scratch resistance. While the overall design does not stand out, it is dignified and timeless, making it suitable for business or family use.

Stepping inside the vehicle, the overall interior layout emphasizes practicality. The dashboard adopts a symmetrical design, with an 8-inch touchscreen positioned in the center. Physical buttons and knobs are located below the screen, providing a clear operational logic. In terms of materials, the top of the dashboard is made of hard plastic, while the door panels are covered with fabric, which is consistent with vehicles in this price range. As for features, the standard keyless entry, a 4.25-inch TFT instrument cluster, and automatic air conditioning enhance convenience. The front seats support manual adjustment, which, although lacking electric functionality, offer a sufficient range of adjustment to accommodate drivers of various heights.

Space is one of Staria's core strengths. The vehicle's dimensions are 5253mm in length, 1997mm in width, and 1990mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3273mm, providing a solid foundation for a 10-seat layout. The legroom in the first two rows is spacious; a passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the second row still has a two-fist gap from their knees to the seat in front. The third and fourth rows consist of bench seats, with legroom feeling slightly tight when fully loaded with 10 people, though it does not pose a problem for short trips. Regarding storage, the front door panels can accommodate water bottles and small items, the central armrest box has moderate capacity, and scattered storage slots are available under and beside the rear seats, meeting daily storage needs. The rear air conditioning can be controlled separately, and each area is equipped with air outlets to ensure passenger comfort.

In the power department, the Staria is equipped with a 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a maximum output of 130kW (177PS) and a maximum torque of 430N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During acceleration, the diesel engine excels in low-end torque, providing maximum torque at just 1500rpm. A light press on the accelerator can move the vehicle with ease, even when fully loaded with 10 people, without feeling underpowered. During acceleration, the transmission shifts smoothly, with no noticeable jerks. Up to a speed of 80km/h, the power response is agile. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply prompts the transmission to quickly downshift, delivering direct power output. At high speeds, cruising at 100km/h maintains the engine's RPM at around 2000, while the diesel engine's noise remains within an acceptable range.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is lightly weighted with slight play, aligning with the tuning style of an MPV. It’s easy to drive daily but lacks precision on corners. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent setup, tuned for comfort. It can filter most vibrations when driving over speed bumps or bumpy roads, and the body doesn’t exhibit noticeable bounce. However, there is significant body roll when cornering at high speeds, which is expected from a large MPV as handling is not its strong suit. The braking performance is decent, with a moderate brake pedal travel and linear braking force. The braking distance increases slightly when fully loaded, but it remains within a safe range.

In the fuel consumption test, it covered 50km each in both urban congested roads and highways, with a combined fuel consumption of 8.2L/100km. For a 10-seater MPV, this fuel efficiency is commendable. Regarding noise control, the noise from the diesel engine is somewhat loud at idle, but when driving, wind and tire noise become the main sources. At a speed of 100km/h, passengers need to slightly raise their voices for a conversation, and the overall performance meets the level of commercial vehicles. The seat comfort is good; the front seats offer average wrapping but are made with soft padding, ensuring no fatigue even on long drives. However, the rear seats have limited adjustment range, but they are sufficient for short trips.

To sum up, the core strengths of the Staria 2.2 CRDi Style 10-seater are its space and practicality. Compared to its counterpart, the Toyota GranAce 10-seater, the Staria is priced lower (starting at approximately RM 230,000 for the GranAce) and offers more features, such as six airbags, automatic air conditioning, and independent rear air conditioning as standard. However, it might slightly lag behind its competitor in terms of brand premium and resale value. It is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises that frequently need to transport multiple people, or for larger families, especially those who value cost-efficiency and space.

Overall, the 2025 Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDi Style 10-seater is a versatile option for both commercial and personal use. While it doesn’t have outstanding highlights, it strikes a balance in terms of space, performance, and features. Its price of RM 179,888 is also competitive. If you need a practical vehicle that can accommodate multiple passengers or daily cargo needs, the Staria is a good choice.