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29.10.2025 Press release

Hyundai SANTA FE Named Best Seven-Seat SUV at The New Car World Championship 2025/2026

  • Stylish, spacious SANTA FE acclaimed by global panel of independent expert judges.
  • Best Seven-Seat SUV award adds to a long list of accolades for SANTA FE from major automotive titles
  • The SANTA FE is available to order from £48,390

Press material

Hyundai Motor UK is pleased to announce that the Hyundai SANTA FE has been named Best Seven-Seat SUV at the New Car World Championship 2025/2026.

The New Car World Championship is judged by a global panel of experienced automotive professionals, including designers, engineers, motorsport legends, journalists, and industry leaders. The awards recognise the best new models across all segments and powertrains, with Hyundai continuing the success achieved by the IONIQ 5, which was crowned World Champion in 2021/2022.

At almost 4.9m long, the SANTA FE is a colossal yet still classy and comfortable seven-seater. Its £48,390 starting price in the UK isn't cheap. But, by today's standards, it's not excessive either – especially as this is a quality SUV with the look, feel and finish of a premium product. It's possible for buyers to spend the best part of £100,000 on some European SUVs of similar appearance, quality and magnitude. But realistically, the SANTA FE is all the car you'll ever need when it comes to carrying up to seven people or bulky loads or both. The 1.6 hybrid version at under £50k is the ultimate family car.

Mike Rutherford Founder and Chair of the International Judging Panel at Best Cars of the Year / The New Car World Championships

The Hyundai SANTA FE combines bold, modern design with family-focused versatility. Its spacious seven-seat layout, wide tailgate opening and configurable interior make it ideal for both everyday journeys and longer trips.

Inside, dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays provide seamless connectivity, while Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite – including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist – offers reassurance and confidence on the road.

Available in Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) configurations, the SANTA FE features a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering smooth performance and impressive efficiency. Three trim levels – Premium, Ultimate and Calligraphy – are offered, while prices for the range start at £48,390, with Plug-in Hybrid models costing from £51,995. Across the range, trims offer premium comfort and technology, from wireless smartphone connectivity and a power tailgate on Premium grade, to Bose audio, panoramic sunroof and Nappa leather upholstery on top-spec Calligraphy models.

This latest achievement builds on a string of award wins throughout 2025, with the SANTA FE recognised as Large SUV of the Year from the News UK Motor Award, Best Seven-Seater from the AutoTrader Drivers’ Choice Awards, Large Crossover of the Year from the UK Car of the Year Awards, and Seven-Seater of the Year from the WhatCar? Awards – reinforcing its position as one of the most accomplished seven-seat SUVs on the market.

We’re delighted that the Hyundai SANTA FE has been named Best Seven-Seat SUV at the New Car World Championships for 2025/2026. This recognition highlights the SANTA FE’s versatility and appeal for families, with its combination of space, technology and comfort, making it a standout choice in its segment. Together with its recent award wins this year, it’s clear the SANTA FE continues to set the standard in its class.

Ashley Andrew President of Hyundai & Genesis UK

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

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