How’s this for the ultimate family hauler? It’s the new Hyundai Staria Lounge Hybrid, and it takes the already distinctive Staria formula and pushes it further into premium territory. Coinciding with the 2027 (MY27) update for the Staria lineup, the new flagship Lounge adopts a seven-seat layout and presents as the most luxurious van Hyundai has ever offered in Australia.
Styling changes for 2027 model are subtle, with revised front-end detailing and updated lighting giving the futuristic aesthetic a cleaner appearance. But the biggest change lies beneath the skin, where a new hybrid system and a host of refinement upgrades seek to make the Staria a better long-distance cruiser.
2027 Hyundai Staria Lounge: Specifications
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder hybrid
Output: 180kW / 304Nm
Gearbox: Six-speed auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.0, 235/55Tare weight: 2305kg
Power-to-weight: 12.80:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.5L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 65L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 27.69kW:L/100km
Starting price: $73,740
2027 Hyundai Staria Lounge: How much does it cost?
The refreshed Staria range opens from $54,300 for both the V6 petrol and diesel eight-seat variants, while the new flagship Staria Hybrid Lounge is priced from $73,740 (excluding on-road costs). That’s a sizeable premium, but the additional luxury equipment help position it as a genuine alternative to a premium family SUV rather than simply another people-mover. See below for the full lineup and pricing (excluding on-roads):
MY2027 Staria 2.2 CRDi diesel (8-seat): $54,300
MY2027 Staria 3.5 MPi petrol (8-seat): $54,300
MY2027 Staria Hybrid Lounge 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid (7-seat): $73,740
2027 Hyundai Staria Lounge: Interior & packaging
The Lounge’s cabin is undoubtedly its biggest selling point. Space is abundant in all three rows, with the seven-seat layout giving passengers generous room to stretch out without compromising practicality. You get two captain chairs in the middle, with full adjustment (mostly electric), and a fully adjustable and sliding third row bench.
Hyundai has also paid attention to the smaller details. USB charging ports are available throughout each row, cup holders are plentiful, and climate vents reach every seating row, helping ensure everyone travels in comfort. The second-row relaxation seats and premium materials further lift the ambience, while Nappa leather upholstery, suede headlining and acoustic glass help justify the price jump.
Up front is an updated Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, featuring Hyundai’s latest 12.3-inch touch-screen. It presents sharper graphics and improved usability, while Digital Key 2, Bluelink connected services and over-the-air updates add a layer of convenience that many busy families will appreciate.
One of the Staria’s greatest strengths remains visibility. The enormous glasshouse provides an excellent view out in every direction, making what is a physically large vehicle (5.2m long) feel surprisingly easy to place on the road. Combined with the standard surround-view camera, parking and manoeuvring become far less intimidating than the dimensions might suggest.
Boot space is variable, with 117L in the ‘worst’ configuration, and 431L with the third row moved forward a bit. Even in this more practical layout, you still have heaps of legroom in both rear rows. It is massive in here.
2027 Hyundai Staria Lounge: Powertrain & handling
Exclusive to the Lounge is Hyundai’s new 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system, producing a combined 180kW and 304Nm. The hybrid suits the Staria’s relaxed character well, delivering smooth, quiet performance with enough punch to comfortably move a fully loaded cabin.
Fuel economy is rated at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle, slightly lower than the diesel’s 7.0L/100km rating. However, in the city and suburbs the hybrid setup should be able to return a lower real-world figure as the electric motor (integrated between the transmission and engine) can provide boosts, and with regular braking the on-board battery is charged up frequently. This is not a plug-in hybrid, though. If you do nothing, the system will sort itself out; you don’t/can’t plug it in.
On the highway the battery doesn’t really get a chance to charge up, so you’re going to be relying on that little 1.6L turbo engine more. This is likely to cause a spike in fuel consumption compared with the diesel. Conversely, the diesel is likely to consume more in the city. In that sense, you might want to weigh up where and how you’ll be using this vehicle the most to decide between powertrains (although the Lounge is hybrid only).
Ride comfort is decent, and Hyundai has made a series of suspension refinements for 2027. The front suspension is revised and gets recalibrated dampers, with enhanced hydro-bushing for the multi-link independent rear end. Noise and harshness levels have also be reduced thanks to thicker dash insulation foam (28mm from 24mm), with added sound-absorbing materials in the front wheel arches.
The result is a people-mover that feels composed over Australian roads without sacrificing body control. It isn’t particularly sporty – and nor should it be – but it is confident enough through bends, returning predictable feedback and good overall stability for this type of vehicle. However, it does feel heavy, and is, at 2305kg, for the Lounge.
During our launch drive in wet conditions, the front-wheel drive chassis performed impressively. The traction and stability control systems intervene smoothly when required, allowing the Staria to maintain composure without feeling overly intrusive. An all-wheel drive option, as previously offered with the diesel, would undoubtedly provide another layer of confidence in poor weather. It is unfortunate AWD has been removed.
2027 Hyundai Staria Lounge: First impressions
The new Staria Lounge succeeds in boosting Hyundai’s futuristic people-mover into a genuinely premium family vehicle. The spacious and luxurious interior appointments, smooth hybrid powertrain and excellent outward visibility make it one of the most user-friendly and relaxing people-movers currently on sale. It’s also surprisingly enjoyable to drive, thanks largely to the commanding outward view.
In terms of areas that could be improved? The absence of an all-wheel drive option is a disappointment given it was previously available with the diesel, and some buyers may still prefer the reassurance it offers. Also, the hybrid’s torque output of 304Nm doesn’t look good against the diesel’s 430Nm push. This is likely to matter most when carrying a full load.
2027 Hyundai Staria Lounge: Video
