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 Africa, the SANTA FE Hybrid marked a pivotal moment in the brand’s local electrification journey. Its arrival quickly captured the attention of South African motorists, thanks to its bold, distinctive design, premium comfort, and efficient hybrid performance.
Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, said the finalist recognition validates the brand’s strategic decision to introduce the SANTA FE Hybrid locally. “Bringing the SANTA FE Hybrid to South Africa was a deliberate and confident decision aligned with the direction of the market. Being named a SAGMJ finalist confirms that this vehicle delivers meaningful value to consumers while making strong commercial sense for our business,” he explained.
Finalist status positions the SANTA FE among the top vehicles launched in South Africa, highlighting its impact in an increasingly competitive SUV segment. “This recognition celebrates more than just innovation,” Anderson added. “It reflects how strongly South Africans have connected with a vehicle that delivers style, comfort, and confidence in one distinctive package.”
The SAGMJ Awards are among the most respected accolades in the local automotive industry, judged by leading mobility and motoring journalists. In March, an intensive two-day testing process will evaluate each contender to determine category winners and, ultimately, crown the overall winner of the 2026 South African Car of the Year. Winners will be announced in May 2026.
The SANTA FE Hybrid’s accolades extend beyond South Africa. In 2025, it was awarded World Car of the Year by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) jury, an international panel of leading female motoring journalists. The SUV has earned a global reputation for its striking presence, intelligent engineering, and next-generation efficiency, now resonating strongly with South African drivers.
With its combination of advanced hybrid technology, luxurious comfort, and commanding road presence, the Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid continues to define what modern SUVs can achieve—quietly, efficiently, and with undeniable style.
