Hyundai Staria GLS+ Review: Premium Meets Practicality

content: Beyond the Futuristic Exterior

The Hyundai Staria's radical design makes it instantly recognizable, but does its functionality match its bold aesthetics? After extensive analysis of this 11-seater van, we confirm its standout feature: the marriage of premium comfort and practical versatility. The GLS+ variant trades some exterior chrome accents for body-colored bumpers but retains the signature full-width LED lighting and massive greenhouse windows.

Standing 1,800-1,850mm tall with 17-inch wheels, the Staria offers generous ground clearance. The dual sliding doors—a practical touch often reserved for premium vans—provide effortless access. At the rear, the simplified lights maintain visual distinction while the enormous tailgate glass demands an equally large wiper. Crucially, the Staria's dimensions (comparable to Toyota's Super Grandia but with a 47mm shorter overhang) translate directly to interior space advantages.

Powertrain Performance Credentials

Under the hood lies Hyundai's proven 2.2L CRDi turbo diesel engine, delivering 174PS and 430Nm of torque—output rivaling midsize pickup trucks. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain ensures confident acceleration even when fully loaded. Real-world testing in Manila yielded:

City fuel economy: 8 km/L (heavy EDSA traffic)
Highway efficiency: 13.5 km/L (two occupants)

These figures align with segment expectations, though your mileage will vary with passenger load and driving style. The torque-rich nature of this engine means you'll rarely feel strained during overtaking or hill climbs.

content: Interior Masterclass in Flexibility

Step inside and the Staria reveals its genius. The cabin's four-row seating operates like a modular system, with all rows except the front featuring slide/recline functions.

Fourth Row Comfort Defies Expectations

Even the rearmost bench surprises with:

Ample headroom and legroom for three adults
Dedicated air vents and dual USB ports
Recline functionality and fore/aft sliding adjustment
Enough cargo space behind seats for a medium cooler

The Third Row Captain's Chair Advantage

Here's where the Staria outmaneuvers competitors: The third row gets premium captain's chairs typically reserved for second rows. Folding the fourth row and sliding these seats back creates limousine-level legroom—more space than some first-class airline seats. This configuration flexibility is a game-changer for businesses transporting VIP clients.

Second Row Practical Touches

The bench seat comfortably fits three adults, featuring:

Abundant natural light from panoramic windows
Built-in sunshades (also in rows 3-4)
Multiple charging points
Easy access to rear rows via center aisle

Pro Tip: Use the second row's fold-flat function combined with third-row slide to create a mobile office setup. The absence of cabin echo—even without passengers—speaks volumes about Hyundai's sound-deadening efforts.

content: Driver-Focused Surprises

Most vans treat drivers as an afterthought. Not the Staria. The cockpit feels car-like with a tilt/telescope steering wheel and well-bolstered seats. Visibility is exceptional thanks to the windshield and side glass that comprise nearly 50% of the cabin's surface area.

Tech That Simplifies Big-Van Driving

Key features reduce piloting stress:

360-degree camera system with clever turn-signal activation
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Digital instrument cluster displaying essential data
Cruise control for highway comfort
Multiple storage solutions including 4-tier door cards

On-road behavior impresses with car-like steering feel and a suspension that absorbs Manila's notorious road imperfections. While some tire vibration enters the cabin during spirited driving, the ride remains composed when fully loaded. Note that the large glass area does transmit more external noise (especially loud motorcycles) than insulated competitors.

content: The Premium-Practical Verdict

After scrutinizing every detail, the Staria GLS+ delivers on its dual promise. Its ₱2.32 million price tag positions it against premium Japanese vans but brings unique advantages:

Best-in-class third-row comfort with business-class seating
Unmatched configuration flexibility via sliding/reclining rows
Driver ergonomics superior to segment norms
Torque-rich engine capable of full-load operation

Where it compromises: Road noise isolation could be better, and some interior plastics feel utilitarian. However, these are minor trade-offs for a van that redefines space utilization.

Your Next Steps Checklist

Measure your garage clearance against the Staria's 1,850mm height
Test the sliding seat mechanism with your typical cargo dimensions
Request a highway test drive to evaluate noise levels personally
Compare financing terms using Hyundai's business fleet programs
Explore the Premium Plus variant if chrome accents are non-negotiable

Final Thought: The Staria proves vans needn't sacrifice comfort for utility. As one driver noted: "It handles like a tall sedan rather than a bus." For businesses needing to transport people in premium comfort or families seeking space without compromise, this Korean innovator deserves serious consideration.

"When configuring your Staria, which seating layout would best serve your daily needs? Share your priority in the comments below."