If you are looking for a family-friendly vehicle that offers ample space, comfort, and convenience, you might be interested in minivans.
These versatile vehicles have evolved over the years to meet the changing needs and preferences of drivers and passengers.
However, with so many minivans on the market, how do you choose the best one for your family? In this article, we will compare two of the most popular minivans in 2024: the Toyota Granvia and the Hyundai Staria.
This article is designed to help you make a smart and informed choice. We will cover the most important factors that you should consider when buying a minivan, such as engine power, fuel efficiency, interior space, design, technology, safety, brand reputation, and target market.
By the time you finish reading this article, you will have a clear idea of which minivan is the perfect fit for your family and lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Key Similarities: Toyota Granvia vs. Hyundai Staria
Both the Toyota Granvia and Hyundai Staria are minivans designed for families and individuals in need of spacious, comfortable, and versatile vehicles.
Despite being from different brands, they have some significant similarities.
Category and Purpose
Both are categorized as minivans, emphasizing space, comfort, and practicality for families and larger groups.
Passenger Capacity
Both provide seating configurations for up to 8 or 9 passengers, which is ideal for accommodating large families or group transportation needs.
Market Positioning
Both cater to the same market segment, aiming to provide a high-end experience within the minivan category. This results in incorporating features and amenities focused on comfort, convenience, and safety.
New Market Entrants
Both of these vehicles are new to the market, providing a contemporary perspective on the traditional minivan concept.
Engine Specifications
Although both the Toyota Granvia and Hyundai Staria are minivans, there are significant differences in their engine options.
Toyota Granvia
Engine: 3.5L V6 gasoline engine
Horsepower: 296 hp
Torque: 267 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) only
Hyundai Staria
Engine: 2.2L turbocharged inline-4 diesel engine
Horsepower: 201 hp
Torque: 310 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) only
Key Differences:
Engine Type: Granvia utilizes a larger gasoline V6 engine, while Staria uses a smaller, fuel-efficient diesel engine.
Power and Torque: Granvia offers significantly more horsepower, potentially translating to better acceleration and towing capacity. However, Staria’s higher torque figure might be advantageous for handling heavier loads.
Transmission: Granvia uses a 6-speed automatic, while Staria has an 8-speed automatic, potentially offering smoother gear changes and improved fuel efficiency.
Drivetrain: Granvia is only available in RWD, while Staria is solely offered in FWD. This might be a deciding factor for some buyers based on their preference and typical driving conditions.
Performance & Fuel Economy
Performance
Toyota Granvia
Equipped with a larger 3.5L V6 engine, the Granvia enjoys a significant power advantage over the Staria. This results in faster acceleration, particularly when carrying a full load or towing a trailer.
Nonetheless, the Granvia’s heavier weight and RWD drivetrain could potentially lead to less nimble handling when compared to the Staria.
Hyundai Staria
With its smaller 2.2L diesel engine, the Staria has a lower overall power output compared to the Granvia.
This might result in less energetic acceleration, but the higher torque figure could enhance the driving experience, particularly when carrying a full load, thanks to its pulling power.
Furthermore, the FWD drivetrain of the Staria may provide slightly improved handling, especially in challenging road conditions.
Fuel Economy
Toyota Granvia
The Granvia’s larger gasoline engine is likely to have lower fuel efficiency than the Staria’s diesel engine.
Actual fuel consumption numbers can be greatly influenced by driving behaviors and usual cargo loads.
Hyundai Staria
The diesel engine in the Staria is recognized for its fuel efficiency, potentially resulting in substantial fuel cost savings in comparison to the Granvia, particularly for those who drive often.
Driving Experience
Although the Toyota Granvia and Hyundai Staria are both minivans focused on comfort and practicality, variations in factors such as engine type, drivetrain, and suspension setup result in different driving experiences for each.
Toyota Granvia
Powerful V6 engine:
Provides brisk acceleration and agile handling, particularly when not carrying a load.
RWD drivetrain:
May exhibit slightly reduced agility compared to FWD, particularly in tight corners or slippery conditions.
Firmer suspension:
May provide a more captivating driving experience for certain individuals, yet this could result in a slightly rougher ride on uneven roads.
Hyundai Staria
Turbocharged diesel engine
Delivers smooth and powerful torque, possibly offering a more comfortable ride when fully loaded.
FWD drivetrain
Provides excellent handling and maneuverability, especially in urban settings and confined spaces.
Softer suspension
Emphasizes comfort and may offer a more cushioned ride on bumpy roads, although it could be perceived as less engaging by certain drivers.
Space and practicality
The Toyota Granvia and Hyundai Staria are both focused on providing spacious and practical solutions for families and large groups.
Although they have comparable passenger capacities, they vary in some practical features.
Passenger Capacity and Seating
Both offer configurations for seating 7 to 8 passengers, depending on the chosen trim level.
The Granvia might offer slightly more legroom in the third row compared to the Staria, especially for adults.
Some Granvia trims offer second-row captain’s chairs for improved individual comfort, while the Staria utilizes a bench seat in most trims.
Cargo Space
Hyundai Staria generally offers more overall cargo space behind the third row than the Granvia.
The Granvia’s cargo space can be significantly limited when all seats are in use, while the Staria’s third row can be folded flat to create more cargo space.
Both offer cargo features like tie-down points, luggage hooks, and under-floor storage compartments.
Other Practical Features
Sliding doors: Both vehicles offer power-sliding side doors for easy access to all passenger rows.
Sunroofs: Both offer sunroof options, potentially enhancing the feeling of spaciousness.
In-cabin storage: Both offer various storage compartments like cupholders, door pockets, and overhead compartments for storing belongings.
Interior style and Exterior design
Although both the Toyota Granvia and Hyundai Staria emphasize functionality, their design strategies vary to suit different aesthetic tastes:
Toyota Granvia
Exterior
Conservative and sophisticated design: Showcases a neat and slightly boxy outline with classic minivan proportions.
Chrome accents and bold grille: Exude a sense of premiumness and presence.
Available in various exterior colors to suit different tastes.
Interior
Focuses on comfort and luxury: Utilizes high-quality materials like leather and soft-touch plastics.
Traditional layout: Features a clear separation between the driver’s cockpit, passenger area, and infotainment system.
Focus on functionality: Offers plenty of storage compartments and practical features like cupholders and USB ports.
Hyundai Staria
Exterior
Modern and futuristic design: Features a bold and distinctive look with a boxy shape and sharp lines.
Unique lighting elements: Include LED daytime running lights and taillights that contribute to the modern aesthetic.
Offered in a variety of exterior colors, including some eye-catching options.
Interior
Minimalist and tech-oriented: Features a clean and uncluttered layout with a focus on digital displays and touch controls.
Wraparound dashboard design: Creates a sense of spaciousness and modernity.
Focuses on passenger comfort: Offers features like individual climate control and comfortable seating.
Technology features
Infotainment System
Toyota Granvia
Standard 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Optional navigation system and premium sound system available.
Interface might feel slightly outdated compared to the Staria.
Hyundai Staria
Larger standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Optional features like a panoramic sunroof and rear-seat entertainment system.
Generally considered to have a more modern and user-friendly interface compared to the Granvia.
Driver-Assistance Features
Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as standard or optional:
Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (AEB)
Lane departure warning with lane keeping assist
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Adaptive cruise control
The Staria might offer a few additional features, such as highway driving assist and driver attention monitoring, depending on the chosen trim level.
Comfort Amenities
Both vehicles offer various comfort amenities:
Heated and ventilated seats (optional in some trims)
Multi-zone climate control
Power-adjustable driver’s seat
Panoramic sunroof (optional in both)
The Granvia might offer unique comfort features like second-row captain’s chairs with individual armrests and ottomans (depending on the trim).
Safety & security
Both the Toyota Granvia and Hyundai Staria place a high emphasis on passenger safety, boasting impressive safety ratings from respected organizations and a wide range of safety features.
Let’s delve deeper into their safety offerings:
Safety Ratings:
Toyota Granvia:
5-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP)
Hyundai Staria:
5-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP)
Standard Safety Features
Airbags: Both offer a comprehensive set of airbags, including frontal, side, curtain, and driver’s knee airbags.
Automatic Emergency Braking(AEB): Both feature AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Both come with LDW and lane-keeping assist (LKA) to help prevent accidental lane drifting.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Both offer BSM with rear cross-traffic alert to warn of approaching vehicles in your blind spot.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Both offer ACC to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Additional Features
Toyota Granvia
May include features such as optional rear cross-traffic braking assist in select trims.
Hyundai Staria
Could include features such as highway driving assist and driver attention monitoring, based on the trim level selected.
Brand image and reputation
The brand image and reputation play vital roles for numerous car buyers, shaping their views on quality, reliability, and value. Here’s an analysis of the brand perceptions linked with Toyota and Hyundai:
Toyota
Strong brand image: Toyota enjoys a long-standing reputation for reliability, durability, and resale value.
Known for its focus on quality and safety.
Perceived as a conservative and dependable brand by many consumers.
Hyundai
Evolving brand image: In recent years, Hyundai has significantly improved its brand image by focusing on design, technology, and value.
Still perceived by some as a more budget-oriented brand compared to Toyota.
Target Audience
Although the Toyota Granvia and Hyundai Staria both serve the needs of families and individuals looking for spacious and comfortable minivans, their target demographics may vary slightly depending on factors such as brand reputation, features, and overall value proposition.
Toyota Granvia
Attracts customers who value a strong brand reputation and high resale value.
Caters to individuals looking for a luxurious and plush minivan experience with premium materials and features, often available in higher trim levels.
Could draw in buyers who appreciate Toyota’s conservative and reliable brand image.
Hyundai Staria
Appeals to buyers who appreciate contemporary design, advanced technology, and possibly competitive pricing.
Attracts individuals looking for a minivan with abundant features, emphasizing innovation and value.
Could draw in buyers willing to explore a newer brand known for its quality and technological advancements.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Feature
Toyota Granvia
Hyundai Staria
Engine Type
3.5L V6 gasoline
2.2L turbocharged diesel
Horsepower
296 hp
201 hp
Torque
267 lb-ft
310 lb-ft
Transmission
6-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Fuel Economy
Lower
Higher
Driving Experience
More powerful, less agile
Less powerful, more comfortable ride
Passenger Capacity
7 to 8
7 to 8
Cargo Space
Less, especially with all seats up
More, especially with seats folded
Interior Style
Traditional and luxurious
Modern and minimalist
Exterior Design
Conservative and sophisticated
Modern and futuristic
Infotainment System
8-inch touchscreen, optional navigation
10.25-inch touchscreen, more modern interface
Driver-Assistance Features
Comprehensive suite
Comprehensive suite, potentially with additional features in higher trims
Comfort Amenities
Various features, optional captain’s chairs (some trims)
Various features
Safety Ratings
5-star ANCAP
5-star ANCAP
Brand Image
Established, reliable, strong resale value
Evolving, modern, competitive pricing
Target Audience
Prioritizes brand reputation and luxury
Values modern features, technology, and potentially better value
FAQ
Which is bigger Starex or Staria?
The Hyundai Staria is bigger than the Hyundai Grand Starex in terms of length, width, and wheelbase. The Staria measures 5253 mm in length, 1997 mm in width, and 3273 mm in wheelbase, while the Grand Starex measures 5150 mm in length, 1920 mm in width, and 3200 mm in wheelbase. However, the Grand Starex is slightly taller than the Staria, with a height of 1925 mm compared to 1990 mm for the Staria.
Is Staria coming to India?
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What engine is in a Toyota Granvia?
The Toyota Granvia has different engine options depending on the market and model year. Some of the engines are: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, 3.5-litre V6 petrol, 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol3, and 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.
Is the Toyota Granvia FWD or RWD?
The Toyota Granvia is a rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicle. This means that the engine delivers power to the rear wheels, rather than the front wheels (FWD) or all four wheels (AWD or 4WD).