2023 Hyundai Staria

Hyundai Staria

Hyundai’s Staria doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. It’s a big, unapologetic diesel minivan aimed straight at South Africans who actually need all those seats and boot space, whether you’re shuttling execs to the airport or packing in the whole extended family for a trip to Durban. While the Toyota Hiace Tourer and Kia Carnival nibble at the same pie, the Staria stands out for its sheer cabin height and sliding door access—in real life, that matters more than badge snobbery or vague promises of “premium feel.” Mercedes-Benz V-Class? Sure, if you have deep pockets, but the Staria’s undercut is significant, and you’ll feel it in your wallet. No petrol, no hybrid, no manual: Hyundai keeps it simple with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel and auto ‘box across the board. With 16 used units available from R589,500 up to a punchy R888,888 (median around R622,400), there’s enough variety for real buyers, even if new stock is nowhere to be seen right now. The 2.2D Executive A/T is the sweet spot, no question—ten out of sixteen listings, mostly priced in the low R600k range, and most sitting between 2022 and 2025 model years. Mileage? Averaging 60,630 km, which is par for the course if you’re running it as a shuttle or school bus. The Executive Bus Auto nine-seater pushes right up to R879,950, while the single Elite spec at R888,888 feels like a moonshot unless you’re desperate for every extra. If you’re weighing up the Carnival, remember: the Kia’s more car-like, but the Staria is a proper bus, and that’s the point. If you pack smart, you’ll see why it’s what the Staria should have been from the start.