Hyundai is poised to enter the growing electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market with the Staria EV, set to debut at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show. This move aligns with a broader trend of major automakers – including Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Kia – revitalizing the MPV segment with pure-electric models.
The Staria: A Global Model, New to Some Markets
The Staria has been available in Europe since 2021, but has not yet been sold in the UK. The vehicle received a facelift in late 2025 featuring larger interior screens and chassis tweaks, with electrification as the next major evolution. Hyundai’s announcement of its “biggest EV yet” suggests the Staria EV will be larger than its current flagship, the Ioniq 9, which measures 5,253mm long.
Platform and Range Expectations
Unlike Kia’s PV5, which uses the E-GMP.S platform, the Staria EV is expected to leverage a modified version of the existing N3 platform used in the Tucson and Santa Fe. This is similar to the ST1, Hyundai’s electric van that shares the Staria’s cabin and interior but with a boxy rear. The ST1’s 76.1kWh battery delivers up to 197 miles of range and supports ultra-rapid 350kW charging.
Given Hyundai’s commitment to 800V architecture and the Ioniq 9’s larger 110.3kWh battery, the Staria EV could feature a significantly extended range.
Interior and Competition
The Staria EV’s interior is expected to closely mirror the updated combustion-engine model, retaining twin 12.3-inch displays and physical controls. It will also maintain the ICE Staria’s practicality, offering seating for up to 11 passengers.
The electric Staria will compete directly with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the upcoming Mercedes VLE, and the seven-seat Kia PV5. This competition underscores the rising demand for electric family vehicles as buyers seek more sustainable options without sacrificing space or versatility.
The Staria EV’s debut signals a broader shift within Hyundai towards electrifying its entire lineup, including traditionally combustion-heavy segments like the MPV market.
