Hyundai Staria vs Polestar 4
What's the difference?

Hyundai Staria

$47,740 - $73,740

2026 price

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Polestar 4

—

2025 price

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Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Summary

2026 Hyundai Staria

2025 Polestar 4

By Mark Oastler

By Tim Nicholson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.5L/100km (combined)

Electric range

620 km

Energy consumption

18.1 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

100.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Exceptional on-road performance and range
Beautifully crafted, sustainable interior
Solid servicing offer

Dislikes

No tow rating
Cargo load volume
Cabin noise at highway speeds

Some options should be standard at this price
Digital rear-view mirror replaces rear windscreen
Can’t stand bottles up in doors

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 Polestar 4 Summary

Polestar finally has more than one offering in its Australian model range. Following the Polestar 2 sedan that arrived in late 2021, and the recently launched Polestar 3 large SUV, the Geely-owned marque has just launched the model that is expected to be its top seller.

The Polestar 4 is a medium coupe-style SUV with liftback vibes, and it is set to line up against some of the most popular EVs on the market, including the Tesla Model Y.

Although, as Polestar execs claim, and the price suggests, it’s a more premium offering than the Tesla.

It is loaded with new technology, including a digital rear-view camera that replaces a traditional rear windscreen, which will either appeal to, or alienate buyers. Probably the former given the appeal of new tech to EV buyers.

But can the Polestar 4 snatch attention away from Tesla and the other solid electric SUVs of a similar size? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Staria 2025 Polestar 4

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

Polestar may be a Tesla rival but the Polestar 4 looks and feels much more premium than the Model Y. The brand has taken its time to get the cabin just right and the sustainable materials don’t feel cheap in any way. In fact, this car feels special.

I may not be a fan of some of the tech - the digital rear-view mirror, for example - but many people will be drawn to the car because of these features.

On the road, the Polestar 4 is a cracking EV, with excellent driving range and a fun factor that can’t be denied. That aftersales offer is just the cherry on the cake.

This is Polestar’s best chance yet of being accepted by the masses.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Hyundai Staria vs Polestar 4 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Staria vs Polestar 4
What's the difference?