Isuzu D-Max vs Hyundai Staria
What's the difference?

Isuzu D-Max

$36,200 - $80,900

2026 price

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Hyundai Staria

$47,740 - $73,740

2026 price

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Volkswagen Transporter

Summary

2026 Isuzu D-Max

2026 Hyundai Staria

By Chris Thompson

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

7.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

New 2.2-litre is smooth and quieter
Hasn’t ballooned pricing much
D-Max retains balance of comfort and simplicity

Comfortable ride
Great visibility
Easy to drive

Dislikes

Not many variants with 2.2L
Lane-keep is a bit keen
Interior feels spartan

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

2026 Isuzu D-Max Summary

There’s a fairly big change hiding under the metal of one of Australia’s favourite utes. The Isuzu D-Max has a new 2.2-litre engine, replacing the 1.9-litre unit, and it brings a couple of other things with it.

A bigger engine designed to be more powerful and more efficient can only be a good thing, surely, especially with Isuzu looking down the barrel of stringent emissions laws with only two models in the line-up, both diesel powered.

But is this new 2.2-litre engine any good? Isuzu’s gone to the trouble of a new gearbox and some new tech to go with it, so we check it out to see if it stacks up against the increasingly strong competition.

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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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Deep dive comparison

2026 Isuzu D-Max 2026 Hyundai Staria

Verdict

The new engine makes the D-Max a much more likeable ute than it already was, which is high praise.

It’s smoother and quieter and makes for a more pleasant drive. The added efficiency is a bonus both for your wallet and Isuzu’s emissions credits.

The 3.0-litre engine will probably remain the favourite, but anyone who test drives a 2.2L might even be tempted to opt for the smaller unit. Isuzu sure hopes so.

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

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.

Isuzu D-Max vs Hyundai Staria What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Isuzu D-Max vs Hyundai Staria
What's the difference?