We’ve known about the Hyundai Staria’s hybrid version for over two years now, but it has consistently evaded a Philippine release. After appearing on the respective databases of the Land Transportation Office and the Department of Energy in 2025, the electrified minivan has been republished on the latter with fresh 2026 models.
Specifically, these are the Staria HEV GLS and Premium Plus variants. The pair utilizes Hyundai’s SmartStream hybrid powertrain, comprising a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and a 1.48kWh battery. If that sounds familiar to you, then you would’ve recognized that same mill from the hybrid Santa Fe and Tucson. However, interestingly, the Staria makes about 10hp more than the two SUVs, with a listed output of 242hp.
Hyundai Motor Philippines has yet to officially announce anything regarding a new Staria, but it might be time to finally bring this in. The Korean carmaker already has a comprehensive hybrid lineup, but an electrified people carrier would help complete the roster.
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The local automotive landscape has also welcomed many more electric vans, minivans, and MPVs since the hybrid Staria’s global debut in 2024. Chinese carmakers like MG, BYD, and Denza have all brought in their own hybrid people haulers, while BEV sales leader VinFast recently released its own electric seven-seater.
And with diesel prices still unstable, vehicles with little to no thirst have been looking much more attractive lately. The Staria’s twin in the Kia Carnival has also continued to sell its diesel versions alongside its hybrid option.
As Hyundai will not be participating in this year’s Philippine International Motor Show, we likely will not see any announcement within the coming weeks. However, we still have the whole year ahead of us, so stay tuned.
