Hyundai’s all-new Santa Fe has secured a spot as a finalist for the prestigious 2025 North American Utility of the Year™ Award, announced at AutoMobility LA 2024. This recognition follows extensive evaluations by the North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) jury, a panel of 50 top automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada.
Olabisi Boyle, Hyundai Motor North America’s SVP of Product Planning, celebrated the milestone: “Being named a NACTOY finalist highlights our innovation and commitment to the competitive SUV market. The Santa Fe’s cutting-edge technology, efficiency, and versatility resonate with customers seeking both urban convenience and outdoor adventure.”
What Makes the Santa Fe Stand Out
Hyundai’s fifth-generation Santa Fe was built with the “Open For More” philosophy, offering features that prioritize functionality, comfort, and style:
- Longer Wheelbase: Provides a spacious, three-row interior with flexible seating configurations.
- Advanced Tech: Includes a panoramic curved infotainment display, dual wireless charging, and a UV-C sterilization compartment.
- Convenience Meets Utility: The expansive liftgate simplifies loading gear or enjoying scenic views.
- Premium Comfort: Relaxation Comfort driver’s seat with a deployable leg rest elevates the experience.
- Rugged & Efficient Options: From the adventurous XRT trim to a new hybrid powertrain, which has seen HEV sales grow by 60% this year.
The Santa Fe has been praised for blending modern luxury with practical utility, ensuring it stands out in a crowded field.
A Coveted Award
The NACTOY jury evaluates vehicles on innovation, design, safety, driving dynamics, user experience, and value. This year’s Utility of the Year category features two electric contenders and Hyundai’s Santa Fe as the only gasoline-powered finalist. Jury president Jeff Gilbert remarked, “Each finalist represents a unique part of the utility market. Any one could be the winner.”
Final evaluations will continue through December, with the winners announced at the Detroit Auto Show on January 10, 2025.
Proven Excellence
The Santa Fe’s NACTOY recognition adds to its growing list of accolades:
- Top Midsize SUV in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. APEAL Study.
- Honored in Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX for 2024.
- Named Best U.S.-Built SUV by American Cars and Racing.
With bold design, innovative features, and hybrid efficiency, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is proving to be a benchmark in the utility segment—cementing its place as a top contender for the year’s highest honors.
