Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Staria
What's the difference?

Volkswagen Tiguan

$36,990 - $80,690

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Hyundai Staria

$47,740 - $73,740

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Summary

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

2026 Hyundai Staria

By Tom White

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.7L/100km (combined)

6.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

The driver's mid-size SUV
Straightforward, well-equipped range
Super practical cabin

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

Dislikes

Hybrid? Look elsewhere
One too many touch controls
Ride harsher than expected

No tow rating
Cargo load volume
Cabin noise at highway speeds

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Summary

The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is likely to be the most important new vehicle Volkswagen launches in 2025.

The popular mid-sizer has proven to have impressive staying power for the brand, with the outgoing version still impressing buyers despite being nearly a decade old.

What does this ground-up new version change? Does it have what it takes to maintain the nameplate’s reputation in one of Australia’s most hotly contested market segments? And what are some surprises this time around?

We went to its local launch to find out.

View full pricing & specs

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.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 2026 Hyundai Staria

Verdict

The new Tiguan is as confident as ever in its identity, even in such a crowded mid-size SUV space where there are so many models worthy of your attention.

No matter which version you choose, this is still the mid-size SUV for a driving enthusiast who doesn’t quite have premium dollars to spend.

While it may not quite expand its appeal as much as the brand hopes precluding a hybrid variant, those who are choosing this as their family hauler for the right reasons won’t be disappointed.

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

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.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Staria What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Staria
What's the difference?