Hyundai Scores Dual Victory at 2025 Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards

Hyundai Scores Dual Victory at 2025 Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards

IONIQ 5 and All-new SANTA FE prove favourites among more than 225,000 UK car owners Leatherhead, 19 June 2025 – Hyundai is celebrating a remarkable double triumph at this year’s Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards, with two of its standout models earning top honours in categories that speak directly to the priorities of modern motorists. The […]

By Breyten Odendaal20 June 20254 min read

IONIQ 5 and All-new SANTA FE prove favourites among more than 225,000 UK car owners

Leatherhead, 19 June 2025 – Hyundai is celebrating a remarkable double triumph at this year’s Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards, with two of its standout models earning top honours in categories that speak directly to the priorities of modern motorists. The acclaimed IONIQ 5 has been named Best Car for City Drivers, while the bold and versatile All-new SANTA FE has been crowned Best 7-Seater.

Unlike many industry accolades, the Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards are determined not by panels of experts, but by the people who live with their vehicles every day. Based on real-world feedback from over 225,000 verified UK car owners, the awards reflect genuine sentiment across a broad range of criteria – from performance and reliability to comfort, style, and value for money.

The IONIQ 5: A Game-Changer for Urban Commuting

As the electric car revolution gathers pace, Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 continues to lead the charge. Since its debut, the model has picked up an impressive string of accolades – including World Car of the Year in 2022 – and this latest recognition cements its position as a standout choice for city-based drivers.

Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Autotrader, highlighted what makes the IONIQ 5 such a compelling urban companion:

“A smooth drive and great visibility are two of the key features of the IONIQ 5, which make it the ideal choice for city drivers. Owners told us they loved its combination of unique looks and practicality, with one saying: ‘It is a pleasure to drive, has all the power I could want, has great acceleration and ride comfort, looks fantastic and handles extremely well when I’m driving around town’.”

Available to order from £39,910, the IONIQ 5 offers cutting-edge electric mobility with a choice of Long Range (84kWh) and Standard Range (63kWh) battery packs, with a maximum range of up to 354 miles. Recent updates have added even more polish, with refreshed exterior styling, improved interior design, and enhanced technology across the board.

Hyundai Scores Dual Victory At 2025 Autotrader Drivers Choice Awards

The All-new SANTA FE: Premium Practicality for Families

In the fiercely competitive 7-seater segment, the All-new SANTA FE has stood out for its bold design, premium feel, and everyday usability. With a starting price of £51,995, it offers families a compelling alternative to more costly premium SUVs – without compromising on quality or features.

Commenting on the win, Erin Baker added:

“With space, practicality and style in spades, owners love the quality of the SANTA FE inside and out. One told us: ‘I’ve owned many premium SUVs over the years, but the SANTA FE feels like it has everything the more premium brands offered as standard, but at a fraction of the cost’.”

The SANTA FE’s powertrain line-up includes a 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream engine available in Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants, with both two- and four-wheel-drive options. Its rugged-yet-refined silhouette, class-leading interior space, and fully foldable second- and third-row seats make it equally suited to urban school runs and weekend outdoor adventures.

Validation from Those Who Matter Most

Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, welcomed the awards as a powerful endorsement from customers themselves:

“It is always satisfying to win awards, but it is especially gratifying when they are decided by owners. And so we are particularly pleased that the IONIQ 5 has been named the Best Car for City Drivers and the All-new SANTA FE the Best 7-Seater in the 2025 Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards. There is no greater validation than earning the praise of the people who live with our vehicles day in, day out.”

These latest accolades highlight Hyundai’s continued commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and building cars that meet the real-world needs of modern drivers – whether navigating tight city streets or packing in the whole family for the journey ahead.

Comments

Sign in to comment.Sign in

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Hyundainamedofficialpartnerformetrofmawards2026 3
Hyundainamedofficialpartnerformetrofmawards2026 2
Hyundainamedofficialpartnerformetrofmawards2026 1
Hyundainamedofficialpartnerformetrofmawards2026
1 / 4
65
1
ArticleApril 10, 2026

Hyundai Named Official Partner for METRO FM Awards 2026

Johannesburg, 10 April 2026 — Hyundai Automotive South Africa has been announced as the official vehicle partner of the prestigious METRO FM Awards, reinforcing its presence at one of the country’s most influential celeb
Southafricansembracedigitalcarbuyingashyundaisoars
Southafricansembracedigitalcarbuyingashyundaisoars 1
Southafricansembracedigitalcarbuyingashyundaisoars 2
1 / 3
65
2
ArticleApril 9, 2026

South Africans Embrace Digital Car Buying as Hyundai Soars

Hyundai Automotive South Africa has achieved a significant milestone, recording its strongest month yet for online vehicle sales through its Digital Dealer platform. In March 2026, the company sold 110 vehicles digitally
Shopper wins brand new hyundai exter access park
134
3
ArticleMarch 31, 2026

Shopper Wins Brand-New Hyundai EXTER at Access Park

Hyundai Automotive South Africa is celebrating early commercial success following its retail partnership with Access Park Kenilworth, highlighting how integrated retail spaces are transforming the way consumers engage wi
Hyundai renske van den heever financial benchmark
158
8
ArticleMarch 23, 2026

Hyundai’s Renske Van Den Heever Sets Benchmark in Finance

From receptionist to a leading figure in financial excellence, Renske Van Den Heever’s career at Hyundai Automotive South Africa is a testament to dedication, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to doing things righ
Hyundai Renews Sponsorship of 2026 SPAR 10km Series
138
3
ArticleMarch 19, 2026

Hyundai Renews Sponsorship of 2026 SPAR 10km Series

Johannesburg, 19 March 2026 – Hyundai Automotive South Africa is thrilled to announce the renewal of its sponsorship of the 2026 SPAR National Grand Prix 10km Road Running Series, following the tremendous success of its
Young Hyundai Apprentice Achieves 800 Services Without a Single Comeback
388
12
ArticleFebruary 23, 2026

Young Hyundai Apprentice Achieves 800 Services Without a Single Comeback

At an age when many are still finding their footing, 21 year old Lathitha Mbambo is already setting a pace few seasoned technicians can match. Working on the workshop floor at Hyundai Bellville in Cape Town, Mbambo has quietly built a record that would make any service manager pause in admiration. Since beginning her apprenticeship […]

Casey Jarvis Takes the Wheel: Hyundai PALISADE Delivered After Historic Win
73
2
ArticleFebruary 16, 2026

Casey Jarvis Takes the Wheel: Hyundai PALISADE Delivered After Historic Win

Johannesburg, 16 February 2026 – Hyundai Automotive South Africa has officially handed over a Hyundai PALISADE to professional golfer Casey Jarvis, celebrating his victory at the inaugural 2025 Hyundai Open. Jarvis was first presented with the vehicle symbolically during the tournament, marking the momentous occasion of his breakthrough win. Today’s handover formalises the process, following […]

Hyundai UK Celebrates Retail Excellence at Annual Awards
161
2
ArticleFebruary 6, 2026

Hyundai UK Celebrates Retail Excellence at Annual Awards

Leatherhead, February 5, 2026 – Hyundai Motor UK has celebrated the outstanding achievements of its retailer network at the Annual Retailer Awards, highlighting excellence across sales, customer experience, and aftersales performance. This year, Marshall Motor Group stood out with multiple accolades, including Overall Retailer Group and Progress Retailer Group of the Year, while Cannon Motors […]

Hyundai KONA Electric Now Eligible for Government’s Electric Car Grant
59
2
ArticleFebruary 3, 2026

Hyundai KONA Electric Now Eligible for Government’s Electric Car Grant

LEATHERHEAD, 3 February 2026 – Hyundai Motor UK has announced that the award-winning KONA Electric is now eligible for the Government’s Electric Car Grant, bringing zero-emission motoring within easier reach for UK drivers. From 2 February 2026, every KONA Electric qualifies for Electric Car Grant Band 2, offering £1,500 off the on-the-road purchase price. For […]

Hyundai and Coca-Cola Bring FIFA World Cup™ Trophy to South African Fans
108
1
ArticleJanuary 30, 2026

Hyundai and Coca-Cola Bring FIFA World Cup™ Trophy to South African Fans

Johannesburg, 30 January 2026 – Football fever swept through Johannesburg this week as Hyundai Automotive South Africa, in partnership with Coca-Cola, played a starring role in welcoming the FIFA World Cup™ Original Trophy to South African soil ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™. Fans from across the nation were given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness […]

Striking Presence, Intelligent Engineering: Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid Named SAGMJ 2026 Car of the Year Finalist
66
1
ArticleJanuary 29, 2026

Striking Presence, Intelligent Engineering: Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid Named SAGMJ 2026 Car of the Year Finalist

Johannesburg, 29 January 2026 – The Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid has been officially announced as a 2026 Car of the Year Finalist by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ), cementing its place as one of the country’s most compelling and forward-thinking SUVs. Launched in May 2025 as Hyundai’s first hybrid model in South […]

Hyundai Accelerates Its African Growth with New Sandton City Dealership
47
1
ArticleJanuary 26, 2026

Hyundai Accelerates Its African Growth with New Sandton City Dealership

Johannesburg, 26 January 2026 – Hyundai Automotive South Africa has officially launched its latest dealership in Sandton, cementing the brand’s commitment to growth in Africa’s most influential business district. The opening of Hyundai Sandton City is more than a strategic expansion—it is a statement of intent from one of the world’s most dynamic automotive brands. […]