Hyundai Santa Fe wins Women’s Car of the Year 2025
The Hyundai Santa Fe was award best car of the 2025. Image: WWCOTY
Update: The Hyundai Santa Fe has been declared the World's Best Car for 2025 by the esteemed panel of journalists judging the Women's Worldwide Car of the Year.
With a global audience of half a billion, the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) is an esteemed award.
Prior to casting their votes, the 82 motoring journalists hailing from 55 nations diligently tested numerous car models, thoroughly evaluating every aspect. Among the judges was AutoMuse’s Liz Dobson.
The Hyundai Santa Fe had already won large SUV by WWCOTY. Photos: Liz Dobson
Among the 81 contenders, the finest automobiles in each category emerged victorious in the initial voting round. The winners in their respective categories were as follows:
Urban Model - Mini Cooper hatch
Compact SUV - Kia EV3
Large car - Audi A6 E-tron
Large SUV - Hyundai Santa Fe
4x4 ute - Toyota Land Cruiser 250 Series
Performance and Luxury car - Porsche Panamera
In the subsequent round of voting, these exceptional finalists formed the basis for determining the prestigious title of the World's Best Car for 2025. The voting has been very close because all have the qualities to emerge as the Supreme Winner.
“Choosing the World's Best Car is a task of great responsibility. It must take into account the particularities of each market, the type of driving done, purchasing power, orography, consumer preferences... The winning car has to meet all these needs, satisfying drivers around the world,” says Marta Garcia, Executive President of WWCOTY.
The Hyundai Santa can seat up to seven passengers and is 4.8m long
After careful analysis and thorough examination, the verdict overwhelmingly favors the Hyundai Santa Fe, a large SUV that can accommodate up to seven passengers. At 4.8 meters long, it features an innovative design and hybrid engines.
Scott Kelsey, Chief Executive Officer for Hyundai New Zealand said: 'We are thrilled that the Santa Fe has been recognised as the Women's Worldwide Car of the Year. The Santa Fe has been a firm family Kiwi favourite across the years and this award reflects the innovative design, leading safety technology and family-friendly features of the latest 5th generation model'
The eight categories included Urban Model, Compact SUV, Large Car, Large SUV, 4x4 and Pick-Up, Performance and Luxury Car.
All these vehicles represent excellence in terms of safety, driving, technology, comfort, efficiency, environmental impact, value for money and gender equality.
Here is Liz’s review of the Hyundai Santa Fe.