Geely EX5 EM-i Max (2026) vs Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDI 6MT (Cargo) (2023)

Geely EX5 EM-i Max (2026) vs Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDI 6MT (Cargo) (2023): which should you buy?

For a Filipino buyer focused on everyday family use and fuel‑efficiency, the Geely EX5 EM‑i Max is the more sensible pick. Priced at ₱1,468,000, it is slightly cheaper than the Hyundai Staria cargo version (₱1,560,000) and offers a compact midsize crossover shape that fits urban parking and tight streets common in the Philippines. Its PHEV powertrain, while modest at 99 PS and 125 Nm, provides the benefit of electric‑only driving for short commutes, which can lower fuel costs compared to the Staria’s 2.2‑L turbo‑diesel that delivers 177 PS and 430 Nm but is geared toward heavy‑load, commercial use. The EX5 seats five, has five doors and a length of 4740 mm, making it practical for a typical family while still offering ample cargo space. The Staria, with six doors and a three‑seat cargo layout, is designed for cargo transport rather than passenger comfort, and its larger diesel engine is over‑kill for daily commuting. Both have front‑wheel drive and unibody construction, but the Geely’s hybrid system and lower price give it an edge for most private buyers, whereas the Staria would only make sense for businesses needing a dedicated cargo van and willing to pay extra for higher torque and payload capacity.