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2023 Hyundai Staria GLS+ 8AT Review

Even in its mid-tier variant, the Hyundai Staria is still unlike anything else on the road.

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Hyundai Staria Review

Ladies and gentlemen, and no, this isn’t a spaceship, and no, aliens are not taking over Earth, well, at least not just yet. This is the 2023 Hyundai Staria GLS+. It's unmistakably a Hyundai, and it's undeniably unique. In this review, we'll take a close look at the Staria GLS+, which boasts 11 seats and offers a compelling blend of premium features and practicality. Does the premium side of this van align with its practicality? Let's find out.

4.2 / 5
2023 Hyundai Staria GLS+ 8AT Review
Performance
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.0/5
Design
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.5/5
Ride Comfort
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.0/5
Safety and Technology
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.5/5
Value for Money
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 4.0/5
What You Will Like
  • Unique spaceship-like design
  • Airy cabin
  • Great technology
What You Won't Like
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto tends to drop at times
  • Wheel design could be better
How We Do Our Reviews

Before we delve into the various aspects of the Staria GLS+, it's essential to consider its price. At P2,320,000, it's undeniably a significant investment. But as we explore the vehicle, you'll see that it offers a lot of car (or van) for the price, especially when compared to similar vehicles in this category. The pricing is competitive, considering the quality, features, and capabilities it offers.

Hyundai Staria

A spaceship on the road

The Staria's exterior is a head-turner, to say the least. It exudes a futuristic charm, and it's evident that Hyundai's design team put a lot of thought into making it stand out. When you see the Staria on the road, you won't mistake it for anything else. The vehicle's design is both eye-catching and practical.

Not the range-topper, but still has road-presence

Starting with the front, the bumper is body-colored on the GLS+ variant, and you'll notice the striking LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that give it a futuristic appearance. The lower part of the bumper features additional lighting elements, creating an appealing visual effect. The overall design, however, steers away from excessive chrome or the copper/bronze accents found in the top-of-the-line premium plus version. This deviation might be seen as a compromise between premium and practical design.

Hyundai Staria

Long, huge, massive

The side profile of the Staria is impressive. Its large windows, in particular, stand out. The van's windows are massive, allowing ample natural light to flood the interior. The Staria features dual sliding doors, one on each side, making passenger entry and exit incredibly convenient. The 17-inch wheels, wrapped in thick 65-series tires, provide a stable and comfortable ride.

Moving to the rear, the Staria ditches the pixelated, Tetris-style tail lights in favor of a more traditional but still unique design. The rear glass is expansive, and even the rear wiper is notably large, emphasizing the vehicle's overall size and spaciousness. The van's size, especially the wheelbase, contributes to its incredible interior space.

Hyundai Staria

Stepping inside the Staria GLS+ reveals a spacious, well-designed cabin with a significant focus on passenger comfort and modern technology.

Convenient technology

The van offers a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen also serves as the display for the rearview camera, which provides a 360-degree view for added convenience during parking and maneuvering. The digital instrument cluster combines analog gauges with a digital display, which transforms into a camera feed when you activate the turn signals—an innovative feature for parking and lane changes.

Hyundai Staria
Hyundai Staria
Hyundai Staria

Space is king

The seating positions inside the Staria are designed for both comfort and practicality. In the third row, there are captain's chairs, providing a premium feel and comfortable seating. These chairs are on rails, allowing easy access to the fourth row and the flexibility to adjust the seating layout for passenger and cargo needs. This design makes the third row exceptionally comfortable and ensures easy access to the fourth row.

The second row is well-appointed with comfortable seats, offering ample legroom and headroom. The large windows throughout the cabin create an open and airy ambiance. Window shades are available for added privacy and protection from direct sunlight.

The fourth row is where practicality meets premium comfort. It can accommodate three adults, and the center seat is surprisingly comfortable. The fourth-row passengers get dedicated air vents, bottle holders, and charging points, ensuring a pleasant experience during long journeys. The seats are also adjustable on rails, allowing you to customize the space according to your needs.

In terms of cargo space, the Staria provides versatility and convenience. With all seats in use, the cargo space is limited, but once you start folding seats, the possibilities become endless. The van offers ample room for luggage, making it suitable for family trips, airport runs, or transporting cargo. This combination of passenger and cargo space showcases the perfect blend of premium and practical features.

The Staria also boasts various compartments, cubby holes, and bottle holders throughout the cabin, ensuring that your belongings have a designated place. The interior design efficiently utilizes the available space.

Hyundai Staria

Yes, it’s huge, but there’s enough power here

Under the hood, the Staria GLS+ is powered by a four-cylinder 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that produces 174 hp and a substantial 430 Nm of torque. This robust torque figure is comparable to many pickup trucks, highlighting the van's capability to carry a full load of passengers and still perform effortlessly. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery.

Hyundai Staria

A refined ride, a refined van

On the road, the Staria GLS+ offers a comfortable and smooth ride, even when fully loaded. The suspension system handles bumps and imperfections with ease, providing a comfortable experience for passengers. The van is quiet, and the noise levels inside are remarkably low, creating a serene environment for everyone on board.

Visibility for days

The driver's seat is comfortable and offers an excellent driving position. The large windows and windshield provide excellent visibility, making it easy to maneuver the vehicle, even in tight spaces. The van's size is manageable, and driving it feels like piloting a regular car, not a massive people-mover. The front seats are manually adjustable, but they offer adequate support and comfort.

Everyone is connected

The Staria GLS+ comes equipped with a range of tech features, including cruise control, which is useful for long drives, ensuring a relaxing and efficient journey. Wireless charging is another convenient feature which is becoming more common in premium vehicles. These tech additions contribute to the overall premium feel of the van.

Fuel efficiency is a critical factor for many buyers, especially when considering a vehicle as spacious as the Staria GLS+. In city driving conditions with heavy traffic, the van achieves around 8 km/l, which is reasonable considering the circumstances. When taken out on the highway, the fuel economy improves to about 13.5 km/l. However, it's essential to note that these figures can vary depending on the number of passengers, driving habits, and road conditions.

The diesel engine's torquey nature ensures the van can handle urban traffic and highway cruising without much effort. It offers a good balance between power and efficiency, making it a suitable choice for long-distance journeys or city commutes.

Hyundai Staria

All in all, the 2023 Hyundai Staria GLS+ 8AT offers an impressive blend of premium features and practicality. Its unique and futuristic design stands out on the road, making a bold statement in a segment typically characterized by bland design. The GLS+ variant combines premium aesthetics with a practical approach, focusing on passenger comfort and space. The van's interior tech features and safety elements further enhance its appeal.

The Staria's performance, with its powerful engine and smooth ride, adds another layer of desirability. The low noise levels within the cabin make long journeys more enjoyable for everyone on board. Fuel efficiency, considering the van's size and passenger capacity, is commendable.

While the Staria's price might seem high, it is competitive within its segment, offering excellent value for the features and space it provides. Whether you're the driver or a passenger, the Staria delivers a comfortable and enjoyable experience. It's ideal for families, businesses, and anyone who values a unique blend of practicality and premium touches.

Overall, the 2023 Hyundai Staria GLS+ 8AT is a strong contender in the multi-purpose vehicle category, deserving serious consideration from anyone looking for a versatile and stylish ride with premium features and practicality.

Specifications

Engine

2.2 L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Performance

174 hp @ 3,800 rpm

Transmission

Automatic

Summary

Name Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDi GLS+ 8AT
Body Type Minivan
Price ₱2,320,000
Transmission Category Automatic

Engine

Performance

Economy & Environment

Dimensions

Safety & Security

Features

Technology

Colors

Hyundai Staria Abyss Black Abyss Black
Staria Creamy White Creamy White
Hyundai Staria Olivine Gray Olivine Gray

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