Hyundai’s new electric people mover can fit up to nine passengers. The Staria is Hyundai’s biggest EV to date, but this small electric car is coming soon that will likely be an even bigger hit.
Hyundai unveils the Staria Electric, its biggest EV so far
At the Brussels Motor Show on Friday, Hyundai made its presence felt by unveiling the Staria EV, its first electric MPV.
The Staria EV is an all-electric version of the current gas-powered van sold in Europe, South Korea, and other global markets.
According to Hyundai Motor Europe’s President and CEO, Xavier Martinet, the all-electric version delivers the “STARIA’s impressive space and flexibility with a new, fast-charging, high-voltage system and updated interior to deliver practical, efficient electric mobility for real-world use.”
At 5,255 mm (207″) long, 1,995 mm (78″) wide, and 1,990 mm (78″) tall, with a wheelbase of 3,275 mm (129″), the Staria Electric is Hyundai’s largest EV. That’s about 200 mm (8″) longer than the three-row IONIQ 9.
Although the electric version shares a similar design with the current gas model, it stands out with EV elements, including a closed grille and a horizontal light bar.
With a flat-floor design and flexible seating, the interior offers a lounge-like experience that Hyundai said is ideal for families, shuttle operators, and weekend warriors.
Hyundai’s electric van will be available in 7-seater Luxury and 9-seater Wagon models with up to 1,303 liters of luggage capacity behind the third row, or about the same as the Kia PV5 Passenger.
The interior is based on Hyundai’s new “Inside-Out” design theme, featuring Hyundai’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system. The setup includes dual 12″ driver display and infotainment screens with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has plenty of physical buttons for climate control and more.
Inside, Hyundai’s electric van has two sliding doors and a lift-up tailgate, making it easy to get in and out of or to load.
Powered by an 84 kWh battery and 160 kW front-mounted electric motor, the Staria EV delivers an estimated WLTP range of up to 400 km (249 miles).
Thanks to its 800-volt electrical system, Hyundai said the electric van can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes with DC fast charging.
With Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities, the Staria EV can power a campsite, lights, tools, and other electronics using its battery.
A smaller, more affordable EV coming soon
Hyundai’s electric van will go on sale in Korea and Europe in the first half of 2026, followed by other global markets.
Will it launch in the US? Hyundai said it will share more details for other global markets closer to launch in each region.
While the Staria EV is Hyundai’s biggest EV yet, the company offered a closer look at the upcoming IONIQ 3, its first compact electric car under the IONIQ branding.
Hyundai also showcased the Concept Three at the event, a preview of the upcoming IONIQ 3. The IONIQ 3 is the first compact EV under the IONIQ series, slated to sit between the Kona Electric and Inster EV in terms of pricing and size.
The electric hot hatch features “a new typology that reimagines the compact EV silhouette,” according to Hyundai.
Hyundai’s compact EV measures 4,287 mm long, 1,940 mm wide, and 1,428 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,722 mm, or around the size of the Volkswagen ID.3 and Kia EV3.
Hyundai has yet to reveal prices or final specs, but given the Kona Electric starts at about £35,000 ($47,000) in Europe, the IONIQ 3 will likely start closer to £25,000 ($33,700).
The IONIQ 3 will be designed and produced in Europe, “making electric mobility accessible to an even broader audience,” Hyundai said at the Brussels Motor Show. It’s also expected to make its official debut in early 2026 with sales kicking off shortly after.
Kia’s compact electric car, the EV3, had an impressive first full year of sales, ranking among the top-selling EVs across several overseas markets, including the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe. Will the IONIQ 3 attract the same demand? That’s what Hyundai is betting on.
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