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One Massive Auto Brand May Soon Change the Camper Van Market Forever

Hyundai looks to take aim at Volkswagen’s iconic Transporter and the glamping van life.

White Hyundai van with black honeycomb grille and roof tent parked on grass with mountains in background.Hyundai
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By Chris Chin

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Glamping van fans may soon have a new option for wheels to choose from. Hyundai’s apparently looking to cash in on the trend after recently revealing the Staria Camper Concept in Europe.

Korean automaker pulled the sheets off the concept at the Caravan, Motor und Touristik (CMT) exposition in Stuttgart, Germany. And from the looks of it, the Staria Camper Concept looks to have Volkswagen’s Transporter California Edition right in its sights.

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Korea’s going after that van life

White camper van with pop-up roof and extended awning parked on grass with two black folding chairs and a small table outside.
Who knew Hyundai could make an epic-looking VW California clone.
Hyundai

Upon first glance, the concept looks like your typical Hyundai Staria. The Korean auto giant launched the model in 2021 as a replacement for the Starex. Both are exclusive to the Asian and select European markets.

But once its party tricks start revealing themselves, it’s clear that the Staria Camper Concept is more than just an MPV (multi-purpose van, or minivan in European speak).

White Hyundai camper van with pop-up roof and extended side awning parked on grassy field near a lake.
The Staria Camper Concept looks like one fabulous way to enjoy the outdoors.
Hyundai

First, the biggest difference between this Camper Concept and the regular Staria is its electric powertrain. It’s the brand’s first pitch featuring Hyundai’s signature EV powertrain, which also propels the successful Ioniq models.

Although not yet available, Hyundai is readying a Staria Electric, which features the brand’s latest 800-volt architecture, allowing for fast-charging from 10 to 80 percent in under 20 minutes. That’s using the appropriate DC fast charger, of course.

Two black rectangular ports with electric and water icons on the side of a glossy dark vehicle near a vertical taillight.
The Starion Camper Concept features an on-board potable water system, among many other cool features.
Hyundai

But should a charging station not be readily available, a photovoltaic solar panel rests atop the roof, which can power the van amenities and recharge its onboard batteries.

Hyundai claims a total system output of around 215 horsepower and a driving range of up to 250 miles on a single charge, using the WLTP rating system.

White camper van with black pop-up roof tent parked near a lake under a partly cloudy sky.
Like the VW California, the Staria Camper Concept features an integrated pop-up roof tent.
Hyundai

Move past the state-of-the-art electric drive system, and you’ll find all the sorts of details that make for an epic camper van.

Right out of the Transporter California’s playbook, including the kitchen sink

White outdoor shower compartment with chrome handheld showerhead and flexible hose attached to a black water outlet panel.
Need to shower after a days worth of activities? The Staria Camper Concept has you covered.
Hyundai

So what makes the Staria Camper Concept a potentially awesome glamping van? Well, you know all of the neat little details that made overlanding in the Volkswagen Transporter California so iconic?

Brown leather fold-out bed inside a camper van with black curtains and a kitchenette area.
If one needs extra space for sleeping the Staria Camper Concept’s seats are configurable to sleep two extra adults.
Hyundai

Those can all be found on the Staria Camper Concept. Such includes the integrated pop-up roof tent, the retractable side awning on the sliding door and the integrated potable water system. Which yes, also includes a trunk-mounted shower head.

Rectangular black foldable table with silver edges and a single leg, attached inside a vehicle next to beige leather seats.
A retractable table can transform the van’s interior into a impromptu dining quarters.
Hyundai

On the inside, when everything’s neatly tucked away, one will find seating for up to five. But those rear seats can be either folded flat, or oriented in a variety of ways.

Interior corner of a vehicle with kitchen utensils hanging on a white panel, potted plants, and a window with black curtains labeled "Staria.
Need privacy? All the windows feature opaque shades.
Hyundai

For instance, they can go flat to provide extra sleeping quarters if the pop-up section is already occupied. With the seats up, a collapsible table exists as a dining station.

Compact campervan kitchen with a stainless steel sink, small fridge, induction cooktop, and hanging utensils.
The Staria Camper Concept has everything, including a kitchen sink.
Hyundai

And there’s even a working sink and minifridge.

Hyundai didn’t say whether the Staria Camper Concept will reach production. But if it does, it likely won’t be making it to the States as such vans often command a lot of dough.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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