2025 Hyundai Staria previewed in Malaysia – Prestige variant added, 7-seater is back, diesel-only

Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) is gearing up for a refreshed product offensive, and one of the key highlights is the updated 2025 Hyundai Staria, set to launch next week on July 2 alongside at least two other models. 

Once a rare sight, the Staria has grown to be a relatively popular choice among Malaysian MPV buyers, particularly since the more affordable 10-seater variants were introduced in 2022. Now, Hyundai is expanding the lineup once again with the reintroduction of a premium 7-seater (2-2-3) Prestige variant, alongside continued availability of the 10-seater option.

While exact pricing remains unconfirmed until next week’s official reveal, due to the Staria under HMY is to be assembled locally at Inokom’s plant in Kulim, pricing for the new 7-seater Prestige should very likely come in below the RM368,888 previously asked for the outgoing Premium. Meanwhile, the 10-seater range is equally likely to maintain current its pricing which ranges from RM188k to RM216k.

Visually, changes to the new Staria are pretty subtle. It adopts Hyundai’s new flat aluminium badging and the distinctive H-shaped key design from the Ioniq 6. The spotlight, however, shines brightest on the 7-seater Prestige, which takes over from the previous Premium trim first launched in 2021. 

This top-tier version boasts classy brass-finished trim around the grille, mirrors, headlights, and rear bumper, giving it a somewhat more upmarket flair, thought it might not be to everyone’s taste. The interior carries over the Nappa leather upholstery, and although Hyundai has done away with the Alcantara accents on the doors and centre console, the grippy material is used for the cabin headliner.

The Prestige is the most generously equipped with features such as LED headlights, a full-width “unibrow” DRL, Parametric Pixel LED taillights, and a set of striking two-tone 18-inch alloys. Passengers will enjoy powered and ventilated front seats, 2nd-row Premium Relaxation captain’s chairs with ottomans and one-touch recline, dual sunroofs, dual-zone climate control for both front and rear, and a hands-free powered tailgate.

In terms of technology, as before, the Staria sports a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The experience is further enhanced by the addition of a new 12-speaker Bose audio system, Qi wireless charger, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 7-seater Staria Prestige is also equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite that includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane keeping assist, blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert with auto braking, and more. While six airbags are standard, ISOFIX anchor points remain limited to the second row only.

Powering the updated Staria is the familiar 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, producing 177 PS and 431 Nm of torque, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. Despite being a proven performer, this lack of powertrain variety might be something of a sticking point for prospective buyers given how diesel is no longer being subsidised in Malaysia.