VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
125 kW
Torque
430 Nm
390 Nm
Fuel
8.7 l/100km
8.0 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
2800 Kg
0-100 km/h
12.4 s
—
Engine
2199 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Staria and the Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Hyundai Staria delivers 130 kW while the Volkswagen Transporter produces 125 kW. On fuel, the Staria returns 8.7 l/100km while the Transporter uses 8.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 079 900 for the Staria and R1 102 800 for the Transporter. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
130 kW
125 kW
Torque
430 Nm
390 Nm
0-100 kph
12.4 s
—
Top Speed
185 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2199 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.7 l/100km
8.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
75 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
189 g/km
209 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5253 mm
5050 mm
Width
1997 mm
2032 mm
Height
1990 mm
1978 mm
Wheelbase
3273 mm
3100 mm
Ground Clearance
186 mm
164 mm
Kerb Weight
2200 Kg
1912 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
9
8
Load Volume
831-1303 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2800 Kg
Load Capacity
830 l
1313 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
3
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Staria
Fuel Economy
Transporter
Value
Staria
Practicality
Transporter
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Staria
More powerful engine (130 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 079 900)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.7 l/100km)
Volkswagen Transporter
Better fuel economy (8.0 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2800 Kg)
Less power than rival (125 kW vs 130 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Staria or Transporter?
The Staria uses 8.7 l/100km and the Transporter uses 8.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Transporter is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Staria or Transporter?
The Staria produces 130 kW and 430 Nm of torque while the Transporter delivers 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque. The Staria is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Staria and Transporter?
The Staria starts from R1 079 900 and the Transporter from R1 102 800. The Staria is cheaper by R22 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Staria or Transporter?
The Staria has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Transporter can tow 2800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Staria or the Transporter?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.