Hyundai Staria vs BYD Sealion 8
What's the difference?

Hyundai Staria

$47,740 - $73,740

2026 price

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BYD Sealion 8

$56,990 - $70,990

2026 price

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Volkswagen Transporter

Summary

2026 Hyundai Staria

2026 BYD Sealion 8

By Laura Berry

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Inline 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.2L/100km (combined)

1.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Comfortable ride
Great visibility
Easy to drive

Value
Efficiency
Performance

Dislikes

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

No physical spare tyre
Underwhelming drive experience
Clunky media system

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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2026 BYD Sealion 8 Summary

As the flagship variant, the BYD Sealion 8 Premium all-wheel drive makes a big first impression as it arrives with seven seats, a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a features list that reads like a wish list.

It’s also stepping into a competitive space, lining up against the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid, Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV and Mazda CX-80 P50e Azami - all promising similar blends of efficiency, space and value for Australian families.

The Sealion 8 Premium looks like a strong contender on paper … but does that translate to the real world?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Staria 2026 BYD Sealion 8

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

There’s no denying the value the BYD Sealion 8 Premium offers as it packs a lot in for the price. Its efficiency and inoffensive looks add up to a good package and reflect what it does well. That said, the underwhelming driving experience and clunky media system are noticeable. Whether they're deal breakers is up to you.

Hyundai Staria vs BYD Sealion 8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Staria vs BYD Sealion 8
What's the difference?