2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Named AJAC Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Named AJAC Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year
Posted on March 11, 2025
The all-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has been crowned the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), a prestigious accolade that highlights the SUV’s impressive combination of design, technology, efficiency, and versatility. This recognition underscores Hyundai’s commitment to delivering vehicles that cater to the needs of Canadian drivers, whether for daily commuting, family travel, or outdoor adventures.
A Bold New Design Focused on Practicality
The latest Hyundai Santa Fe features a completely redesigned exterior that embraces a boxier, more rugged aesthetic, moving away from the curvier design of its predecessor. The new model sports a longer wheelbase, which translates to improved interior space, particularly for second- and third-row passengers. The distinctive H-shaped LED lighting and squared-off fenders give it a more commanding road presence, further reinforcing its adventurous spirit.
One of the Santa Fe’s most significant changes is its emphasis on tailgate functionality. The new design features an expanded rear opening, offering one of the widest cargo entry points in the segment. This makes it particularly appealing for Canadian families who require ample space for hockey gear, camping equipment, or road-trip essentials.
A Versatile and Capable Family SUV
One of the primary reasons AJAC’s panel of expert journalists awarded the Santa Fe this title is its impressive versatility. The SUV comes standard with three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers, making it a practical choice for growing families. The second-row seats now feature a one-touch power-folding function, providing easy access to the third row.
For those who love the outdoors, Hyundai offers an XRT trim designed for off-road adventures. This rugged version features all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and additional skid plate protection, making it well-suited for Canada’s diverse landscapes. The Santa Fe’s towing capacity has also improved, now reaching up to 4,500 pounds, making it a capable vehicle for hauling trailers, boats, or recreational equipment.
Performance and Efficiency That Cater to Canadian Drivers
Hyundai has made significant improvements under the hood as well. The 2025 Santa Fe offers two powertrain options:
A standard 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid engine producing 231 horsepower. This hybrid setup balances power with fuel efficiency, making it ideal for urban commuting and long-distance highway drives.
An available 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 277 horsepower and paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission for enhanced responsiveness and performance.
Both engines are available with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, ensuring superior grip and control on snow-covered roads and wet conditions, a crucial factor for Canadian drivers. The hybrid variant also offers notable fuel economy improvements, appealing to buyers looking to cut down on fuel costs.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Safety Features
The 2025 Santa Fe is packed with advanced technology that enhances both convenience and safety. At the centre of the dashboard sits a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, which integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity. A head-up display is also available, projecting vital driving information onto the windshield to help keep the driver’s eyes on the road.
One of the key highlights of the Santa Fe is its over-the-air software updates, which allow Hyundai to continuously improve the vehicle’s performance and add new features without requiring a dealership visit. This ensures that Santa Fe owners always have the latest technology at their fingertips.
When it comes to safety, Hyundai’s SmartSense suite is standard across all trims, including features such as:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
- Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing drivers to move the vehicle forward or backward using a key fob
- Driver Attention Warning, which detects signs of drowsiness or inattentiveness
These safety technologies make the Santa Fe one of the most advanced family SUVs available in Canada today, providing peace of mind in all driving conditions.
Hyundai’s Commitment to Excellence
Winning AJAC’s Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year award is no small feat, as the title is reserved for the best-performing SUV in Canada based on real-world testing by expert automotive journalists. Hyundai has proven once again that it is capable of producing vehicles that not only look good but also deliver on practicality, technology, and driving dynamics.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is more than just an SUV—it’s a vehicle designed to cater to the modern Canadian lifestyle. Whether tackling winter roads, summer road trips, or daily commutes, this award-winning SUV stands out as one of the best options for families and adventure seekers alike.