Volkswagen Crafter vs Hyundai Staria
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.
Volkswagen Crafter
From $70,990
People Mover
Diesel
Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI
130kW
8.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
2530L
Hyundai Staria
From $50,500
People Mover
Petrol
Petrol
200kW
10.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
831L
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Crafter starts from $70,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Staria opens at $50,500. That makes the Hyundai Staria the more affordable entry point by $20,490.
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 $78,089 and $55,550 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Crafter by roughly $2,850 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 Volkswagen Crafter features a 10.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Staria gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Crafter uses a Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI producing 130kW and 410Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic w/ torque converter to a FWD layout.
The Hyundai Staria responds with a Petrol making 200kW and 331Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Hyundai Staria has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 130kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Crafter measures 5,986mm long on a 3,640mm wheelbase, 733mm longer than the Hyundai Staria at 5,253mm (3,273mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Crafter generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 2530L in the Volkswagen Crafter and 831L in the Hyundai Staria, giving the Volkswagen Crafter a 1699L advantage. The Volkswagen Crafter seats 12 vs 8.
For towing, the Hyundai Staria leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 0kg 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 14.0m
Based on 14.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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 $2,423/year for the Volkswagen Crafter and $2,993/year for the Hyundai Staria. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Crafter.
Estimated annual total: $2,423 (Volkswagen Crafter) vs $2,993 (Hyundai Staria). The Volkswagen Crafter saves you roughly $570 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Volkswagen Crafter) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Staria). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Crafter if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Staria if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Volkswagen Crafter and Hyundai Staria trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Volkswagen Crafter will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Crafter 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, Volkswagen Crafter and Hyundai Staria?
The Hyundai Staria is the cheapest at $50,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Crafter by $20,490.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Crafter uses the least fuel at 8.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Staria all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Crafter has the largest boot at 2530L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Crafter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Staria makes the most power at 200kW.
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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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