Hyundai’s power of six
Last Thursday marked the latest addition to Hyundai Motor Philippines’ (HMPH) diverse electrified lineup.
The all-new 2026 Hyundai STARIA Hybrid, which starts at an astonishing P1,999,000, goes into battle with other electrified multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) – these range from the Toyota Zenix HEV and BYD eMAX 9 DM-i to even more expensive metal like the Kia Carnival Turbo Hybrid and the Toyota Alphard HEV.
The STARIA Hybrid is the sixth hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) model that the South Korean automaker introduced in the local market since HMPH was established last June 2022. We take a look at what makes “Hyun-brids” different from the rest.
Pioneering tech
Sporting seven-seat, nine-seat or 11-seat configurations, the STARIA Hybrid caters not only to large Filipino families seeking much-needed respite from dizzyingly high fuel prices, but also high-end buyers who want spacious transport with electrified refinement.
Under its distinctive snout is a turbocharged 1.6-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve, inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor and battery pack – combined output is 242 horsepower and 265 Newton-meters of torque, which are coursed through a 6-speed automatic transmission. It achieved a remarkable 17.7 kilometers per liter in a recent economy run.
The STARIA Hybrid is also the first-ever Hyundai model in the Philippines to get Bluelink, which is Hyundai’s Connected Car Service platform. Using Hyundai Live Services, owners can access traffic and weather updates from the infotainment system without the need to tether a smartphone – data is refreshed every to two minutes to provide near-real-time conditions.
HMPH said the Bluelink system also supports online voice recognition, allowing users to send and receive text messages while keeping their focus on the road. It also keeps owners informed of their vehicle status, diagnostics and health reports, while enabling remote control of climate settings, door locks, horn and lights.
Electrified luxury
For those who want the ultimate three-row crossover, there’s the flagship Hyundai PALISADE HEV.
Available exclusively in Calligraphy AWD trim, it is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. Combined output is a hearty 329 horsepower and 422 Newton-meters of torque, which are coursed through all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
But it’s the toys that really sets the PALISADE HEV apart – you get sumptuous Nappa leather, electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats with leg rests, as well as electrically adjustable and ventilated relaxation seats that let you truly stretch out in style. There’s also a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system mated to a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound system.
Stylish efficiency
For those looking for a more sensible crossover for six, there’s the immensely eye-catching SANTA FE Hybrid that uses the same turbocharged 1.6-liter, hybrid-electric powertrain and 6-speed automatic gearbox in the STARIA Hybrid.
This big Hyundai is only available in the top Calligraphy trim, which means first-row relaxation comfort seats and second-row captain seats with remote-folding function – the latter being accessible through the 12.3-inch panoramic, curved infotainment display.
The massive screen also shows hybrid system-related information like the battery level, fuel economy and electric-motor usage. Furthermore, dual wireless smartphone charging ports with built-in cooling fans, a UV-C sterilization tray and a bi-directional storage console are handy features for all passengers.
Punchy 5-seater
Launched at the same time as the SANTA FE Hybrid, the TUCSON Hybrid is most powerful TUCSON ever brought into the Philippines.
Using the brand’s familiar turbocharged 1.6-liter, hybrid-electric powertrain, this five-seat crossover packs one hell of a punch with a combined output of 232 horsepower and 367 Newton-meters of torque. It also comes with e-Dynamic Driving and Smart Regenerative Braking for optimal fuel-efficiency.
Aside from the traditional driving modes like Eco, Smart and Sport, the TUCSON Hybrid has a “Baby” mode that ensures acceleration is more comfortable for young passengers. Things like the Floating Type Console Box, Seat Remote Folding System and Steering Column-Mounted Shift-by-Wire Lever provide a roomier cabin, including a completely open center footwell.
Comeback kid
A familiar name since 2018, the Hyundai KONA subcompact crossover returned to our shores a few years ago, available only with hybrid-electric power.
Under the hood is a 1.6-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor, which is shared with the ELANTRA HEV. Combined output is 139 horsepower and 265 Newton-meters of torque, which are coursed through a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Much like the previous-generation KONA, this new version sports the model’s trademark Neoteric Yellow paint scheme (a hue close to lime green), as well as Meta Blue Pearl, Atlas White, Cyber Gray and Abyss Black Pearl.
Both variants get leatherette upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a wireless charger and six airbags, but only the top-spec Premium model includes a sunroof, a 64-color mood lamp and Hyundai Smartsense that includes Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist.
Frugal 4-door
Another Hyundai staple that returned with electrified power is the ELANTRA.
Featuring sharp styling and generous proportions, this sleek compact sedan takes on the likes of the Toyota Corolla Altis HEV and the Honda Civic e:HEV with the same 1.6-liter, hybrid-electric powerplant as the KONA HEV. The range includes the HEV GLS and the higher-end HEV Premium.
The former gets 4.2-inch LCD gauge cluster, fabric upholstery and cruise control, while the latter is equipped with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable front seats and 60:40 split-folding rear seats. The ELANTRA HEV Premium likewise adds curtain airbags and the Hyundai Smartsense active-safety suite.
Now with six hybrid-electric models, HMPH is out to show Japanese brands that they don’t rule the electrified roost.
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