Hyundai Staria vs GAC M8
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular People Movers 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 GAC M8 opens at $76,590. That makes the Hyundai Staria the more affordable entry point by $26,090.
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 $84,249 respectively.
The GAC M8 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Hyundai Staria, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GAC M8 by roughly $13,500 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Staria and GAC M8 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GAC M8 packs more ADAS features with 8 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 7 in the GAC M8. The GAC M8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Hyundai Staria misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GAC M8 counters with wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate, GAC Premium audio and ambient lighting that the Hyundai Staria does not offer. 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 GAC M8 responds with a Petrol Turbo making 140kW and 330Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Hyundai Staria has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the GAC M8 is 1.0s 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, 41mm longer than the GAC M8 at 5,212mm (3,070mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Staria generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 703L in the Hyundai Staria and 800L in the GAC M8, giving the GAC M8 a 97L advantage. The Hyundai Staria seats 8 vs 7.
For towing, the Hyundai Staria leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.6m to 12.8m
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.8m 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 $293/year for the GAC M8. That is a $2,700 annual difference in favour of the GAC M8.
Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Hyundai Staria) vs $293 (GAC M8). The GAC M8 saves you roughly $2,700 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 8 years / 150,000km (GAC M8). The GAC M8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Staria if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GAC M8 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GAC M8 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The GAC M8 will save you roughly $2,700 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the GAC M8 has a clear edge. The GAC M8 adds peace of mind with a longer 8-year warranty. 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 GAC M8?
The Hyundai Staria is the cheapest at $50,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GAC M8 by $26,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GAC M8 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Staria and GAC M8 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The GAC M8 has the largest boot at 800L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Staria has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GAC M8 has the longest warranty at 8 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Staria makes the most power at 200kW. The GAC M8 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.5s.
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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