Replacing the Starex in the Hyundai line-up, the Staria embodies an “inside-out” design methodology that emphasizes interior spaciousness and usability.

The 2022 Staria evokes the form of a spaceship with its single-stroke line, inspired by the curve of light that illuminates the Earth’s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space. It has a continuous horizontal DRL and position lamp along with a wide grille and a pair of low-set headlights. The lowered beltlines and panoramic side windows improve visibility, and create a sense of openness. At the back, it gets elongated vertical taillights.

The Staria Premium meanwhile adds brass-tinted chrome on the emblem, grille, headlamp bezels, front and rear bumpers, wheels, side mirrors, and door handles as well as Hyundai’s unique Parametric Pixel rear lamp design.

Inside, the Staria takes on a cruise ship-inspired interior with its open atmosphere. The layout focuses only on the essentials to provide more room and flexibility to passengers.

The driver is treated to an advanced 10.25-inch front display screen, a touch-based center screen, and a button-type electronic shift lever.

Seating ranges from two to 11 seats with the 7-seat Premium model being equipped with Premium Relaxation Seats in the second row. It reclines electronically, and also has sliding capabilities for easy reach or to maximize cargo space.

Meanwhile, the 9-seat Premium model’s individual seats in the second row can swivel 180 degrees to face passengers in the third row, while in the Staria standard model (the 11-seater), all rear seats fold flat making it perfect as a makeshift bed.

Features include a 64-color ambient mood lamp, a Bose sound system, and safety features that include Safe Exit Assist (SEA) which prevents the rear door from opening when it detects oncoming traffic, a 360-degree camera, and a wide-angle interior camera that lets the driver and front passenger view passengers in the back seat.

The 2022 Staria measures in at 5,253 mm long, 1,997 mm wide, and 1,990 mm high (this enables an average school-aged child to stand upright). But its innovation comes from its ultra-long 3,273 mm wheelbase which increases space utilization.

The diesel engine is newly improved and mated with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering an estimated power output of 177 horsepower and 431 Nm of torque. Its high-efficiency, air-cooled turbocharger has an improved compressor and turbine wheel performance for better low speed torque performance.

Meanwhile, the gasoline-powered G6DIII 3.5-liter MPI is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering an estimated power output of 272 horsepower and 331 Nm of torque. Its integrated thermal management system provides fuel efficiency improvement by optimizing control of coolant temperature according to vehicle operating conditions. An integrated roller swing arm helps to further improve fuel efficiency by reducing friction. New stainless-steel castings help improve exhaust interference for more power.

Both powertrains have been optimized for low noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), better shift sensation for high torque performance, and improved acceleration. It also optimized the direct valve control body for increased hydraulic efficiency, the oil pump for fuel efficiency, and the multi-plate torque converter for control and fuel efficiency.

Mechanical upgrades also resulted in improved ride comfort thanks to the application of a multi-link suspension at the rear axle. The Staria’s upright inclination angle and lever ratio of shock absorbers also contribute to improved ride comfort. Likewise, upgrades in brake calipers and discs provide stable stopping power even with the model’s large size.

The 2022 Hyundai Staria will be released for global markets starting the second half of 2021. It is one of the four models promised by Hyundai Philippines for the year.