Volkswagen Transporter 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.
Volkswagen Transporter
From $58,590
Van
Diesel
2.0L TDI turbo-diesel
125kW
7.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
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 Volkswagen Transporter starts from $58,590 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 $10,850.
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 $64,449 and $52,514 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Transporter stands out with head-up display that you will not find on the Hyundai Staria-Load. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Transporter uses a 2.0L TDI turbo-diesel producing 125kW and 390Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
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 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Transporter measures 5,050mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, 203mm shorter than the Hyundai Staria-Load at 5,253mm (3,273mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Staria-Load generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Hyundai Staria-Load 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 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 $2,109/year for the Volkswagen Transporter and $1,995/year for the Hyundai Staria-Load. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Staria-Load.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Volkswagen Transporter) vs $1,995 (Hyundai Staria-Load). 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 (Volkswagen Transporter) vs 5 years / 160,000km (Hyundai Staria-Load). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Transporter if: You or prefer Volkswagen'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
The Hyundai Staria-Load takes 3 of 3 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Hyundai Staria-Load will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen Transporter and Hyundai Staria-Load?
The Hyundai Staria-Load is the cheapest at $47,740 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Transporter by $10,850.
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 can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Transporter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Staria-Load makes the most power at 130kW.
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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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