Hyundai Staria vs Lexus ES300H
What's the difference?

Hyundai Staria

$47,740 - $73,740

2026 price

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Lexus ES300H

$49,888 - $67,888

2023 price

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Summary

2026 Hyundai Staria

2023 Lexus ES300H

By Mark Oastler

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.5L/100km (combined)

4.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

A lot of space, equipment and luxury for the money
Hybrid fuel economy
Great aftersales care

Dislikes

No tow rating
Cargo load volume
Cabin noise at highway speeds

Dated interior, fiddly controls
Firm ride
Road and engine noise at speed

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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2023 Lexus ES300H Summary

What’s the closest thing we have to a modern-day Holden Statesman/Caprice?

If, like General Motors, you obliterate Australia’s Own from existence altogether, you’re left with time-honoured rivals also made in this country, like the Ford Fairlane, Chrysler by Chrysler and Toyota’s Crown and Avalon.

But they’re also all in history’s dustbin (well, the American ones, anyway), leaving the humble Camry as the sole living nameplate with any connection to Australian manufacturing.

And since the Lexus ES is a close relative, we’re going to take a fresh look at the latest version, with a view of it as a bit of a survivor of a bygone era – where aspirational vehicles were created from normal family sedans.

Just like the Fairlane, Crown and of course, the Caprice.

Launched in mid 2018 but facelifted in 2021, we test the ultimate version of the seventh-generation ES, the 300h Sports Luxury – or SL, if we’re to make yet another tenuous connection to long-gone Holdens.

Let’s go!

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Staria 2023 Lexus ES300H

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

There’s no denying the Sport Luxury is imposing, spacious, plush, chock-full of kit, efficient, speedy and pleasingly relaxing up to a point.

But its interior is also dated and true ride comfort can be elusive beyond smooth roads for this top-of-the-line version to make the grade as a proper luxury sedan.

The ES 300h feels more like an aspirational Toyota than a Lexus for the (wealthier) masses, especially after recent triumphs like the latest NX and RX SUVs. The Camry DNA is difficult to disguise, as the amused strangers who sat in our test car uninvited thinking it was their Camry highlights.

Sure, the hybrid is no Chevy V8, but in many other ways, the Sport Luxury seems like the modern successor to the Holden Caprice experience.

Hyundai Staria vs Lexus ES300H What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Staria vs Lexus ES300H
What's the difference?