SANTA FE is the 2025 Drive Car of the Year winner: Hyundai SUVs sweep all three main category wins
- 2025 Drive Car of the Year overall winner has been awarded to the Hyundai SANTA FE
- Hyundai also claimed Car of the Year wins in the three most important SUV categories:
- KONA: Best Small SUV under $50k (for the second year in a row.
- TUCSON Hybrid: Best Medium SUV under $50k
- SANTA FE: Best Large SUV under $80k
- 2025 marks 20 years of the Drive Car of the Year awards
The prestigious 2025 Drive Car of the Year has been awarded to the Hyundai SANTA FE, the bold family SUV that serves up adventure with style.
In a Hyundai sweep of the core SUV categories, SANTA FE is also Drive’s Best Large SUV under $80k for 2025, TUCSON Hybrid is the Best Medium SUV under $50k and KONA is the Best Small SUV under $50k.
The 2025 Drive Car of the Year marks the brand’s second overall victory following on from i30 hatch’s 2017 triumph.
“Our judges were thoroughly impressed with the completely revamped SANTA FE that was launched in June,” said Drive.com.au.
“With a full-hybrid line-up, significant technological upgrades, and a bold new design that aligns with Hyundai’s future-focused SUV range – including the KONA and IONIQ 5 – the SANTA FE truly stands apart from its competitors.”
“This car offers everything that Australian families are looking for with simply no compromises.”
SANTA FE stood head and shoulders above its rivals with its exceptionally well-appointed, hugely spacious and adaptable interior, and its brilliantly efficient hybrid powertrain.
“We are elated to receive the prestigious 2025 Drive Car of the Year award for the rugged, spacious and efficient SANTA FE model range,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer, Ted Lee.
“It is also a wonderful acknowledgement of the quality and appeal of the whole Hyundai SUV range that SANTA FE, TUCSON and KONA have won a clean sweep of awards in the important Small, Medium and Large SUV categories,” he said.
KONA: Best Small SUV under $50k
The judges were inspired by KONA’s style, efficiency and long list of features, saying it delivered everything buyers are looking for in a modern, compact SUV. The panel praised KONA’s comprehensive standard safety technology and roomy cabin, which feels more premium than the pricing suggests. KONA’s smooth, drivable and efficient Hybrid powertrain also attracted votes. "As a two-time segment winner, the Hyundai KONA proves its worth thanks to an efficient hybrid powertrain, spacious and upmarket interior, and well-honed dynamics that give it an edge, both in town and on the open road," said Drive.com.au.
TUCSON Hybrid: Best Medium SUV under $50k
TUCSON stood out for its smooth and efficient hybrid powertrain and practical, spacious interior. The judges said its efficiency and extensive standard equipment made TUCSON the ‘ultimate polished package’. "An efficient and effortless hybrid system, combined with smarter tech and excellent practicality, makes the new TUCSON a class leader – in Australia's most important consumer segment – in every single way," said Drive.com.au.
2025 Drive Car of the Year awards:
- SANTA FE (full range) – Overall winner
- KONA (ICE & Hybrid) – Best Small SUV under $50k
- TUCSON Hybrid (entry model) – Best Medium SUV under $50k
- SANTA FE (full range) – Best Large SUV under $80k
2025 Drive Car of the Year saw more than 200 models considered for the awards throughout 2024, with finalists subjected to a gruelling test program.
The Drive judges assess each vehicle against eight key criteria; best exterior, best interior, engine performance, fuel economy, safety feature, innovation, and choice of best dream car and recreational vehicle.
Now in its 20th year, the Drive Car of the Year awards recognise 19 winning models across categories aligned with the preferences of Australian new-car buyers.
Petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric models released or significantly updated in the 2024 calendar year, with a manufacturer’s list price below $150k, were eligible for the 2025 Drive Car of the Year awards.
For more information about the 2025 Drive Car of the Year awards, please visit: Drive.com.au
