HYUNDAI SANTA FE CROWNED SUPREME WINNER OF WOMEN’S WORLDWIDE CAR OF THE YEAR 2025
HYUNDAI SANTA FE CROWNED SUPREME WINNER OF WOMEN’S WORLDWIDE CAR OF THE YEAR 2025
The Hyundai Santa Fe has been honoured as the World’s Best Car for 2025 by the prestigious Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) jury. This significant accolade was announced to coincide with International Women’s Day, adding a celebratory note to the occasion for millions around the globe.
The Santa Fe is scheduled for launch in South Africa in June this year.
A total of 82 motoring journalists from 55 countries tested and evaluated numerous vehicles, considering every detail with great care. Charleen Clarke represents South Africa on the jury. The category winners were:
- Urban Car: MINI Cooper
- Compact SUV: KIA EV3
- Large Car: Audi A6 e-tron
- Large SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe
- 4×4: Toyota Land Cruiser
- Performance Car: Porsche Panamera
In the final round, these category winners competed for the coveted title of Supreme Winner. The competition was intensely close, as each contender possessed the qualities required to claim the top spot.
Marta Garcia, Executive President of WWCOTY, highlighted the responsibility of choosing the World’s Best Car: “Choosing the world’s best car is a task of great responsibility. It must take into account the particularities of each market, the type of driving done, purchasing power, orography, consumer preferences… The winning car has to meet all these needs, satisfying drivers around the world.”
Bold and revolutionary winner
After careful deliberation, the Hyundai Santa Fe, a spacious large SUV that can accommodate up to seven passengers, emerged as the Supreme Winner. Measuring 4.8 metres in length, the Santa Fe impressed judges with its revolutionary design, advanced hybrid powertrains, and versatile seating options.
Ina Georgieva from Bulgaria praised Hyundai’s decision to completely transform one of its most popular models: “It’s very brave to make a complete change to one of your most familiar and successful models, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe. The car impresses with a futuristic and very distinctive design, the comfort on board at the level of premium cars. Despite the large size, it is easy to drive.” She also highlighted its excellent performance in snowy conditions and the efficiency of its hybrid versions.
Petrina Gentile from Canada shared a compelling personal experience: “I love the bold and boxy styling on the Santa Fe – it’s unique yet practical. I was hit by a transport truck while driving the Santa Fe in Italy and the vehicle was so stable – it didn’t roll over and the vehicle had minimal damage.”
Sara Soria from Spain commended the Santa Fe’s practicality and pricing: “I liked the Hyundai Santa Fe’s innovative design, its good use of interior space with 7 seats, its large boot, and its dynamic performance despite its large size.”
Tanya Gazdik from the United States appreciated the thoughtfulness of the design: “The Santa Fe was dramatically restyled both inside and out to include many ‘wow’ features… One of my favourite things about the Santa Fe is a third row that folds perfectly flat.”
Shahinaz Hussein from Egypt highlighted the strategic appeal of the Santa Fe: “Hyundai has reimagined the Santa Fe with a more rugged and boxy aesthetic, maximising space, versatility, and comfort.”
Isabel del Angel Negrete from Mexico summed up the appeal succinctly: “Hyundai Santa Fe offers value for money with safety and comfort technology.”
Triumph of innovation and versatility
The Santa Fe’s innovative design, coupled with its focus on safety, versatility, and advanced technology, won over the jury. Its range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains offers a balance of performance and efficiency, appealing to a broad spectrum of consumers globally.
The Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year will soon present the official trophy to Hyundai representatives, marking a significant achievement for the brand.
About Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year
Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) is the only car awards group in the world composed exclusively of women motoring journalists. Founded in 2009 by New Zealand motoring journalist Sandy Myhre, who serves as Honorary President, the awards aim to recognise the best cars each year while amplifying women’s voices in the automotive industry.
García emphasises that the jury does not seek a “woman’s car” but rather focuses on criteria relevant to all drivers – such as safety, quality, price, design, and environmental impact. Beyond selecting the best cars, WWCOTY also strives to highlight the role of women in the automotive world, advocating for greater visibility and influence.
This year’s win by the Hyundai Santa Fe not only underscores the vehicle’s exceptional qualities but also reflects the evolving expectations of drivers worldwide, where versatility, safety, and innovation take centre stage.
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