Hyundai Staria vs BYD Shark 6
What's the difference?

Hyundai Staria

$47,740 - $73,740

2026 price

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BYD Shark 6

$55,900 - $62,900

2026 price

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Volkswagen Transporter

Summary

2026 Hyundai Staria

2026 BYD Shark 6

By Laura Berry

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.2L/100km (combined)

7.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Comfortable ride
Great visibility
Easy to drive

Handsome styling will win hearts
Solid equipment list
Sharply priced

Dislikes

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

One grade limits options
Under-calibrated safety tech
Underwhelming petrol engine

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 Shark 6 Summary

The BYD Shark 6 Premium has burst onto the scene with plenty of hype and a bit of side-eye from Aussie ute loyalists.

We’re a tough crowd, especially when it comes to vehicles that need to juggle family life, work gear, and weekend adventures.

So we put this handsome newcomer to the test to see whether it delivers genuine practicality and fun, or if it’s simply talking the talk in a ute-shaped body.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Staria 2026 BYD Shark 6

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 Shark 6 Premium is perfect for weekend camping trips or ferrying the family around the city, but the underpowered engine, mixed handling, and quirky safety tech hold it back. If it could match its rivals’ capability while keeping its sharp looks, it would be a near-perfect package but right now, it just doesn’t.

Hyundai Staria vs BYD Shark 6 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Staria vs BYD Shark 6
What's the difference?