Why Hyundai Santa Fe Wins Car of the Year

Photo Source/Copyright: Hyundai USA

How does a single midsize SUV secure consecutive flagship awards from the industry’s toughest critics? The answer lies in relentless execution. The Hyundai Santa Fe has earned one of the industry’s most respected honors, named Cars.com’s Best Family Car, a distinction that builds on its earlier acknowledgment as Cars.com’s overall Best Car. For families weighing their next three-row SUV, that pedigree is more than a badge. It represents a vehicle judged on quality, innovation, and value against dozens of new and redesigned rivals. Here’s a closer look at what sets the Santa Fe apart and why it continues to stand out in a crowded segment.

What Makes the Santa Fe an Award Winner?

Award juries return to the Santa Fe because it delivers across the board. Cars.com’s editors weigh three criteria above all: quality, innovation, and value. The Santa Fe answers each with a refined cabin, genuinely useful features, and pricing that undercuts many competitors.

The vehicle’s back-to-back recognition, first as the overall Best Car, then as the reigning Best Family Car, signals staying power rather than a one-year surprise. For shoppers, that consistency is reassuring: this is an SUV that has proven itself under repeated, independent scrutiny rather than a single glowing review.

How Do Its Design and Space Stand Out?

The Santa Fe’s boxy, upright silhouette is unmistakable in a sea of rounded crossovers, and that bold shape pays practical dividends. The squared-off roofline increases headroom and cargo height, while a long wheelbase accommodates three rows of seating that hold six or seven passengers, depending on configuration.

Wide-opening doors and a low step-in height make everyday loading easier, whether it’s car seats, sports gear, or luggage. Fold the third row, and the cargo area expands into an especially versatile hauling space. Inside, the design leans clean and modern, with an airy layout and thoughtful storage that make the cabin feel larger than the footprint suggests.

What Technology Does It Offer?

The Santa Fe pairs its functional cabin with technology designed for family life. From the driver’s seat to the third row, the layout emphasizes large, easy-to-read screens and intuitive controls, so features enhance the drive rather than distract from it. Standard and available features keep everyone connected, comfortable, and organized on the move:

• Dual wireless charging: two devices powered cable-free
• Curved panoramic display: twin 12.3-in. screens for gauges and infotainment
• UV-C sterilization tray: sanitizes frequently handled items
• C-pillar assist handle: easier roof-rack and cargo access

Which Powertrain Is Right for You?

Buyers can match the Santa Fe to how they actually drive, choosing between spirited gas power and hybrid efficiency. Both setups deliver smooth, confident acceleration, and each can be paired with front- (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) to suit the climate and the commute. Families who cover long distances will appreciate the hybrid’s fuel savings, while those who want strong everyday performance can stick with the turbocharged gas engine:

• 2.5-liter turbocharged gas: confident everyday power
• 1.6-liter turbo hybrid: stronger efficiency for high-mileage families
• FWD or AWD: available across the lineup

How Safe Is the Santa Fe?

Safety is central to the Santa Fe’s family-first mission, and Hyundai’s SmartSense suite bundles a wide range of driver aids as standard or available equipment. These systems reflect Hyundai’s long-standing emphasis on protecting both occupants and the people around the vehicle. Key systems work quietly in the background to help prevent collisions and protect passengers:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: helps detect and brake for hazards
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist: monitors and assists at lane changes
• Safe Exit Assist: warns before doors open into traffic
• Remote Smart Parking Assist: moves the vehicle in and out of tight spots

Is the Santa Fe a Good Value?

Value is where the Santa Fe closes the deal. It arrives generously equipped for its class, with many comfort, technological, and safety features included at accessible price points rather than locked behind costly upgrades. The lineup starts at $35,050 MSRP (excluding destination fee), and a hybrid option is available for buyers who want to prioritize long-term fuel savings. Factor in Hyundai’s strong warranty coverage, and the ownership case grows stronger still.

Ready to Experience the Hyundai Santa Fe?

The best way to understand why the Santa Fe keeps winning awards is to get behind the wheel. Explore our lineup, compare gas and hybrid models, and take an award-winning family SUV for a test drive. Browse our current inventory, and find the Santa Fe that fits your family.