Canadian Car of the Year Awards Name the Hyundai SANTA FE Top Utility Vehicle for 2025
December 16 2025,
The Hyundai SANTA FE has officially secured the highest honour in its class, being named the 2025 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year at the Canadian Car of the Year Awards. Judges from coast to coast recognized the SANTA FE's complete evolution, praising its confident new design, generous practicality, and high level of comfort and capability. This major, unbiased win confirms that the SANTA FE is simply the best SUV solution for Canadian drivers right now.
Build & Price your own 2025 SANTA FE
A Bold Redesign That Signals a New Direction
This latest generation of the Hyundai SANTA FE looks nothing like the versions that came before it, and that is exactly the point. Hyundai leaned into a more rugged, adventure-inspired design that speaks to families who want flexibility without giving up personality. The boxier shape is not just about looks either. It translates into better space and usability, helped further by a standard third row that makes room for larger families or extra gear.
Turbo Power with Everyday Confidence
Under the hood, the SANTA FE brings real substance. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. That setup delivers strong acceleration while still feeling composed during daily commuting. For drivers who lean more toward trailheads than parking garages, the available XRT model adds off-road-focused equipment that pushes the SANTA FE further into adventure-ready territory.
What Stood Out to Canadian Jurors
Winning this award is about more than specs, and the Canadian Car of the Year jurors made that clear. Three key areas helped the SANTA FE rise above the competition: interior ergonomics, infotainment system usability, and noise, vibration, and harshness control. In simple terms, the SUV feels intuitive to sit in, easy to interact with, and impressively quiet on the road. Those are the details that matter when you live with a vehicle every single day.
Industry Voices Praise the SANTA FE’s Identity
Jurors also highlighted how clearly the SANTA FE communicates its purpose. Automotive journalist Stephen Elmer summed it up by noting that Hyundai is making a statement with this SUV, one that says it is built for people who see themselves as outdoorsy and adventurous, and who want a vehicle that matches that mindset. That clarity of identity helped the SANTA FE stand out in a competitive field of finalists.
A Win That Reflects Hyundai’s Momentum
Being named Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year places the Hyundai SANTA FE among the most important vehicles on the market today. It also reflects Hyundai’s broader momentum in designing vehicles that blend smart engineering with real-world comfort, especially for Canadian conditions.
See the Complete Evolution of the SANTA FE at Hyundai Of Regina
The SANTA FE didn't just win; it proved how far it has evolved in capability and design. For drivers eager to see what the award buzz is truly about, Hyundai Of Regina offers the chance to explore the completely redesigned, award-winning SUV up close. Call (306) 525-8848 or stop by the dealership in SK to test drive the vehicle that redefined its segment.
