The Hyundai Staria gets its first facelift and a new all-electric version

The Hyundai Staria is one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road today. How can it not with its futuristic spaceship-like design? And while controversial to some, it’s staying for longer.

The Korean automaker has recently given its minivan some updates in design, tech features, and even an all-new fully electric powertrain, revealed throughout the last month. Want to know more? Keep reading.

Let’s start with the latest update, that all-electric powertrain which was revealed just a few days ago at the Brussels Motor Show.

The Hyundai Staria Electric is powered by a front-mounted single electric motor that makes 218 horsepower and 350Nm of torque, capable of a 184kph top speed. An 84kWh lithium-ion battery provides an estimated range of up to 400km on a single charge. Replenishing the battery takes an estimated 20 minutes (10-80%) when using a DC charger.

How about design and tech?

The Staria Electric is visibly different with a closed-off front fascia that’s typical for EVs for better aerodynamics. This area also hides the charging door. It rides on its own set of 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels which Hyundai says are designed for comfort. 

As with the pre-update Staria Lounge, the Staria Electric is available in both nine- and seven-seater seating configurations.

Other updates are shared with the non-electric Staria, revealed last month. It gets a new front grille pattern, along with a redesigned front light bar which is now one uninterrupted piece. The interior has also received a redesign with more horizontal design cues, similar to other and newer Hyundai products.

The steering wheel is new, and screens have been enlarged, now measuring at 12.3-inches for both the driver’s instrument cluster and infotainment system, and with updated software. The center stack has also been redesigned with the gear selector relocated to the steering column, additional physical buttons replacing touch-sensitive controls, and relocated air vents.

And for those looking for a non-electric Staria, soldiering on is the Staria Hybrid with its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired to a hybrid system, shared with the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe, and Kia Carnival and Sorento. This produces a total combined output of 235 horsepower and 367Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Also an option is a 3.5-liter Smartsream L V6 engine that’s powered by LPG. This produces 240 horsepower and 310Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. And yes, the Korean market bids farewell to the tried-and-tested 2.2-liter Smartstream D turbodiesel.

The updated Hyundai Staria is already available in South Korea, while the Staria Electric will first be made available in South Korea and Europe within the first half of this year, with additional markets to follow for both.

With the recent electric push of Hyundai Motor Philippines, do you think they should consider bringing the Hyundai Staria EV to the local market? As for the facelift, it’s guaranteed considering how well the minivan sells locally.

_{Photos from Hyundai}