Hyundai Staria vs BMW 1 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Staria starts from $50,500 before on-road costs, while the BMW 1 Series opens at $57,600. That makes the Hyundai Staria the more affordable entry point by $7,100.
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 $55,550 and $63,360 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW 1 Series by roughly $5,985 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Staria and BMW 1 Series hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Hyundai Staria and 83% for the BMW 1 Series.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW 1 Series packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Hyundai Staria.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Staria and 6 in the BMW 1 Series.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Staria features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the BMW 1 Series gets a 10.7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Staria stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the BMW 1 Series. The BMW 1 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Staria uses a Petrol producing 200kW and 331Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The BMW 1 Series responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Hyundai Staria has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 1 Series is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Staria measures 5,253mm long on a 3,273mm wheelbase, 884mm longer than the BMW 1 Series at 4,369mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Staria generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 703L in the Hyundai Staria and 380L in the BMW 1 Series, giving the Hyundai Staria a 323L advantage. The Hyundai Staria seats 8 vs 5.
For towing, the Hyundai Staria leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 12.6m
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $2,993/year for the Hyundai Staria and $1,796/year for the BMW 1 Series. That is a $1,197 annual difference in favour of the BMW 1 Series.
Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Hyundai Staria) vs $1,796 (BMW 1 Series). The BMW 1 Series saves you roughly $1,197 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Staria) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 1 Series). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Staria if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 1 Series if: You want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Staria takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW 1 Series will save you roughly $1,197 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Staria 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 and BMW 1 Series?
The Hyundai Staria is the cheapest at $50,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 1 Series by $7,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 1 Series uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Staria and BMW 1 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Staria has the largest boot at 703L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Staria has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Staria makes the most power at 200kW. The BMW 1 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
