Hyundai Staria vs BYD Sealion 7
What's the difference?

Hyundai Staria

$47,740 - $73,740

2026 price

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BYD Sealion 7

$48,990 - $68,888

2025 price

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Summary

2026 Hyundai Staria

2025 BYD Sealion 7

By Laura Berry

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.2L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Comfortable ride
Great visibility
Easy to drive

Looks the part of a premium SUV
Well-equipped with comfort and safety
Oodles of passenger room

Dislikes

Diesel engine is noisy, dirty and expensive
Heavy manual sliding side doors
Goofy looking

Some tech gremlins still to sort out
Exterior design too similar to Porsche
Multimedia display houses all functions

2026 Hyundai Staria Summary

Hyundai’s Staria people mover has been updated for 2026 and while the new hybrid and coming EV versions will get most of the attention, many folks will still go for the diesel with its good fuel economy and tried-and-tested workhorse powertrain. Which is why we’re testing it.

Rivals to the Staria people mover include the segment-leading Kia Carnival for about the same price or more expensive competitors such as the Ford Tourneo, Volkswagen Caravelle and Multivan.

@carsguide.com.au There are multiple ways to get inside a 2026 Hyundai Staria! The sliding door might be a better bet. The model year update brings changes including a multimedia update and the addition of a new hybrid powertrain. We drive the tried and tested diesel to see if it’s still a solid pick against rivals like the Ford Tourneo and Volkswagen Multivan. #Hyundai #Staria #van #cartok #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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2025 BYD Sealion 7 Summary

Looking across BYD's line-up, you'd think you were reading the attractions for the local aquarium! And now the Sealion 7 has entered the splash zone, or more accurately, the most popular car segment - the mid-size SUV.

It fights for pole position against the long-running electric favourite, the Tesla Model Y but newcomer Cupra Tavascan also offers some sporty competition.

For this review we're testing the flagship Performance grade to see whether or not it offers family-friendly fun.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Staria 2025 BYD Sealion 7

Verdict

The Staria diesel is easy to drive with a great ride and excellent visibility. This van is super practical for families, too, offering lots of space, cargo room and good accessibility, although the manual side doors are heavy.

Diesel would not be this testers first choice of fuel due to its noisy nature, high price and the pollution factor.

The low window line was fun only until I realised my daughter's car seat sat level with it.

The petrol, hybrid and EV versions would be a better choice for those looking for all the same features but with a quieter and cleaner powertrain.

Verdict

The BYD Sealion 7 Performance is well-priced and well-equipped. It more than holds its own against its mid-size electric SUV rivals. It has great motor outputs and it handles comfortably on the road. There's a lot to like here but some of the technology needs to be tweaked.

Hyundai Staria vs BYD Sealion 7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Staria vs BYD Sealion 7
What's the difference?