2025 Hyundai Staria previewed in Malaysia – 7-seater is back, 10-seater still available; 2.2D, July 2 launch

One of the few bright spots of Hyundai’s rather dismal Malaysian sales of late was the Staria. Since being reintroduced in budget-friendly ten-seater form back in 2022, the MPV had been selling steadily and has now become a fixture on our roads. It’s no surprise, then, that the updated model has figured in the newly-formed Hyundai Motor Malaysia’s (HMY) relaunch, alongside the facelifted Tucson and new Santa Fe.

Compared to its SUV siblings, the changes to the futuristic space shuttle – introduced in Korea in February 2024 – are minor, limited to the brand’s new flat aluminium badges and the H logo-shaped key, both derived from the Ioniq 6. Inside, you now get auto wipers and USB-C ports throughout the cabin (the one connected to the infotainment system is still USB-A), while the power-sliding doors with a key-sensing hands-free opening function have been made to move slightly faster.

But the biggest change is the reintroduction of a range-topping seven-seater, now called the Prestige. Compared to the previous Premium variant launched back in 2021, the new model gains a brass finish for the badges, headlight surrounds, grille, chin spoiler, door mirrors and rear bumper trim, although it otherwise appears identical to that car. Inside, you still get Nappa leather upholstery, but the Alcantara trim on the doors and centre console has been ditched (the headlining remains wrapped in the material).

Standard kit includes LED headlights, the “unibrow” full-width daytime running light bar, “Parametric Pixel” clear LED taillights, intricately-designed 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, keyless entry, push-button start, power-adjustable front seats with ventilation, powered (with manual slide) and ventilated Premium Relaxation second-row captain’s chairs with one-touch recline and built-in ottomans, Nappa leather upholstery, dual sunroofs, dual-zone (front and rear) climate control and a hands-free-opening powered tailgate.

In terms of tech, you still get a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and an eight-inch infotainment system, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a Qi wireless charger and a 360-degree camera system.

The seven-seater Prestige also comes with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of driver assists, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring with collision prevention, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, a front departure alert, a driver attention monitor, a door opening warning and auto high beam. Six airbags continue to be standard fare, and unfortunately, ISOFIX mounts are still only fitted to the second row.

Ten-seater models will continue to be offered, with Style, Premium and Prestige models likely corresponding to the existing Lite, Plus and Max variants. No details on these variants, but we’ll find out when the updated Staria is launched alongside the facelifted Tucson and new Santa Fe next week, July 2.

Under the bonnet remains a 2.2 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel that produces 177 PS at 3,800 rpm and 431 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm, sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic. No new 1.6 litre turbo petrol hybrid as is offered in Korea, despite diesel no longer being subsidised here.

With the Staria already being assembled locally at Inokom’s plant in Kulim, Kedah, the seven-seater Prestige should be a good deal cheaper than the RM368,888 asked for the old Premium. Meanwhile, the ten-seater models should be priced within the ballpark of the existing models – RM183,888 for the Lite, RM200,888 for the Plus and RM215,888 for the Max.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.