2024 Hyundai Staria Load: Quick review

The Hyundai Staria Loan entered the Australian market, replacing the iLoad, previously Hyundai's commercial van.

With stylish looks that make onlookers think "that's a work van?", the Staria Load shares a platform with its cousin the Kia Carnival, and naturally the people-moving Staria.

Available in three variants, the model is targeting the segment-leader, the Toyota HiAce which has been a long-time rival.

So let's take a look at what this newcomer bring in it's 2024 run.

7

Pricing and features

The Hyundai Staria Load starts at $46,240 before on-road costs for the two-seater model with dual sliding side doors and a lift-back tailgate.

Additionally, Hyundai offers a 'barn door' style, referred to as Twin Swing, at no extra charge.

For the five-seater Crew Van variant, the drive-away price is topped off at $50,140 before on-roads.

In its commercial variant, the Staria is available in either a two-seat Van or a five-seat Crew Van configuration, both powered by a single rear-wheel drive powertrain featuring the 2.2-litre diesel engine borrowed from its SUV counterpart, the Santa Fe.

7

The Staria Load Van and Load Crew Van share many similar features, other than their two or five seats. Both offer 17-inch steel wheels, 8-inch touchscreen displays, leather appointed knob and wheel, black cloth seats, a wireless charger, keyless entry and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

If you're looking for additional features the Staria Load Premium Van adds an array of convenience and luxury. This includes two 10.25-inch screen, LED lighting, power tailgate, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated and power folding mirrors and push button start.

7

The Staria Load boasts a payload capacity of 1072kg and a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 3020kk. It offers a respectable braked towing capacity of 2500kg, although this is balanced by a modest 100kg ball load rating. The braked Gross Combination Mass (GCM) stands at 5520kg.

Safety

The Staria Load earned a five-star ANCAP rating, when tested back alonside the Staria in 2021.

In crash safety evaluations, the Staria secured scores of 85 percent in adult occupant protection and 86 percent in child occupant protection.

The Hyundai Staria Load comes standard with autonomous emergency braking, speed sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, , rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

Liftback variants also add a surround view monitor.

7

The Staria-Load comes with a five-year/160,000km warranty, applicable for both commercial and private usage. Hyundai also offers capped-price servicing, costing $360 for each 12-month/15,000km service over the initial five years.

Key rivals

A previous segment leader, the Honda Odyssey no longer in the market, paves the way for opportunities with the Staria to shine. It competes against other people movers such as:

• Toyota HiAce
• Ford Transit
• Mercedes-Benz Vito

7

Should I put it on my shortlist?

Despite its futuristic appearance, the Staria-Load functions more like a refined, advanced commercial tool rather than a revolutionary leap in van design. Like a next generation of the iLoad.

While it sets new standards in safety equipment, there are aspects that could benefit from improvement or enhancement.

Its day-to-day experience is enriched by the added comfort, user-friendliness, and a general feel-good factor, which are notable advantages.