Hyundai SANTA FE named Large SUV of the Year at the News UK Motor Awards 2025

by Hyundai | October 2, 2025

• Stylish, spacious SANTA FE acclaimed by experts at The Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times

• Judges praise SANTA FE as a standout piece of design with luxurious cruising ability

• News UK award adds to a long list of accolades for SANTA FE from major UK automotive titles

• SANTA FE is available to order from £48,390

The Hyundai SANTA FE has added yet another honour to its growing trophy cabinet after being crowned Large SUV of the Year by the experts at The Sun, The Times, and The Sunday Times in the 2025 News UK Motor Awards.

The prestigious annual awards, now in their eighth year, are judged by a panel of respected automotive journalists representing all three titles and recognise class-leading cars in a number of key sectors across the market.

The SANTA FE triumphed against some high-profile opposition in the Large SUV category, with the judges impressed by its cutting-edge design, practicality, and enjoyable driving experience.

Will Dron, Digital Driving Editor at The Times and Sunday Times, said: 'The SANTA FE is a remarkable vehicle, vast on the inside, yet to drive it feels like a much smaller, nimbler car. 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 bold looks clearly differentiate it from rivals; the SANTA FE is a standout piece of modern automotive design. We're delighted to name it our Large SUV of the Year.'

Launched in 2024, the SANTA FE continues to pick up plaudits thanks to its blend of quality and practicality, plus an impressive powertrain which features the 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream engine with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive Hybrid powertrains, as well as four-wheel-drive Plug-in Hybrid with 34-mile all-electric range.

The package is enhanced by its striking design, with a distinctive boxy silhouette and a roomy interior, suited to a range of outdoor and urban activities. Fully foldable second and third-row seats provide class-leading interior space, while the variety of high-tech, practical features adds to its nature-meets-city appeal.

SANTA FE's all-round appeal has been reflected in a string of accolades, with the recognition from News UK following a series of high-profile successes, including being named Best Hybrid 7-Seater in the WhatCar? Electric Car Awards, 2024 SUV of the Year by TopGear.com, 2025 Car of the Year by CarWow, and Best 7-Seater in the Auto Trader 2025 Drivers' Choice Awards.

Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: 'It's extremely satisfying that SANTA FE has been named the best large SUV on sale by the experts at The Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times. Buyers are not short of choice in this area of the market, with an array of options at all price points. But the SANTA FE's comfort, powertrain line-up and distinctive design make it a thoroughly compelling package.'

For more information on all the cars in Hyundai UK's award-winning range, visit www.hyundai.co.uk

For more on the SANTA FE's success and a full list of News UK awards winners, see The Sun and TheTimes.com on October 2, and The Sunday Times magazine on October 5.

Photo credit: Hyundai
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