Hyundai Staria Hybrid can't tow – for now

The Hyundai Staria people mover and Staria Load commercial van have gained a hybrid powertrain as part of an update, but unlike the diesel and petrol models, the new powertrain doesn't yet have an official towing rating.

Already used in other Hyundai models sold in Australia, the hybrid combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a 1.49kWh battery, producing a combined 180kW/304Nm and driving the front wheels.

On paper, the advantages include claimed combined fuel economy of 6.5L/100km, improving on the 130kW/430Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel's 7.0L/100km.

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Yet while the diesel is rated to tow 2500kg, and the upcoming electric Staria Load 2000kg, official specifications released by Hyundai list the hybrid's braked towing capacity as 0kg.

“[Staria Load] Hybrid is currently not engineered for towing,” a Hyundai Australia spokesperson told CarExpert.

It's unclear whether the lack of a towing rating reflects the Staria Load Hybrid's actual capability. The same powertrain is used in the Kia Carnival Hybrid, which carries an official 1000kg braked towing rating.

While Hyundai wouldn't comment further, a towing rating may be applied in the future.

Hyundai Australia chief operating officer Gavin Donaldson said the current lack of a towing rating won't impact sales.

“We do see people tow with it, but [towing capacity is] not purely and simply the number one priority of buying that van,” Mr Donaldson said.

“At this stage, if they are towing, having the diesel option will give us that potential to still keep them within the market.”

The only other hybrid commercial van currently on sale in Australia is the Ford Transit Custom, which uses a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. It has a 2300kg braked towing capacity and includes a Tow Haul driving mode.

A Staria Load electric vehicle (EV) is scheduled to arrive later this year and is expected to account for five per cent of Staria Load sales, with the diesel tipped to make up 50 per cent and the hybrid 45 per cent.

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