SUV of the Year: Hyundai SANTA FE dominates TopGear Awards 2024 (VIDEO)
Second major win in two weeks, following Carwow Car of the Year
The Hyundai SANTA FE has been named SUV of the Year at the 2024 TopGear.com Awards, marking its second major win in two weeks.
The Hyundai SANTA FE has added another prestigious title to its growing list of accolades, securing the coveted SUV of the Year title at the renowned TopGear Awards 2024.
This marks a thrilling second consecutive win for the all-new model, which was also recently named Carwow Car of the Year just weeks earlier.
Hyundai SANTA FE
The SANTA FE’s impressive feat stems from its blend of cutting-edge design, remarkable versatility, and exceptional hybrid powertrain.
The SUV is offered with two hybrid versions featuring the 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream engine, available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, as well as a more powerful four-wheel-drive Plug-in Hybrid. These powertrains deliver up to 215 PS and 367 Nm of torque, with the Plug-in Hybrid variant providing a more potent 253 PS and 367 Nm.
TopGear’s verdict
Ollie Marriage, Head of Car Testing at Top Gear, praised the SANTA FE for its ability to shine in any setting. “It looks great in urban landscapes or parked next to radical architecture,” he commented. “Take it somewhere remote and it looks tough, rugged, and prepped for adventure.” He further lauded the SUV for its smart, sophisticated design, which strikes the perfect balance between functionality and style.
Spacious, high-tech interior
The SANTA FE's standout feature is its customer-centric interior, offering exceptional comfort and space. The SUV features fully foldable second- and third-row seats, delivering class-leading interior space that caters to both family trips and outdoor adventures. With a variety of high-tech features and a range of safety technologies, including Hyundai's Smart Sense Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, the vehicle is designed to offer both convenience and peace of mind.
Affordable luxury
Starting at £46,775, the SANTA FE is offered in three distinct trims: Premium, Ultimate, and Calligraphy. For those opting for the Plug-in Hybrid version, prices begin at £51,885, making it an affordable yet premium option in the competitive SUV market.
Hyundai’s legacy of success
This recognition follows a series of wins for Hyundai, including Parker’s Best Fun Car Award for the IONIQ 5 N and multiple accolades for the TUCSON, KONA Electric, and i10. Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, expressed his pride in the SANTA FE's evolution over nearly 25 years. He said, “The SANTA FE has evolved into a truly beautiful, premium, and technologically advanced model that delivers for our customer in every respect. This latest recognition is yet another milestone in Hyundai’s enduring success story.”
Hyundai’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation in the mobility sector is clear, with the company driving forward in zero-emission vehicles and advanced technologies like hydrogen fuel cells and electric vehicles.