Hyundai Staria 2022 Review

In Malaysia's commercial MPV market, there is no shortage of models that can balance the need for transporting multiple people with comfort. However, it's rare to find one that achieves a good balance between features and practicality. The 2022 Hyundai Staria 10-seater Lite, as the entry-level version of the series, is priced at RM179,888 and comes equipped with uncommon features in its class, such as ventilated and heated seats for both the front and rear rows, six airbags, and a Heads-Up Display (HUD). This combination of features makes many curious whether the entry-level version can truly meet the dual needs of daily business and family use. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying its space practicality, performance, and actual experience of the features to see if it’s worth being the first choice for large families or small and medium-sized enterprises.

The design of the Staria is very distinctive, with an overall boxy silhouette. Especially noticeable is the front fascia featuring a horizontal LED daytime running light that spans the entire front, paired with halogen main lamps below, making it recognizable both day and night. The side of the car retains the typical high-body design of MPVs, with 17-inch wheels that are well-proportioned to the 5253mm length, avoiding a top-heavy appearance. The rear design is relatively simple, with vertically arranged tail lights and a large rear window complemented by a high-mounted brake light. The overall visual effect is stable yet modern. It’s worth mentioning that even though this is the Lite version, it still comes standard with rain-sensing wipers and electrically foldable rearview mirrors, ensuring convenience in daily use without any compromise.

Sitting inside, the first impression is a wide view, with the high seating position allowing the driver to easily observe road conditions ahead. The dashboard layout is straightforward, with an 8-inch touchscreen positioned in the center. Its operation logic is clear, and its response speed is relatively quick. Although the front air conditioning is manually adjustable, the knobs and buttons have a medium resistance, making blind operations effortless. Regarding materials, the upper part of the dashboard is made of hard plastic, but the inner side of the doors and parts of the seats are wrapped in soft materials. While the touch and feel aren't luxurious, they are sufficiently practical. Configuration highlights are prominent: the driver’s seat supports 8-way electric adjustment and features heating and ventilation functions, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The front passenger seat also has 4-way electric adjustment with the same functions, which are uncommon in models at this price range. In the rear, the second, third, and fourth rows of seats can all be folded flat, creating a level storage space, which is very helpful for transporting large items. Additionally, the vehicle comes equipped with a 220V power outlet and sunshades, meeting basic needs whether for work or family trips.

Space performance is one of Staria Lite's core advantages. The 3273mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom in all rows. Even for a passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the third row, there will still be about two fists of space between the knees and the seat in front, avoiding any feeling of tightness. The second-row seats can slide forward or backward, making it possible to create even more room for the third row. The trunk has a capacity of 1,024 liters even when seating all 10 passengers, which is enough for several carry-on suitcases. If the rear seats are folded down, the storage space can be further expanded, which is suitable for transporting goods or long-distance travel. The inclusion of ISOFIX child seat anchors also makes it more family-friendly, as child seats can be installed without additional tools, offering great convenience.

In terms of power, the Staria Lite is equipped with a 2.2L diesel engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 177PS and a peak torque that kicks in between 1500-2500rpm. During actual driving, the power response in the starting phase is quite active, and a light press on the accelerator allows you to feel the torque output. Even with a full load of 10 people, there is no obvious sense of strain. The transmission is an AT gearbox, with smooth gear shifts that are almost imperceptible. Driving in urban areas feels very comfortable. At high speeds, the engine rpm remains around 2000rpm with ample power reserves. For overtaking, simply press the accelerator deeply, and the gearbox will quickly downshift, making overtaking easy. The chassis is tuned for comfort, and the suspension absorbs most of the small bumps on the road. Even when going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the vibrations transmitted into the cabin are relatively soft. However, when cornering, due to the high body, there is noticeably more body roll, so speed control is necessary. The steering system has moderate play and isn’t particularly precise, but it’s adequate for an MPV.

Fuel consumption performance meets expectations. We drove equal distances on urban roads and highways, and the average fuel consumption was about 8.5L/100km. For a 10-seater MPV, this level of fuel efficiency is quite economical. Noise control is also satisfactory. At idle, the cabin is relatively quiet, and the vibration of the diesel engine is almost unnoticeable. At high speeds, wind and tire noise increase somewhat, but they don’t affect normal conversations. Overall, the performance aligns well with the positioning of a commercial MPV. It should be noted that the Staria Lite is not equipped with a reversing camera and only has front and rear radar sensors, which means that beginners might need to pay extra attention to their surroundings when parking.

In summary, the 2022 Hyundai Staria 10-seater Lite demonstrates clear advantages: spacious interior, practical features, and especially front and rear ventilated heated seats and the six airbags, which give it a competitive edge in the same price range. Compared to similar models like Toyota Granvia or Kia Carnival, the Staria Lite is priced lower but offers richer features, making it quite cost-effective. The target audience is also quite clear: small and medium business owners who need to frequently transport multiple people, large families, or users who enjoy weekend outings with friends and family. If your budget is around RM180,000 and you need an MPV that balances practicality and comfort, the Staria Lite is a great choice.