The multiple-award winning All-new Hyundai SANTA FE and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N have again been acclaimed by industry experts, being named the best cars in their respective classes at the UK Car of the Year Awards.
Established in 2014, the awards aim to recognise the finest new cars for UK drivers and are decided by a panel of 30 of the country’s most influential journalists, both in print and online, who collectively over the past 12 months have driven every new model launched on to the UK market.
By being selected as the very best in their individual categories, the All-new SANTA FE and the IONIQ 5 N now move forward with the 5 other class winners for consideration as the overall UK Car of the Year 2025, which will be announced on Thursday 6th March.
The All-new Hyundai SANTA FE collected the Large Crossover of the Year award thanks to its blend of quality and practicality, plus an impressive powertrain which features the 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream engine in two Hybrid versions (with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive), and also a four-wheel-drive Plug-in Hybrid.
The package is enhanced by a 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.
Previous awards for the All-new SANTA FE include Seven-seater of the Year from WhatCar?, SUV of the Year from TopGear.com and Car of the Year from Carwow. Three trim levels – Premium, Ultimate and Calligraphy – are offered, while prices for the range start at £46,775, with Plug-in Hybrid models costing from £51,885.
Natisha Chatten, UK Car of the Year Awards judge, said: “A bold and exciting vehicle with striking design. Its impressive equipment and spacious interior make the new Hyundai SANTA FE an incredibly practical choice for families, seamlessly blending style with functionality.”
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N offers a driving experience that is the perfect fusion of modern electric performance and old-school hot hatch charm, and its UKCOTY accolade follows a series of other high-profile successes, including being crowned 2024 World Performance Car in the World Car Awards and Best Performance Car of 2024 by both Autocar and Auto Express.
An array of clever features helps it set a new benchmark in terms of emotional engagement for a performance EV, headlined by the innovative N e-shift, which simulates the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission of internal combustion engine N cars. It’s complemented by an addictive soundtrack reminiscent of a traditional emotive ICE car thanks to clever N Active Sound+ technology. When paired with incredible ability – the IONIQ 5 N produces up to 650 PS with N Grin Boost, and goes from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds – the result is a game-changing EV, available from £65,000.
John Challen, Managing Director of the UK Car of the Year Awards, said: “The IONIQ 5 N has arguably changed the perception of electric cars – and what they are capable of – more than any other vehicle. Hugely impressive.”
Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: “The All-new SANTA FE is a beautiful, technically advanced premium SUV, while the IONIQ 5 N has rewritten the rulebook for performance EVs. It is extremely gratifying to see their appeal to customers being confirmed by UKCOTY awards, underlining yet again the depth and quality Hyundai’s current range of cars.”
Similar Car News, Car Advice, New Car Reviews and Buyers Guides
If you liked this article, you might like some comparable cars and guides, and latest news, such as, for instance:
Explore The New Hyundai Range