Designed with families in mind, the STARIA passenger range currently has two  8-seat models and the flagship 7-seat STARIA Lounge Hybrid, giving buyers plenty of choice depending on whether practicality or luxury is the priority.

Engine choice is another highlight. The Australian range offers petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines, with the new STARIA Lounge Hybrid adding an especially appealing option for families wanting smoother, more efficient urban driving.

At the more practical end, the standard STARIA focuses on maximum passenger and cargo flexibility. Its spacious cabin, wide-opening doors and adaptable seating make it easy to accommodate children, grandparents, luggage, prams, and sporting equipment.

Hyundai’s long-sliding seat design allows the interior to be reconfigured between passenger comfort and cargo space, while rear seating can provide a flat load area when required.

For those wanting a more luxurious experience, the STARIA Lounge Hybrid takes things considerably further. Its seven-seat configuration includes premium first- and second-row recliner seats, creating a genuine lounge-like environment for longer journeys.

Ultimately, STARIA’s biggest strength is versatility: it can function as a practical family shuttle during the week, a spacious holiday vehicle on weekends and, in Lounge form, a genuinely luxurious people mover.

Pricing is from $54,300 through to $73,740 dollars plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

A full review of the STARIA Lounge Hybrid can be found HERE

Readers can find all the STARIA Lounge Hybrid specifications HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE STARIA Lounge Hybrid – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW.

Instead of the Hyundai Staria  – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Kia Carnival , LDV Mifa, Ford Tourneo, GAC M8 PHEV, VW Multivan

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

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Powered by an 84-kWh battery that provides up to 450km WLTP range. This provides some 160kW of power and 350Nm of torque. This is based on Hyundai’s advanced 800V E-GMP architecture, enabling a 350kW DC fast-charge from 10 to 80 percent in 20 minutes.

The EV model joins the 2.2L turbo diesel and the 1.6 T Hybrid versions giving buyers a complete choice of powerplants.

All models have a 4,935-litre cargo capacity and a 1,005kg payload and 2,000kg braked towing capacity.

The manufacturer offers all three powertrain options in a two-seat configuration with a choice of Liftback or Twin Swing rear doors. An interior Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) outlet allows users to power electrical equipment via a standard three-pin outlet in the cargo area using STARIA Load Electric’s high-voltage battery.

Dealers price STARIA Load Electric from $70,990 plus the usual costs. An all-electric delivery van makes sense, especially when businesses have a charging base at their depot, where they can load and charge at the same time.

However, when dealers price the Staria Load 2.2L turb diesel version from $49,990 plus the usual costs, it is some $21,000 cheaper than the EV version. Customers need to use a lot of fuel cost before they make up the purchase price difference.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Staria Load EV can be found HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Staria Load EV  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

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But the IONIQ 5 has settled into being the sensible, grown-up choice, not the showstopper.

Inside is where it quietly earns its keep. A flat floor, a sliding console, and a three-metre wheelbase, longer than a LandCruiser, mean genuine limousine-grade legroom for the family.

The numbers are honest, not thrilling. An 84 kilowatt-hour battery, 168 kilowatts, 570 kilometres of range, and zero to 100 in a perfectly fine 7.5 seconds. But the clever bit isn’t any single number, it’s how complete it is. The physical buttons are back, it finally has a rear wiper, and there’s simply no flaw left to forgive.

On the road, it’s the ultimate cruiser, ironing out our roads with a planted, luxurious calm. Phenomenally quiet, too.

520-litre boot. Vehicle-to-Load. Five-star ANCAP. Five-year unlimited warranty. Around $84,000 drive-away.

The IONIQ 5. It doesn’t need to be exciting to be easy to recommend.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Zac Hough

Readers can see the full specifications Hyundai IONIQ 5 Elite HERE 

A full review of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 Elite can be found HERE

 TO LISTEN TO THE IONIQ 5 Elite – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

 Hyundai IONIQ 5– Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the IONIQ 5 Elite are in unusual territory. The number of sedans is reducing with many crossover style vehicles moving into the space.

Potential choices could be.

• Deepal SO7
• Kia EV5, 
• Peugeot e-3008
• Suzuki e-Vitara
• Subaru Solterra,
• LeapMotor C10 
• Toyota BZ4X
• Xpeng G6

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Elite. No drama. Just does the job. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Inside, the comfort and little touches—especially in the Calligraphy model—are exactly what you’d hope for. That said, even the lower-spec versions are still really well equipped, which is great to see.

The front seats are both heated and cooled, with plenty of electric adjustments, so it’s easy to get comfortable no matter how long the drive (or how little sleep you’ve had!).

In the top-spec model, you also get twin wireless charging pads, which I found surprisingly handy—no more fighting over who gets to charge their phone.

I also love the one-touch power windows with an anti-pinch feature. It’s one of those small things that makes a big difference when you’ve got little ones in the car.

Another standout is how quiet it is inside, thanks to the acoustic glass. It’s almost whisper-quiet, which means you can play that all-important music or white noise softly to help bub drift off to sleep—without road noise getting in the way.

And of course, as mums know, having enough space for all the gear is necessary. The boot space is fantastic when you’re using it as a five-seater. That boxy shape really works in your favour—there’s plenty of room for the pram, bags, groceries, and everything else that comes with mum life. The tailgate opens nice and high too, so no bumped heads (even my husband fits comfortably underneath!). Packing everything in felt easy and stress-free.

If I had to pick, I’d go for the Calligraphy seven-seat all-wheel-drive hybrid. It really feels like the best of everything—space, comfort, efficiency, and all the features you could want.

It is starting to get up there in price, from around $77,000 plus on-road costs—but it does feel worth it for what you get.

This is a Motoring Minute.
I’m Brianna Fraser.

Previous Hyundai Santa Fe Motoring Minute reviews 

• Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 2
• Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 1
• Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy revisited for 2025
• Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander Hybrid 2023 Review

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Santa Fe – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Santa Fe – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Santa Fe – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Santa Fe are in a crowded segment. There is a LOT to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mazda CX-90, Mazda CX-80, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Nissan Pathfinder

Some more left field choices could be Subaru Outback, KGM Rexton, GWM Tank 500 HEV,

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Hyundai Santa Fe – baby duties week 3 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

As you’d expect, the Santa Fe has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which is reassuring straight away. But it’s the everyday safety features that really stood out to me.

For starters, there are front and side curtain airbags that extend right through to the second row, helping keep bub nicely protected.

The driver display is clear and easy to read, and the controls for the main screen are simple to use without taking your eyes off the road—something you really notice when you’ve got precious cargo on board.

Parking is also much less stressful thanks to the sensors and the surround-view camera, which is a lifesaver in tight car parks (especially when you’re juggling kids and distractions).

One feature I really love is the blind spot monitor, which shows up right in the driver’s display when you indicate—super handy for lane changes. There’s also a warning if you go to open the door and a car is coming, which is such a thoughtful touch when you’ve got little ones in the back.

I also appreciate that things like the headlights, high beams, and even the wipers are automatic. It’s one less thing to think about, so you can stay focused on driving safely.

And honestly, part of safety as a mum is just having enough space to store everything properly. The boot space in the Santa Fe is fantastic when you’re using it as a five-seater. That boxy shape really comes in handy—there’s plenty of room for the pram, nappy bags, groceries, and all the extras. The tailgate opens nice and high too, so no bumped heads (even my husband fits comfortably underneath!). Packing up for the day felt really easy.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 1

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Santa Fe – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Santa Fe – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Santa Fe – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Santa Fe are in a crowded segment. There is a LOT to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mazda CX-90, Mazda CX-80, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Nissan Pathfinder

Some more left field choices could be Subaru Outback, KGM Rexton, GWM Tank 500 HEV,

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 2 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It’s a brand-new model, and it really stands out on the road. The front is sleek, while the back has more of a boxy shape. I actually really like this look—and it turns out that boxy rear is super practical too.

There are three different versions to choose from, with the top model offering either six or seven seats.

You can also pick between two engines: a 2.5L turbo petrol or a 1.6L turbo petrol hybrid. Personally, I’d go for the hybrid—it’s a great mix of power for family road trips, while still being fuel-efficient for everyday mum life.

Inside, the Santa Fe feels really spacious and comfy. The front seats are lovely, but it’s the back that really shines for mums. The rear doors open nice and wide, making it much easier to get a baby seat in and out—or gently place a sleeping bub without too much hassle (a big win!).

It also comes with ISOFIX and top tether points for both the second and third row seats. So, you’ve got that extra peace of mind when it comes to safety.

Like most SUVs this size, the third row is better suited for occasional use rather than everyday seating, especially for older kids or adults.

We will chat more about the Sant Fe next week.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Santa Fe – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Santa Fe – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Santa Fe – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Santa Fe are in a crowded segment. There is a LOT to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mazda CX-90, Mazda CX-80, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Nissan Pathfinder

Some more left field choices could be Subaru Outback, KGM Rexton, GWM Tank 500 HEV,

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 1 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Palisade comes in one highly specified model. The Calligraphy.

Performance comes from a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine paired with a six-speed transmission. For a large SUV, it feels surprisingly smooth and economical, especially around town — which is where most of my driving seems to happen these days.

The all-wheel drive system also adds a layer of reassurance in wet or slippery conditions, something I definitely value more now that I’ve got precious cargo on board.

For a large SUV, and it is large, it doesn’t feel that big when driving it. That comes from how quiet and smooth the hybrid engine is and how well it responds to driver inputs.

Tight  suburban car parks aren’t an issue, and the surround view monitor makes reversing into carparks so easy.

One thing I haven’t mentioned is the audio quality. While a 14-speaker BOSE sound system might be slightly over the top for nursery rhymes, I have to admit it does make those baby playlists sound beautifully soothing on longer drives.

Pricing for the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is from around $90,000 dollars plus the usual costs. That’s a lot, but you get a lot for your money.

Overall, the Palisade is a safe, comfortable and pleasant vehicle to drove. It definitely gets the mum and bub tick of approval.

Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid is Mum life Upgraded

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

All the specifications can be found HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid– RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Palisade – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Palisade could look at :

• Mazda CX-90, 
• Nissan Pathfinder, 
• Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, 
• Subaru Outback, 
• Lexus RX, 
• Toyota Kluger Grande

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid Baby Duties week three appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It comes in one beautifully finished luxury model, the Calligraphy, and my first impressions were incredibly positive.

As a new mum, comfort suddenly isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s essential. The front seats are supportive and seriously comfortable, with both heating and ventilation (which feels like a small miracle after sleepless nights).

I’ve also really come to appreciate the little things.

Automatic headlights and wipers mean one less thing for my tired brain to think about.

The digital rear-view mirror is genius — even if the boot is completely packed with pram, nappy bag and everything else that seems to travel with a baby, I can still clearly see what’s behind me.

One feature I genuinely love is the full-size alloy spare wheel. Getting a flat tyre is stressful enough without also trying to figure out where to put a bulky damaged wheel when your boot is already full of baby gear. It’s practical details like this that really matter.

Another clever addition is the rear camera cleaning system, so you’re never reversing blind because of dirt on the lens — especially helpful during messy winter weather.

From a new mum’s perspective, the Palisade feels safe, practical, and just that little bit luxurious — which makes everyday outings feel a whole lot easier.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

All the specifications can be found HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Palisade – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Palisade – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Palisade could look at :

• Mazda CX-90, 
• Nissan Pathfinder, 
• Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, 
• Subaru Outback, 
• Lexus RX, 
• Toyota Kluger Grande

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Baby Duties week two – Safety appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The Palisade is available in one beautifully appointed model, the Calligraphy. You can choose between seven or eight seats, and we tested the seven-seat version with mid-row captain’s chairs.

There’s one petrol hybrid engine option, and it strikes a lovely balance between being powerful enough for family road trips while still remaining economical for everyday mum life.

Inside, the Palisade feels spacious thanks to its long wheelbase and large SUV design. The rear doors open wide, which makes installing a baby seat and putting a sleeping bub in the seat much easier — something every mum will appreciate.

Of course, there are ISOFIX and top tether points for added safety and peace of mind.

There are even pull-up window shades to help protect little ones from the harsh sun.

If you need to sit in the second row, the captain’s chairs mean you’re slightly further away from the other seat, but they’re roomy, comfortable, and supportive — ideal for longer trips.

The third row is surprisingly practical too.

With slide and recline functions, plus heated seats, it doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

It’s clearly designed for regular use, whether that’s older kids, grandparents, or carpooling.

When used as a four-seater, there’s plenty of boot space for prams, nappy bags and all the baby gear that somehow multiplies overnight.

If you’re using all seven or eight seats, luggage space does reduce, but it’s still better than many other large SUVs.

Around town, it can feel big in tight car parks. Otherwise, it’s smooth, quiet, and easy to drive, which is exactly what you want when you’ve finally got a sleeping baby in the back.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Palisade – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Palisade – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Palisade could look at :  Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Subaru Outback, Lexus RX, Toyota Kluger Grande

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid – baby duties week 1 appeared first on Motoring Minute.