Hyundai Santa Fe Is a MotorTrend SUV of the Year Finalist

It is award season again. The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe was in the running to take home several pieces of hardware from various automotive press outlets and organizations worldwide. For over seven decades, MotorTrend has been the leading authority when it comes to handing out awards for automotive excellence. We are proud to announce that the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe was named a 2025 MotorTrend SUV of the Year finalist. 

In discussing its position as a finalist for this award, MotorTrend editors stated that the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe was “checking all of the boxes.” They cited that its design was one of the primary reasons they were considering it, calling it “cool and boxy.” One magazine contributor was quoted saying that the 2024 Santa Fe was “arguably the coolest, freshest, and most modern take on Hyundai’s bold eight-bit design aesthetic—it really grabs attention…” 

The outlet praised the performance of the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, among various details, along with the modern interior design and the value the Santa Fe offers in its class. Great attributes indeed! The 2024 Santa Fe goes beyond the looks. You have a choice of the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine or a turbocharged hybrid system. The latter is made for more efficiency while taking you and your family outbound for adventure. It seats up to seven, along with enough space for a day trip. You can also fold down the second- and third-row seats for more space for hauling that special gift in the back of the 2024 Santa Fe.  

There are also so many cool features you will discover in the 2024 Santa Fe. On the C-pillars, there are grab handles you can hold on to when you’re loading up the roof rack. The front center console has two wireless charging pads for your smartphones. The driver is easily informed with a wide 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, along with easy access to the 12.3-inch infotainment screen next to it. 

In all, the 2024 and 2025 Santa Fe is available in eight trim levels—three of which have the hybrid driveline. You have a world of options when it comes to transporting your family anywhere across the South, so finding a model that matches your personality shouldn’t be a problem. Feeling stylish and luxurious? The Calligraphy model offers swaths of leather with a subtle taste of stealthiness with its darker trim. Want to tackle some trails in the upcountry? The XRT model wears all-terrain tires to get a better grip on the surface below.  

While the 2024 Santa Fe didn’t ultimately win Motor Trend 2025 SUV of the Year award, Dick Smith Hyundai of Greenville believes that the ultimate judge is you. Contact us to see a 2024 Santa Fe for yourself to see if it’s your SUV of the Year.