Hyundai Staria Driving Review in Tenerife

When you first see the Hyundai Staria, you might think a spaceship has landed in the Canary Islands. Its futuristic LED light bar and massive windows make it stand out instantly in the airport car park. But looking futuristic is one thing, and navigating a volcanic island with nine people on board is quite another. We wanted to find out exactly how this striking vehicle behaves when subjected to the unique driving conditions found here.

Tenerife is an island of extreme contrasts. In a single day, you can transition from perfectly paved coastal motorways to ancient, damp forest tracks and dizzying mountain passes. A large passenger van needs serious capability to handle these shifts comfortably. We took the keys and spent several days driving across the island to see if the Staria is just a bold design or a genuinely capable island cruiser.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

We started our journey on the TF-1 motorway along the south coast. This road features long, fast sweepers and generally excellent tarmac. Here, the Staria feels incredibly planted. The heavy curb weight and long wheelbase iron out any imperfections in the road surface. Wind noise is surprisingly low for something shaped like a futuristic brick, and the visibility through those massive windows makes lane changes a breeze. Cruising between the southern resorts is effortless, and the suspension absorbs the expansion joints without transferring harsh jolts to the passengers in the back rows.

Leaving the coast, we pointed the nose up the TF-21, climbing towards Mount Teide. Driving from sea level to 2,100 metres is a serious test for any vehicle. As the air gets thinner and the temperature drops significantly, some engines start to struggle. Fortunately, we were driving the Automatic 3.5 L 9-seater variant. The large displacement petrol engine proved its worth on these steep inclines. It did not gasp for air, delivering smooth and consistent power out of the tight uphill corners. The automatic gearbox was smart enough to hold lower gears on the descent, saving the heavy vehicle’s brakes from overheating.

The real test of our nerves came on the TF-436 into Masca. This road is famous for its extremely narrow cliff hairpins and blind corners. Small cars definitely have the advantage here, and taking a vehicle of this size down into the ravine requires immense concentration. The Staria is wide. Every time we met a local bus or an oncoming rental car, it meant folding the mirrors and inching past with millimetres to spare. The light steering helps, but you cannot ignore the sheer physical footprint of the van. Taking the hairpins often required using the entire width of the road, and sometimes even a quick reverse to make the tightest turns. If you are not a confident driver, you might want to avoid this specific route when piloting such a large vehicle.

Up in the north, the Anaga forest roads present a completely different challenge. The tarmac is often damp, twisty, and frequently covered in a thick mist. The Staria handled the slippery conditions well, with predictable traction and electronic stability systems that intervene gently when required. The high driving position was a massive benefit in the fog, allowing us to see further down the road than we could in a low-slung hatchback. The huge glasshouse means your passengers get incredible views of the ancient laurel forests, provided they do not suffer from motion sickness on the endless winding curves.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

The Hyundai Staria absolutely shines as a long-distance people mover. If you are travelling with an extended family or a large group of friends, the interior space is cavernous. Everyone gets decent legroom, and the climate control system manages to keep the entire cabin cool, even under the intense midday sun. The ride quality is tuned for comfort, making those long journeys back from the northern beaches to the southern resorts a relaxing experience.

However, we must be honest about its drawbacks. The sheer size of the Staria is its biggest enemy on this specific island. Tenerife was not built with modern, oversized vehicles in mind. While it dominates the motorways, it feels cumbersome in older villages and tight mountain passes. The turning circle is large, meaning three-point turns often turn into five-point turns. You will find yourself constantly checking your mirrors to ensure the long rear end is not clipping a stone wall or a parked scooter.

Practical notes

Parking is arguably the most stressful part of driving the Staria in Tenerife. In the busy resort streets of Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Americas, finding a space large enough is a genuine challenge. Tight underground parking garages are often out of the question due to height restrictions and narrow ramps. When you do find street parking, you will become very familiar with the blue-line meters. You must pay at the nearby machines during active hours, and you will need to ensure the van is parked perfectly within the lines to avoid a fine, which is easier said than done given its length.

Fuel consumption is another factor to consider. The 3.5-litre engine is smooth and powerful, but it is thirsty, especially when hauling nine people up a 2,000-metre mountain. Expect frequent visits to the petrol station if you plan on doing extensive exploring. Fortunately, petrol stations are plentiful along the TF-1 and in major towns.

Luggage space is a balancing act. While it seats nine, filling all those seats means luggage space is severely restricted. If you have nine adults with large suitcases, you will struggle to fit everything in. It is much better suited for groups of six or seven, allowing you to fold down or slide the rear seats to create a massive cargo area for beach gear, hiking boots, and luggage.

Verdict

Driving the Hyundai Staria in Tenerife is a unique experience. It is an incredibly comfortable, powerful, and striking vehicle that makes group travel a joy on the open road. The engine handles the dramatic altitude changes of Mount Teide with ease, and the massive windows provide unparalleled views of the island’s diverse landscapes. However, you must be prepared for the realities of driving a large van on a small island. You will need a steady hand on the hairpins of Masca and plenty of patience when hunting for parking in Costa Adeje. If you value space and comfort above all else and stick mostly to the wider roads, the Staria is a fantastic companion for your Tenerife adventure.

Where to book the Hyundai Staria in Tenerife

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