The Hyundai Santa Fe Is a 2025 North American Utility of the Year Finalist

A jury of 50 independent journalists across the United States and Canada has selected the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe as the only gasoline-powered finalist for the 2025 North American Utility of the Year award. This new midsize crossover will now face off against the Volkswagen ID.Buzz and the Chevrolet Equinox EV for the grand prize. 

“Hyundai continues to develop out-of-the-box vehicles, and being named as a NACTOY finalist underscores our creativity and commitment to North America’s ultra-competitive SUV market,” Hyundai Senior VP Olabisi Boyle said in the company’s announcement.  

“We are extremely proud that the Santa Fe has achieved such significant recognition alongside other top-tier rivals,” Boyle said. “The Santa Fe prioritizes customer satisfaction with its cutting-edge technology and connectivity, providing engaging, fuel-efficient power for urban commutes and outdoor adventures alike.” 

The NACTOY jury divides its annual awards into three categories: Cars, Trucks, and Utilities (SUVs). NACTOY President Jeff Gilbert announced the finalists in late November, calling this year’s competition “fierce.”   

“We have a well-balanced crop of EVs, hybrids and gasoline-powered vehicles. It will be hard to narrow each category down to just one winner – they’re all great choices,” Gilbert said. 

“The Utility of the Year category pits two very different electric vehicles against a groundbreaking gasoline-powered family utility,” Gilbert said. “All are great vehicles, but all represent very unique parts of the utility market. Any one can be a winner.” 

Indeed, the Hyundai Santa Fe finds itself in impressive company. With three awards up for grabs, the field is unsurprisingly robust. The 2025 Car of the Year finalists are the Honda Civic Hybrid, Kia K4, and Toyota Camry; Truck of the Year will be chosen from among the Ford Ranger, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tacoma.  

The all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was also a 2025 NACTOY semifinalist but did not make it to the final round of voting. 

Being named in this company demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to forward-thinking technology and world-class design, regardless of the vehicle’s powertrain — gasoline, hybrid, or electric. The Santa Fe Hybrid offers the best of both gasoline and electrified propulsion, and the rugged XRT offers off-road capability without compromising comfort.  

The 2025 North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year Award winners will be announced on January 10, 2025 — the first day of the 2025 Detroit Auto Show.  

Want to see for yourself what makes the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe a NACTOY finalist? Come check it out today at Dick Smith Hyundai of Greenville.