Hyundai Staria vs Hyundai Santa Fe
What's the difference?

Hyundai Staria

$47,740 - $73,740

2026 price

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Hyundai Santa Fe

$45,990 - $88,777

2025 price

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Volkswagen Transporter

Summary

2026 Hyundai Staria

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

By Mark Oastler

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.5L/100km (combined)

9.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Hybrid performance & economy
One-tonne-plus payload
ANCAP safety rating

Superb storage in cabin
Forgiving to drive for most driver types
Passenger comfort in all three rows

Dislikes

No tow rating
Cargo load volume
Cabin noise at highway speeds

Not as efficient as hybrid siblings
Exterior design won't land with everyone
Basic warranty terms on offer

2026 Hyundai Staria Summary

Hyundai has recently launched an updated Staria Load range, with the most significant addition for buyers of mid-size (2.5 tonne-3.5 tonne GVM) commercial vans being the first-time availability of a hybrid drivetrain.

On paper this new HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) option brings numerous advantages over its diesel sibling, so we recently spent a week at the wheel to see if they are sufficient to win over traditional diesel van buyers.

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2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Summary

A big welcome to one of the first turbo-petrol four-cylinder versions of the new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, a model that launched locally with only its hybrid variants available to our market.

While it might not satisfy the fans of the previous-gen's V6 petrol engine, it might be enough for those who have been on the fence about going the hybrid route.

This is my third time in the new Santa Fe, and each tested variant has managed to offer something different and the base petrol grade, in FWD, is no different – but does it offer enough?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Staria 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

Verdict

The Staria Load HEV offers numerous advantages over its diesel equivalent including superior fuel economy, lower exhaust emissions, higher power output and a bigger payload. However, it also has a higher purchase price and no tow rating, so careful analysis of your specific work requirements will determine if Hyundai’s new hybrid van is fit for purpose.

Verdict

So I asked at the beginning if the Hyundai Santa Fe FWD petrol offered enough for families looking for a large seven-seat SUV and the answer is: YES!

It's practical, has people-mover space and storage and is downright comfortable to drive. There's so much to like here.

Hyundai Staria vs Hyundai Santa Fe What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Staria vs Hyundai Santa Fe
What's the difference?