It’s not typically we come throughout a car that may induce emotions of happiness and pleasure each time you concentrate on it, however the 2022 Hyundai Staria Highlander does simply that. And as an added bonus, it sports activities all-wheel drive and a diesel powertrain.
Wanting extra like a star destroyer from the Galactic Empire’s Navy, it isn’t onerous to think about the Staria Highlander as a Vader household vacation/road-trip reminiscence maker. Hyundai’s stormtrooper service turned heads wherever we went.
Its measurement and appears peaked loads of curiosity from different highway goers and pure jealousy from their cooped-up households. The Staria’s futuristic spaceship look is complemented by the attractive 18-inch manufacturing facility alloy wheels, entrance horizontal DRL gentle bar and rear LED taillights.
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Modern but minimal strains and a rear tailgate spoiler give it the appear and feel of a sublime intergalactic explorer. If it wasn’t for Hyundai’s brand on the entrance, rear and rims, you’ll be left scratching your head questioning “what the f$%okay is that?”
Contained in the Staria, the spaceship theme continues. Due to snug leather-based seating all through, we assure no less than one among your astronauts gained’t be aware by the tip of your journey. The entrance pair are heated and ventilated, with the driving force’s power-adjustable.
A heated leather-based steering wheel, temper lighting and 10.25-inch full color contact display screen infotainment system full the package deal. Holding in thoughts that the Staria Highlander has a business twin, the Staria-Load, there are some onerous plastics as nicely.
We are able to’t assist pondering these toughened inside bits are a part of a ploy to maintain prices to a minimal to cater for the van’s twin objective. All variants within the folks mover number of Staria come as an eight-seater although.
Second-row seating receives high tether in addition to ISOFIX attachments factors, for the supply of kid seats and restraints, however regardless of the place you find yourself sitting, the adjustability throughout the Staria permits for first-class journey, even with eight full-sized adults.
That’s all with out compromise to baggage house (which is an superior 831 litres with all seats in use and 1,303 litres with the third-row seating stowed away). Moreover, you get one 12V socket up entrance (extra passenger and rear 12V retailers can be ultimate).
There are six USB ports although (two up entrance and two every for second and third-row seating), and ten cup holders. A phrase of recommendation, should you overlook to make use of the wi-fi charging pad to your telephone, you might lose it in one of many a number of storage pockets or cubbies.
Now that occupants are each entertained and hydrated although, you may recognize the twin panoramic sunroof and big glass areas, permitting for good visibility. There’s additionally power-operated sliding doorways and tailgate.
The infotainment setup is good and options wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wi-fi is simply out there within the base mannequin at this stage), Bluetooth, satellite tv for pc navigation, stay visitors updates, AM/FM radio, and DAB+ digital radio.
There’s additionally USB enter and even a helpful nanny cam (roof mounted digicam) to regulate the inmates in your rear cabin Shawshank. Apart from the lacking additional 12V sockets, we reckon there are different enhancements that might make the Staria epic.
For instance, we’d like to see a centre console fridge, entrance seat arm rests, entrance passenger electrical seating, automated wipers, boot lighting, and a much bigger instrument cluster or no less than a head-up show.
If there was a speaker system improve with non-compulsory sub-woofer, we might tick the field a number of occasions too, as the usual 6-speaker system quotes Ace Ventura, quoting Scotty from Star Trek: “I simply can’t do it, Captain. I don’t have the facility”.
On a number of events, the need to turn into a celebration bus was robust, however the distortion kills the temper as quickly as you pump the quantity on a Venga Boys basic (editor’s observe: perhaps it’s the author’s alternative of tunes).
On the highway, the Staria is an absolute pleasure to drive. Fondly known as “Daddy’s Bus”, and regardless of being based mostly on the Santa Fe SUV, it drives like a van, and is an actual light big when it comes to dealing with and highway presence.
The steering feels pleasantly responsive for a folks mover, and the suspension and clean gear transitioning gives a cushty trip for all. The energetic on-demand all-wheel drive system helps ship stable stability, particularly throughout moist climate.
We managed some very gentle off-road driving throughout testing too, and clearance wasn’t a difficulty, with the HTRAC AWD delivering the products for additional traction. The Staria’s 11.94m steering circle, is nice for manoeuvring into that excellent parking spot as nicely.
The Highlander’s sensors and 360-degree digicam system are the right co-navigators. The cameras additionally exchange dials when altering lanes (blind-spot help) and may be seen whereas driving, offering crisp and clear imagery, day and evening.
Towing capability is 2,500kg, ought to you could have different vacation leisure automobiles. The 2022 Staria Highlander AWD is powered by a 130kW 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, paired with an eight-speed automated gearbox.
However there’s no gear lever. Don’t freak out, however Hyundai have changed the normal shifter with buttons, related to their shift-by-wire system, which can take some getting used to, as will the slight engagement delay if you seize Drive or Reverse.
It does have Sport mode, which provides you an altered instrument cluster and there’s some flappy paddles to maintain you entertained, however it all feels extra like a novelty than purposeful. It’s not going to realize lightspeed, let’s put it that means.
It has a claimed gas financial system of 8.2-litres/100km – we managed 9.0-litres in actual world testing. The Staria’s behemoth measurement, at 5,253mm size, together with its peak and big tailgate clearance, are additionally price contemplating as a part of your buying resolution.
It has a glowing 5-star ANCAP security ranking in addition to our two thumbs up, and is filled with security options, together with seven airbags, roll-over sensor, blind spot collision avoidance, ahead collision help, and lane observe and lane preserving help.
There’s additionally rear occupant alert, visitors signal recognition and sensible cruise management. We urge you to WWW your strategy to Hyundai’s web site, to see the total listing of inclusions. It comes with a 5-year limitless kilometre guarantee. Hyundai provides a variety of service plans too.
Every of those contains roadside help and satellite tv for pc navigation updates. Hyundai’s newest folks mover is on the market in three variants (Staria, Elite and Highlander), and there’s two engine decisions (the opposite is petrol).
Our evaluation automotive has a drive away price ticket of $72,249 – however we advocate you store round for one of the best deal. Alternatively, you may go to a web site like PriceMyCar to see if you will get one of the best deal.
There are 5 colors to select from, together with Olivine Gray, Moonlight Blue, Gaia Brown, Graphite Grey and Abyss Black (as examined). Inside, there’s the selection of ordinary black leather-based, or black and beige two-tone leather-based (additionally as examined).
Our check car was offered by Hyundai Australia. To search out out extra in regards to the 2022 Hyundai Staria Highlander, contact your native Hyundai dealership.
