Hyundai Staria Review

In recent years, there has been a steady demand from local family users and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for 10-seater MPVs. These vehicles need to meet the space requirements for carrying multiple passengers while also taking into account practicality and cost-effectiveness for daily driving. The 2025 Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDi Style 10-seater, as the entry-level configuration model in its lineup, is priced at RM 179,888 and offers turbo diesel power along with basic safety features like 6 airbags. Many consumers are curious to see if it strikes a balance between space, power, and features. In this test drive, we focused on evaluating its practical use for daily passenger and cargo transportation, power response, and actual performance of its basic features to determine if it can meet the needs of budget-conscious users who require ample space.

In terms of appearance, the Staria Style 10-seater continues the lineup's distinctive and futuristic design language. The front features a wide closed front grille complemented by a continuous LED daytime running light, offering high recognizability. The side profile is characterized by straight lines, while dual waistlines add a sense of layering. With a length of 5253mm and a width of 1997mm, the vehicle has a robust presence. At the rear, vertically aligned LED taillights echo the front design, and the black trim on the lower rear bumper adds a touch of practicality. The overall design avoids overly complex decorations, focusing instead on clean, square lines that suit its dual-purpose role for commercial and family use.

Opening the door, the interior features a predominantly dark color palette with a clean dashboard layout. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is positioned at the top of the center console, offering straightforward navigation and supporting basic multimedia and Bluetooth connectivity functions. Below it are physical air conditioning buttons, which allow for convenient operation while driving. For seating, both the front and rear rows offer manual adjustments, and the seats are fabric with decent support. In terms of configuration, the vehicle comes standard with keyless entry, a 4.25-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera. Basic daily functionalities are covered, but compared to mid- and high-end models, it lacks features such as a 360-degree surround-view camera and a larger instrument cluster.

Space performance is one of the core advantages of the Staria Style 10-seater. The wheelbase length of 3273mm provides ample room for a three-row seat arrangement. The legroom for the front two rows is spacious, with a 175cm tall passenger having about two fists of space between their knees and the front seatback when seated in the second row. Even with three passengers seated in the third row, it doesn't feel overly cramped. In terms of storage space, the front door pockets can hold two water bottles, and there is an open storage compartment beneath the center console, convenient for placing small items like phones. The rear seats can be manually folded down, creating a large cargo area to meet the needs of SMEs for transporting goods or families going on long road trips with luggage. Additionally, the rear seats are equipped with independent air-conditioning vents to ensure passenger comfort in the rear.

Regarding power, the 2.2L turbo diesel engine delivers a maximum power output of 130kW (177PS) and a peak torque of 430N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Upon starting, the engine can deliver maximum torque at just 1500rpm, allowing for impressive power response with a light press of the accelerator. It does not feel underpowered even when fully loaded with 10 passengers. During acceleration, the gear shifts are smooth without obvious jerking sensations. At high speeds, the engine maintains its revolutions around 2000rpm, offering ample power reserves, and pressing the accelerator pedal further enables quick downshifting for overtaking maneuvers. For driving modes, it offers both eco and sport modes; in eco mode, the throttle response is slightly gentler, suitable for daily city commuting, while the sport mode is more aggressive, catering to scenarios requiring rapid acceleration.

The handling performance exceeds expectations. Although the vehicle is relatively large, the steering is precise and has minimal play, making it feel nimble to drive. The combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension effectively absorbs vibrations when driving on bumpy roads, ensuring comfort for rear passengers. When cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, and the stability is commendable. In terms of fuel consumption, after a combined test of urban traffic jams and highway driving, the fuel consumption is approximately 8.5L per 100 kilometers. For a 10-seater MPV, this performance is average among its peers. Regarding noise control, engine noise and tire noise are slightly noticeable during high-speed driving but remain within an acceptable range, not affecting normal conversations among passengers inside the vehicle.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2025 Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDi Style 10-seater are its spacious interior, stable power output, and practical basic configurations. Compared to competitors in the same price range, it has a longer wheelbase and better space utilization and comes standard with six airbags, ensuring safety. It is suitable for families with a budget of around 180,000 MYR who frequently need to transport 7-10 people, or small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in small-scale passenger or goods transport. If you do not require features like a panoramic view camera, electric seats, and other advanced configurations available in higher trims, this entry-level Staria can fully meet daily usage needs and is a practical choice for a large MPV prioritizing space.