2023 Hyundai Staria vs 2017 RAM 2500

What's the difference?

You probably know Hyundai’s Staria as an edgy retro-futuristic people mover, but it’s also available as a commercial van, replacing the once-popular iLoad in the Korean brand’s line-up.

The Staria Load, as it’s known, is an all new nameplate and a ground-up design faced with the mammoth task of taking on the Toyota HiAce and its decades of history as the leader in Australia’s van market.

The question is, does the Hyundai newcomer have what it takes, or is it literally all style and no substance? We’ve tested out the latest version, the more thoroughly equipped Premium grade, to find out.

The RAM 2500 from RAM Trucks Australia, which is rated to tow nearly 7.0 tonnes, is designed primarily as a heavy duty towing platform with a huge Cummins turbo-diesel engine, long wheelbase, high kerb weight, exhaust brake and lots of room inside a luxurious cabin.

These 'Australianised' RAM trucks are shipped in a unique export specification direct from Fiat Chrysler Automobile's heavy duty RAM Trucks Saltillo assembly plant in Mexico, re-manufactured in RHD on a bespoke production line in Melbourne and distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand by American Special Vehicles.

ASV is a joint venture between Ateco Automotive and the Walkinshaw Automotive Group (WAG) which also owns Holden Special Vehicles. It is the only RAM Trucks importer in Australia officially sanctioned by FCA, resulting in a unique factory-approved vehicle that meets the company's strict OEM standards and is backed by a full factory warranty and national dealer network.

Put simply, it's as close as you can get to driving a brand new RHD version of this legendary American pick-up off FCA's Mexico assembly line, and offers a compelling solution for those with something really big to tow.