Staria Load – Hyundai replaced their popular I Load van with the new Staria in 2021. Based on the Santa Fe platform the Staria load comes with the familiar 2.2l diesel and 8 speed AT that has served so well over the years. This provides some 130kW and 430Nm with that peak at a low 1500rpm.
The design, which is unusual to say the least, allows a large load area, enough for three Euro pallets, a payload of a little over 1000kg and 2500kg towing capacity.
Unfortunately its front wheel drive only, even though there is an AWD version available in the people mover version.
Staria Load is based on the Santa Fe platform, the ride is more compliant and responsive and interior comfort is good considering it’s a work van
TO LISTEN TO THE STARIA LOAD RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW
I found the driving position really comfortable for long distances, however the over the shoulder visibility was poor. Also it’s larger than you think and reversing into suburban car parks required an adjustment of your bearings on more than none occasion.
We had a family member moving house so Hyundai graciously lent us the van for the week and it was well used. It comes with twin side sliding doors and a choice of liftback or barn doors at the rear.
Priced from a little over $45,000 plus the usual costs the Staria load is a functional, practical and comfortable work van that sits in a competitive section of the market.
This is a Motoring Minute
Im Rob Fraser
Also look at
What is good? | What is not so good? |
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Some other Staria Load articles
- 2022 Hyundai Staria Load 2022 Review
- Hyundai STARIA 2022 Motoring Minute Review
- Staria – Facing the floods in a people mover
- Another Hyundai Staria Load 2022 Review
- 2021 Hyundai Motor reveals additional design details of STARIA
- 2019 Hyundai STARIA-LOAD launched
- Hyundai iMax and iLoad Series II updates
Model | Hyundai Staria Load |
| Model Price | $45,740 MLP* |
| Engine | 2.2L 4 Cyl TD |
| Drivetrain | FWD 8 Sp AT |
| Power | 130kW @ 3,800rpm |
| Torque | 430Nm @ 1,500 – 2500rpm |
| Safety | 5 Star ANCAP (Tested 2021) |
| CO2 Emissions | 183 g/km |
| Economy ADR/ Capacity | 7.0L/100km / 8.1L/100K on test / 75L |
| 0-100kmh/Top Speed | N/A |
| Servicing | 12 Mths / 15,000km Fixed price service |
| Warranty | 5yr/ 160,000 km with 5 Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating | 86/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 8 |
| Comfort | 8 |
| Equipment | 8 |
| Performance | 9 |
| Ride and Handling | 8 |
| Practicality | 10 |
| Fit for Purpose | 10 |
| Style / appeal | 8 |
| Technology / connectivity | 8 |
| Value for Money | 9 |
Staria Load Dimensions | |
| Overall Length | 5253mm |
| Wheelbase | 3273mm |
| Width / Height | 1997mm / 2000mm |
| Unladen ground clearance / wading depth | Up to 186mm / N/A |
| Fuel Tank / Turning Circle | 75 Litres / 11.94mts KTK |
| Boot space / side door width | 4935L / 870mm |
| Load Length/width/height | 2607 / 1640 / 1436mm |
| Kerb Weight / GVM / GCM / Payload | 2002kg / 3020kg / 5520kg / 1018kg |
| Max Roof Load: | TBC |
| Towing Capacity / Tow Ball rating | 2500kg / 250kg |
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More Staria Load Thoughts
Staria Load Exterior
Well its a different design that’s for sure. The sloping nose gives its an egg like shape and it polarizes people.
It kind of grew on me over the time I had it.
What it does do though is allow a huge interior space and plenty of room for front occupants.
Low window lines, large side mirrors and a generous rear window provide excellent vision all around, with steel rear side window panels to keep the cargo area private and protected, or second-row windows in Crew Van variants.
Liftback and twin swing tailgate layouts are flanked by vertical combination lights, with a spoiler above featuring an integrated high mount stop light and wiper on liftback variants.
Wheels and tyres are 17” steel wheels with 215/65 R17 tyres. There is a full size spare wheel
Two colours are available, white and silver, and both models run 17-inch steel wheels with a full size spare. Model dependent there are 5 or 6 doors including two large side sliders.
What is the Staria Load like inside?
Lets think front two seats forward.
Surprisingly comfortable with plenty of room for two people.
Forward visibility is excellent, but the nose disappears and it tales a while to judge where it is.
Seats are relatively comfortable with room for bigger occupants.
Driver ergonomics are likewise relatively good. The thick steering wheel feels good and frames the high set driver instruments.
Storage is excellent, large door pockets, room along the central stack and practical overhead cubby holes.
You do miss somewhere to rest your left elbow while driving though.
High mounted transmission allows a larger floor space between seats and if there isn’t a cargo barrier you can walk through as well
The 8 inch central touchscreen houses the infotainment connectivity functions and is practical and easy to use.
There is a version with 5 seats and half load area, excellent for transporting crews and gear.
What is the load space like
Its huge, practical and well laid out. Details are above.
There is a full length rubber mat, tie down points strategically places and with two side sliding doors and a large rear entrance its easily accessible. The liftback rear door has a larger window for visibility (if the load permits) and opens nice and high to allow taller people access under and great in the wet as I found out. Barn doors are an option.
Crew Cab Model features
STARIA-LOAD 5 Seat Crew Van – Liftback or Twin Swing Tailgate Additional specifications:
- Hyundai SmartSense including
- Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
- Occupant Comfort & Convenience
- Centre console storage box
- 2nd row amenities, 2nd row fixed bench, 2nd row USB ports – 2x, 2nd row coat hooks – 2x, 2nd row cup holders – 2x
- Bench multi-box storage area
- Sliding door bottle holders – 4x
What features does the Staria Load have
Hyundai has been generous with features in Staria Load and smart by offering only one spec. You get;
- Qi charger
- Smart phone connectivity
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility
- Multi-Bluetooth connection
- 8” touchscreen display
- Heated exterior mirrors
- Smart cruise control
- Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) – (with auto hold function)
- Steering wheel mounted controls audio, phone, cruise control & trip computer
- Tilt & telescopic steering column
- Drive mode: 4 settings
- Keyless entry – with remote window open/close
- Driver attention warning
- Safe exit warning
- Auto headlights and wipers
- 1000kg + payload
- Auto dusk sensing headlights
- 4.2” supervision cluster
- Heated and power folding mirrors
Staria Load drivetrain and engine
Based on the Santa Fe platform the Load comes with the familiar 2.2L turbo diesel 4 cylinder engine that gas seen use in the Santa Fe, Sorento, Carnival, Palisade and more.
This engine produces power of 130kW @ 3,800rpm and torque of 430Nm @ 1,500 – 2500rpm driving the front wheels only through an eight speed automatic transmission.
ADR economy is rated at 7.0L/100K and that is close to what we got on test.
This combination works well, is powerful enough, creates smooth and relaxed driving and with a full load barely misses a beat.
An AWD version would be great as in some worksites or slippery roads the front wheel drive could prove problematic.
Driving a forward control van is different to a SUV or car, but the Santa Fe platform makes the Load a hell of a lot better than some others.
It feels the potholes that seem to be prevalent in roads recently, but otherwise potters along without fuss. Handles well and is better with a load on board.
Staria Safety Rating
Safety is important for work vans. The Staria gets a 5 star ANCAP safety rating and is amongst the best in class currently.
Features include
Hyundai SmartSense including
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist – Junction Turning (FCA-JT)
- Haptic warning function
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Lane Following Assist (LFA)
- Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)
- Front and rear Parking Distance Warning (PDW)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)
- Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist (RCCA)
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA-R)
- Surround View Monitor (SVM) – Liftback variants only
Staria Load final thoughts
Yep, I like the load version.
Staria Load is packed with safety features, has a powerful and economical engine, rides almost like an SUV and has cavernous cargo capacity.
Add to that occupant comfort, wireless Apple CarPlay and plenty of cabin storage and you can see why the Staria Load has quickly become very popular.
- Rating - 8.6/108.6/10
Summary
Yep, I like the load version.
Staria Load is packed with safety features, has a powerful and economical engine, rides almost like an SUV and has cavernous cargo capacity.
Add to that occupant comfort, wireless Apple CarPlay and plenty of cabin storage and you can see why the Staria Load has quickly become very popular.
