2024 Hyundai Staria Hybrid confirmed: Domestic market pre-orders open for new petrol-electric hybrid version of Kia Carnival rival. But will it come to Australia?

After much speculation, Hyundai Motor Company has confirmed a hybrid version of its Staria people mover, with pre-orders opening overnight prior to the new model hitting the domestic South Korean market in March.

Powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol/electric hybrid combination, Hyundai claims fuel-efficiency of up to 7.7L/100km, which is appreciably better than the current 2.2-litre turbo-diesel's 8.2L/100km.

Boasting combined outputs of 183kW/367Nm (the engine alone produces 134kW/265Nm) the updated 2024 Staria also features standard 17-inch alloy rims, front parking distance warning, an 8.0-inch audio display, and rear monitor.

At this stage offered in the Staria passenger vehicle, but not the Staria Load commercial van, the new Hybrid will retail for 36.53 million won in nine-seat Korean Tourer grade, which on a direct conversion translates to around AU$42,000.

The updated 2024 Staria also features standard front parking distance warning, an 8.0-inch audio display, and rear monitor.

The more premium Lounge model, likely closer to Australian entry specification, sits at the equivalent of $53,000. 

In Australia, the Staria’s starting price is $52,000 before on-road costs, rising to $60K for the Elite grade and $67K for the top-spec Highlander.

Hyundai claims fuel-efficiency of up to 7.7L/100km, which is appreciably better than the current 2.2-litre turbo-diesel's 8.2L/100km.

When asked if the Staria Hybrid is a candidate for local sale a Hyundai Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide, “Staria Hybrid is currently only available in the domestic (Korean) market.

"We are very keen to add Staria Hybrid to our rapidly expanding hybrid portfolio down under, however nothing is confirmed at this time.”