Hyundai Staria-Load vs Toyota HiAce
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.

Hyundai Staria-Load
From $47,740
Van
Diesel
Diesel I4 Turbo CRDi
130kW
7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
4935L

Toyota HiAce
From $51,880
Van
Diesel
Diesel
130kW
7.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
6200L
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Staria-Load starts from $47,740 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiAce opens at $51,880. That makes the Hyundai Staria-Load the more affordable entry point by $4,140.
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 $52,514 and $57,068 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Staria-Load and Toyota HiAce hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Staria-Load packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Toyota HiAce.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Staria-Load and 8 in the Toyota HiAce. The Hyundai Staria-Load adds a 360-degree camera that the Toyota HiAce misses.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Staria-Load features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Toyota HiAce gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Staria-Load stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Toyota HiAce. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Staria-Load uses a Diesel I4 Turbo CRDi producing 130kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic w/ sequential manual to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.4 seconds.
The Toyota HiAce responds with a Diesel making 130kW and 420Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota HiAce is 3.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Staria-Load measures 5,253mm long on a 3,273mm wheelbase, 12mm shorter than the Toyota HiAce at 5,265mm (3,210mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Staria-Load generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 4935L in the Hyundai Staria-Load and 6200L in the Toyota HiAce, giving the Toyota HiAce a 1265L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Staria-Load leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,900kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 13.2m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.2m 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 $1,995/year for the Hyundai Staria-Load and $2,109/year for the Toyota HiAce. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Staria-Load.
Estimated annual total: $1,995 (Hyundai Staria-Load) vs $2,109 (Toyota HiAce). The Hyundai Staria-Load saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 160,000km (Hyundai Staria-Load) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiAce). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Staria-Load if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota HiAce if: You need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Staria-Load takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Hyundai Staria-Load will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota HiAce 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, Hyundai Staria-Load and Toyota HiAce?
The Hyundai Staria-Load is the cheapest at $47,740 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota HiAce by $4,140.
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 and Toyota HiAce all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota HiAce has the largest boot at 6200L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Staria-Load has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
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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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