As BakuWheels, we've been closely tracking one of the more frustrating stories in the people-mover segment: the Hyundai Staria Hybrid's ongoing towing restriction. Despite being marketed as a premium, versatile family van, the Staria Hybrid has been unable to tow — a significant limitation for buyers who expected the same capability as its petrol counterpart.
The Core Problem
When the Hyundai Staria Hybrid launched, it arrived with a notable asterisk: its towing capacity was listed as "not rated" or effectively zero in most markets including Australia. This was a stark contrast to the standard Staria petrol variants, which carry a braked towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg. For a van positioned as a do-it-all family hauler and light commercial option, this gap was — and continues to be — a significant drawback.
Why Can't the Staria Hybrid Tow?
The issue is rooted in the engineering complexity of the Staria Hybrid's drivetrain. The hybrid system — which pairs a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission — has not yet received the necessary homologation or engineering sign-off to support trailer towing loads. Hyundai has acknowledged that integrating towing capability into the hybrid powertrain requires additional validation work, including stability control calibration, brake system assessment under load, and powertrain durability testing when subjected to towing stress cycles.
In simple terms: the hybrid system needs to prove it can safely and reliably manage the added thermal and mechanical loads that come with towing before Hyundai will give it the green light.
Where Things Stand as of Mid-2026
As of 1 July 2026, the Hyundai Staria Hybrid still does not have an officially approved towing rating in Australia or most other markets where it is sold. Hyundai Australia has continued to communicate that engineers are working on the matter, but no confirmed timeline for a towing-capable update, software patch, or revised homologation has been publicly announced.
This is particularly noteworthy given that the Staria Hybrid has now been on the market for well over a year in several regions. Buyers who purchased the vehicle under the expectation that towing approval would come "soon" are growing increasingly frustrated. Owners have reported that dealers and Hyundai representatives have offered vague timelines with no firm commitment.
Staria Hybrid Specifications at a Glance
- Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol + electric motor
- Combined System Output: Approximately 169 kW
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drive: Front-wheel drive
- Fuel Consumption (claimed): Approximately 8.3–8.9 L/100km
- Towing Capacity (current): Not rated / 0 kg braked
- Payload: Varies by variant
- Seating: Up to 9 passengers depending on configuration
Impact on Buyers
The towing restriction has real-world consequences. Many Staria Hybrid buyers are families who also own caravans, boats, or trailers. The van's hybrid efficiency was a key selling point — promising lower running costs compared to the petrol model — but without towing capability, those buyers are either stuck or forced to retain a second, towing-capable vehicle.
For small business operators who were attracted to the Staria Hybrid's lower fuel costs and the potential for novated lease or business-use efficiency, the inability to tow further narrows its commercial appeal.
Petrol Staria Still the Towing Choice
Until Hyundai resolves the hybrid towing issue, the Hyundai Staria petrol variants remain the only viable choice for buyers who need towing capability. The petrol Staria is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing around 200 kW and is rated to tow up to 2,000 kg braked — making it a genuinely capable family van for those with caravans or trailers in tow.
BakuWheels Perspective
From an automotive journalist's standpoint, this situation reflects a broader challenge in the industry: hybrid and electrified powertrains are not always a drop-in replacement for traditional powertrains when it comes to real-world utility demands like towing. Manufacturers must ensure that the complete engineering validation is done before bringing a product to market — or at the very least, be transparent with buyers about the limitations at the point of sale.
Hyundai's Staria Hybrid is, by many measures, an impressive vehicle. Its efficiency gains over the petrol model are meaningful, its cabin is spacious and well-appointed, and its ride quality is commendable. But a family van that cannot tow is a family van with a significant asterisk — and until Hyundai resolves this issue with a confirmed towing rating, buyers must go in with eyes wide open.
We at BakuWheels will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as soon as Hyundai officially announces a resolution. If you are currently considering a Staria Hybrid purchase and towing is a requirement, our advice is clear: wait for confirmation, or choose the petrol variant.
