Hyundai has overhauled the Staria lineup in South Korea, ending diesel power and introducing hybrid and fully electric versions as part of a major update for the 2026 model year.
The Staria debuted in 2021 and has become a core people mover and light commercial vehicle in Hyundai’s range. Four years later, the model has received its most significant changes yet, with electrification now at the center of it.
The long-running 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine has been removed from the Korean lineup. It has been replaced by a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The same hybrid system is already used in other Hyundai models, including the Santa Fe. In the Staria, the hybrid setup produces about 235 horsepower and 367 Nm of torque, delivering power to the front wheels.
Hyundai has also introduced the Staria Electric for the first time. This version uses an 800-volt electrical architecture and produces 218 horsepower.
Energy comes from an 84 kWh battery pack, which Hyundai rates at up to 400 kilometers of driving range under the WLTP test cycle.
Fast charging support allows the battery to recharge from 10 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes. Towing capacity is listed at up to 2,000 kilograms, keeping the Staria Electric viable for commercial use.
Hyundai reinforced the body structure and revised suspension bushings. The suspension tuning was adjusted to improve stability and comfort. Crosswind stability control remains standard, addressing a key concern for tall vans at highway speeds.
The LED light strip has been redesigned and now features the STARIA name engraved at both ends. Hyundai also fitted a new grille and front bumper, along with updated headlights. The overall shape remains unchanged, preserving the model’s distinctive profile.
The cabin has been revised with a focus on usability as the infotainment display has grown in size, while additional physical buttons have been added to reduce dependence on touch controls.
A redesigned center console and a new steering wheel are also part of the update. Buyers can choose between two gear selector layouts, a dash-mounted lever or a column-mounted rotary selector similar to those used in Hyundai’s electric models.
The refreshed Staria range is already on sale in South Korea, with the hybrid variants leading the rollout. Hyundai plans to launch the Staria Electric in the first half of 2026. The company has confirmed that Europe will receive the electric version, while other markets are expected to follow at a later date.