A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
H1 starts ZAR 975900 cheaperH1 from ZAR 899,900 · Staria from ZAR 975,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
H1
Staria
Engine Power
125
130
Torque
441
430
Engine Size
2497
2199
Claimed Mileage
11.8
12.5
Ground Clearance
185
175
Boot Space
820
175
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
2220
2220
Seating Capacity
9
11
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
H1
70
/ 100
+9
pts
#2
Staria
61
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
H1 has a slight advantage, but Staria remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
H1
+9 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
H1
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
18/20
Ownership
20/20
Staria
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
9/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
H1
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Family Usage
Staria
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
H1
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Staria
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
H1
Staria
Length
5125
5253
Width
1920
1997
Height
1925
1990
Wheelbase
3200
3273
Ground Clearance
185
175
Kerb Weight
2220
2220
Seating Capacity
9
9
Boot Space
820
175
Towing Capacity
2500
2500 kg (Braked)
Rear Track Width
1675
1720 mm
Gross Vehicle Weight
3030
3040 kg
Front Track Width
1665
1735 mm
Turning Radius
5.6
5.9 m
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Doors
5
5
Seats
9
11
Boot Space Seats Folded
3076
Available
Front Headroom
1010
Available
Rear Headroom
1000
Available
Front Legroom
1090
Available
Rear Legroom
990
Available
Front Shoulder Room
1530
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
1530
Available
Number of Doors
Available
Available
Max Payload
Available
Available
Boot Volume
Available
Available
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Engine
2.5 CRDi VGT Diesel
2.2 CRDi Diesel
Engine Type
Diesel
Diesel
Displacement
2497
2199
Cylinders
4
4
Power
125
130
Torque
441
430
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Yes (VGT)
Yes
Top Speed
180
180
0-100 km/h
12.5
11.0
Power @ RPM
3600
3800
Torque @ RPM
2000
1500
Valves per Cylinder
16
16 (4 per cylinder)
Compression Ratio
17.5
15.9:1
Engine Position
Front
Front
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
Diesel
Engine Code
D4CB
Available
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Available
Maximum Engine RPM
4000
Available
Engine Oil Capacity
6.5
Available
Engine Type Config
Inline
Inline
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
Yes
Cylinder Bore
Available
Available
Piston Stroke
Available
Available
Power
150
150
Cylinder Layout
Available
Available
0–100 km/h
Available
Available
Battery Capacity
Available
Available
Charging Port
Available
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Available
Engine Displacement
Available
Available
EV Range
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Transmission
5-speed Automatic
8-speed Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
RWD
FWD
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Transfer Case
None (RWD)
None (RWD)
LSD Available
No
No
Differential Lock
No
No
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
5
8
Final Drive Ratio
Available
Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
Available
Clutch Type
Available
Available
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Transmission
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Claimed Mileage
11.8
12.5
City Mileage
9.5
10.0
Highway Mileage
14.5
15.5
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
75
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Auto Start Stop
No
Yes
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
13 L
Claimed Fuel Consumption
8.5
Available
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
Yes
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
No
EBD
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
Not Rated (SA)
Side Airbags
Yes
Available
Curtain Airbags
No
Available
TCS
Yes
Available
Hill Hold
Yes
Available
AEB
No
Available
Front Parking Sensors
No
Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Available
Lane Change Warning
No
Available
Fatigue Detection
No
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Available
Whiplash Protection
Available
Available
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
No
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Yes
360 Degree Camera
No
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
No
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Lane Keep Assist
No
No
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Available
Reverse Camera
Yes
Available
Auto Highbeam
No
Available
Auto Wipers
No
Available
EV Mode
No
No
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
No
No
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Eco / Normal
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Seat Material
Leather Captain Seats
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power (1st Row), Manual (2nd & 3rd)
Power 8-way (Captain)
Heated Seats
Front
Front & 2nd Row
Steering Type
Hydraulic Power Steering
MDPS Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
3rd Row Fold Flat
3rd Row Fold Flat
Rear Armrest
Yes
No
Ambient Lighting
No
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Ventilated Seats
No
No
Cup Holders
4
4
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Analogue + MID
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Available
Interior Colour Options
Black
Available
Rear Headrest
Yes
Yes
Front Headrest
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
Manual
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
No
No
Fabric Seats
Yes
Yes
Cooled Seats
No
No
Memory Seats
No
No
Rear USB Ports
Available
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Climate Control
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
All + Sliding Door
All
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
No
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Power Sliding Door
Power Sliding Doors
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
No
Sunroof
No
No
Automatic Headlamps
No
Yes
Wireless Charging
No
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
No
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V
12V
Panoramic Roof
No
Available
Heads Up Display
No
Available
Push Button Start
No
Available
AC Type
Manual
Available
Climate Zones
2
Available
Speed Limiter
Yes
Available
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Manual
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Inside
Boot Opener
Inside
Inside
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Tilt Steering
Yes
Yes
Telescopic Steering
No
No
Engine Start Stop Button
No
No
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Available
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Available
Aero Kit
Available
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Available
Chrome Grille
Available
Available
Drag Coefficient
Available
Available
Driver Display
Available
Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop
Available
Available
Engine Warranty
Available
Available
Exhaust Finish
Available
Available
Exhaust Type
Available
Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
Available
Gear Shift Type
Available
Available
Glovebox Cooling
Available
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Available
Hill Start Assist
Available
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Intercooler
Available
Available
Launch Control
Available
Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Payload Capacity
Available
Available
Performance Data Logger
Available
Available
Rear Defogger
Available
Available
Rear Seat Split
Available
Available
Rear Wing
Available
Available
Remote Engine Start
Available
Available
Rev Matching
Available
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Available
Roof Antenna
Available
Available
Seat Type
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Available
Service Plan
Available
Available
Side Steps
Available
Available
Skid Plates
Available
Available
Spare Wheel
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Stability Control
Available
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Available
Steering Response
Available
Available
Tail Lamps
Available
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
Available
Voice Command
Available
Available
Voice Command Support
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Infotainment Screen
8-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
8 Premium
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Multi-Info Display
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
2
4 (Front + Rear)
Wireless Apple CarPlay
No
No
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
8 inch
Available
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
Touchscreen
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Available
Premium Audio
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
LED Headlamps
No
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Roof Rails
No
No
Alloy Wheel Design
16-inch Alloy
18-inch Alloy
Body Cladding
Lower Body Cladding
Lower Body Cladding
Chrome Exterior Finish
Chrome Grille Surround
Chrome Window Surround
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
DRL
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Power Adjustable
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Coloured
Body Type
MPV
MPV
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
No
Available
Led Taillights
No
Available
Exterior Colour Options
Creamy White, Phantom Black, Sleek Silver
Available
Roof Type
Available
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Tyre Size
235/65 R16
235/55 R18
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size
Full Size
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Tyre Load Index
91
91
Wheel Rim Size
16
Available
Front Brake Disc Diameter
320
Available
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
294
Available
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Manual
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Disc
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Tubeless Radial
Spare Tyre
Steel
Steel
Front Tyre Width
Available
Available
Rear Tyre Width
Available
Available
Wheel Diameter
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame Body-on-Frame
Monocoque
Power Steering
Hydraulic
Electric
Steering Column
Tilt
Tilt
Front Spring Type
Coil
Available
Rear Spring Type
Multi-leaf
Available
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
No
Available
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Approx Service Cost
R5500
R3,000 – R5,000 per service
Service Plan Duration
4
4
Service Plan Distance
60000
60000
First Service At
15000
15000
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
Available
Battery Type
Lead-acid
Lead-acid
Alternator
120A
120A
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
150000
150000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
CO2 Emissions
215
185
Start Stop System
No
No
Hybrid System Type
Conventional (ICE)
Conventional (ICE)
Noise Level
70 dB
68 dB
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Diesel
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 4
Available
Particulate Filter
Available
Available
Green NCAP Rating
Available
Available
Idle CO2 Output
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Underbody Protection
Yes
Front Underbody Guard
Approach Angle
21
10°
Wading Depth
300
150 mm
Departure Angle
20
13°
Locking Differential
No
No
Terrain Modes
No
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
16
20
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Recovery Hooks
Available
Available
4WD System Type
Available
Available
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
Spec
H1
Staria
Real-world City Mileage Min
Available
Available
Real-world City Mileage Max
Available
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
Available
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
Available
Available
Owner Review Count
Available
Available
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai H1
wins with 70 pts
vs 61 pts for Staria
In structured scoring, H1 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Staria may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the H1 edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: H1 0 vs Staria 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: H1 18, Staria 18. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: H1 20, Staria 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: H1 18, Staria 9. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: H1 14, Staria 14. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The H1 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The H1 scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between H1 and Staria in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: H1 scores 14 vs 14.
Efficiency: H1 scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: H1 scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: H1 scores 18 vs 9.
Ownership: H1 scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives H1
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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