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.
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.
