Hyundai Staria Electric Named May Car of the Month by Journalists Association

Outperforming Audi and Porsche with a Score of 37.7
High Ratings in Product Value and Purchase Intent
Equipped with Latest SDV Technologies Including V2L
Praised for Multi-Platform Expandability

Hyundai Motor Company's electrified multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the Staria Electric, has been selected as the Car of the Month by automotive journalists.

The New Staria EV Exterior. Hyundai Motor Company

The Korea Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA) announced on May 7, 2026, that it has chosen the Staria Electric as the Car of the Month for May 2026.

The association's Car of the Year Selection Committee evaluates newly launched and facelifted models each month in five categories, including design, safety, and power performance, to determine the Car of the Month. The Staria Electric was shortlisted alongside the Audi The New A6 and the Porsche New 911 Turbo S, ultimately winning first place with 37.7 points out of a possible 50.

In particular, the vehicle scored 8.3 points in product value and purchase intent, 8 points in safety and convenience features, and 7.7 points in energy efficiency, demonstrating strong competitiveness across multiple metrics.

Won Sunwoong, Chair of the Car of the Year Selection Committee, evaluated, "The Staria Electric is a model that maximizes spatial usability through its electrified powertrain while elevating quietness to a new level. The latest SDV technology, including the V2L feature, has expanded the vehicle into a multi-platform suitable for both work and daily living, and the infotainment system is also highly competitive."

He added, "However, driving efficiency and actual range limitations due to the vehicle's weight will be important considerations for users who frequently travel long distances. There are still challenges to address, such as optimizing the charging environment and ensuring price competitiveness, in order to achieve wider adoption."

The New Staria Limousine Media Gallery. Hyundai Motor Company

The vehicle selected as Car of the Month is granted a direct entry into the first round of the final evaluation for the Korea Car of the Year (K-COTY) award. Last month, the Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid was selected for this honor.

Meanwhile, the Korea Automobile Journalists Association is comprised of 60 member media outlets in Korea, with around 200 journalists actively participating. Since its establishment in 2010, the association has hosted the annual Korea Car of the Year awards and has been engaged in various initiatives to promote automotive culture in the country.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.