Ford Transit vs Hyundai Staria-Load
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Vans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Ford Transit
From $69,990
Van
Diesel
Diesel
121kW
8.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
9000L
Hyundai Staria-Load
From $47,740
Van
Diesel
Diesel I4 Turbo CRDi
130kW
7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
4935L
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Price Breakdown
The Ford Transit starts from $69,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Staria-Load opens at $47,740. That makes the Hyundai Staria-Load the more affordable entry point by $22,250.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $76,989 and $52,514 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Staria-Load by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Transit features a 12-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Staria-Load gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford Transit stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Hyundai Staria-Load. The Hyundai Staria-Load counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford Transit uses a Diesel producing 121kW and 390Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12 seconds.
The Hyundai Staria-Load responds with a Diesel I4 Turbo CRDi making 130kW and 430Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic w/ sequential manual driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.4 seconds.
The Hyundai Staria-Load has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 121kW. In the real-world sprint, the Ford Transit is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Transit measures 5,981mm long on a 3,750mm wheelbase, 728mm longer than the Hyundai Staria-Load at 5,253mm (3,273mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Transit generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 9000L in the Ford Transit and 4935L in the Hyundai Staria-Load, giving the Ford Transit a 4065L advantage. The Ford Transit seats 3 vs 2.
For towing, the Ford Transit leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m diameter
Average
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,337/year for the Ford Transit and $1,995/year for the Hyundai Staria-Load. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Staria-Load.
Estimated annual total: $2,337 (Ford Transit) vs $1,995 (Hyundai Staria-Load). The Hyundai Staria-Load saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit) vs 5 years / 160,000km (Hyundai Staria-Load). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Transit if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Staria-Load if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Ford Transit and Hyundai Staria-Load trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Hyundai Staria-Load will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Ford Transit has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Transit and Hyundai Staria-Load?
The Hyundai Staria-Load is the cheapest at $47,740 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Transit by $22,250.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Staria-Load uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Staria-Load all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Ford Transit has the largest boot at 9000L.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Transit has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Staria-Load makes the most power at 130kW. The Ford Transit is quickest to 100km/h in 12s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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