2024 Hyundai Staria Highlander: Quick review

The Hyundai Staria made its debut in Australia in mid-2021, marking a significant addition to the country's automotive landscape. Available in three distinct trims – Standard, Elite, and Highlander – this modern, stylish people mover quickly established its presence.

Each model is configured with eight seats, arranged in a 2-3-3 layout, making the Staria Hyundai's most spacious offering for families.

The 2024 Hyundai Staria stands out with its striking design and a suite of practical amenities, delivering both a head-turning exterior and a highly functional, comfortable interior for passengers.

However, in a competitive market where both aesthetic appeal and practical utility are prized, the question arises: Does the Highlander variant truly deliver on these expectations?

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Pricing and features

The most premium Staria, the Highlander, comes in at $64,000 before on-road costs. It's available in either a 3.5L petrol front-wheel drive option or 2.2L diesel all-wheel drive, which adds an extra $3000 to the price.

The exterior of the Staria is characterised by its futuristic and streamlined look, with distinctive headlight designs and a sleek overall profile.

Inside, the Staria is designed with flexibility in mind, featuring a spacious cabin with multiple seating configurations, ideal for both family and commercial use.

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As the top model in the Staria range, the Highlander is full of creature comforts and luxuries. This includes two 10.25-inch screens, a wireless phone charger, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a dual power sunroof and a 12-way adjustable drivers seat.

Unfortunately the Highlander misses out on wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto as is common with Hyundai models.

Convenience all-round is a priority with this variant receiving a whopping 16 cup holders, flat-folding 2nd and 3rd row seats, six USB charge points, two ISOFIX child restraints and power sliding doors as well as a power tailgate.

You'll also have a rear passenger view monitor so you can see what's going on the back seats without having to turn your head.

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Safety

The Staria has earned a five-star ANCAP safety rating, attributed to the comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense safety feature suite present across all models.

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

Additionally, the Staria's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system includes detection features for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancing its safety credentials.

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The Highlander adds safety such as Blind-spot view monitor and safe exist assist (also available on the mid-spec Elite variant)

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:

• Kia Carnival
• Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer
• Toyota Granvia
• Volkswagen Caravelle
• Volkswagen Multivan

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

Amidst Australia's preference for SUVs, the enduring appeal of people movers might not be immediately apparent—until you experience the uncompromised space and convenience they offer.

Whether you're ferrying your family or require a commercial vehicle for larger groups, the Staria ensures a complaint-free journey for all onboard.

For those in search of a vehicle adept at managing everything from the daily grind to family vacations, the Staria stands out as a compelling choice.

And the extra features in the Highlander make this one luxurious people mover.