Hyundai SANTA FE Named Large SUV of the Year at the 2025 News UK Motor Awards
A prestigious win for Hyundai’s flagship SUV, as experts from The Sun, The Times, and The Sunday Times praise the SANTA FE for its design, comfort, and performance.
The Hyundai SANTA FE has clinched yet another major accolade, securing the title of Large SUV of the Year at the 2025 News UK Motor Awards. The prestigious award, judged by a panel of respected automotive journalists from The Sun, The Times, and The Sunday Times, celebrates the best in the automotive industry, and the SANTA FE has triumphed in a highly competitive category.
Launched in 2024, the Hyundai SANTA FE has already earned a place in the spotlight, winning praise for its impressive combination of cutting-edge design, practicality, and driving performance. In a sector dominated by large and luxury SUVs, the SANTA FE stands out for its distinctive boxy silhouette, spacious interior, and versatile features that cater to both urban and outdoor lifestyles.
A Standout in Design and Performance
Will Dron, Digital Driving Editor at The Times and The Sunday Times, had high praise for the SANTA FE, calling it "a standout piece of modern automotive design." Dron highlighted the SUV's spacious interior, which belies its nimble handling on the road, particularly when cruising at motorway speeds. “The SANTA FE is vast on the inside, yet to drive it feels like a much smaller, nimbler car,” he said. "On the motorway, it reveals another side, as a luxurious capable cruiser, while inside, there are innumerable practical touches to make family life easier."
The Hyundai SANTA FE’s combination of comfort and practicality is one of its most attractive features. Its fully foldable second and third-row seats provide class-leading interior space, making it ideal for families, road trips, or carrying large loads. The well-thought-out cabin also includes numerous high-tech and convenience features, making every journey more enjoyable.
A Powerful Powertrain and Hybrid Options
Under the hood, the SANTA FE offers a range of efficient yet powerful engine options. The 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream engine is available in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive hybrid variants, providing flexibility to suit different driving needs. The standout offering, however, is the four-wheel-drive Plug-in Hybrid, which delivers an impressive 34-mile all-electric range—making it a strong contender in the growing eco-friendly SUV segment.
The hybrid powertrains are a key part of the SANTA FE’s appeal, especially for those looking for a blend of eco-conscious driving and the power to take on a variety of terrains.
A History of Accolades
The SANTA FE’s Large SUV of the Year title adds to an already impressive list of awards and recognitions. In 2024, it was named Best Hybrid 7-Seater at the WhatCar? Electric Car Awards. It also took home the title of 2024 SUV of the Year from TopGear.com, 2025 Car of the Year from CarWow, and Best 7-Seater in the 2025 Auto Trader Drivers' Choice Awards.
With these accolades, it’s clear that the Hyundai SANTA FE continues to win the hearts of critics and customers alike, solidifying its place as one of the top choices in the large SUV category.
Available Now
The Hyundai SANTA FE is available to order now, with prices starting from £48,390. Its combination of space, luxury, and efficiency makes it a standout choice for families, adventure-seekers, and anyone in need of a versatile and stylish large SUV.