Hyundai Motor Company has earned top honors at the 2025 Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards, with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 being crowned Best Car for City Drivers and the all-new SANTA FE taking home the title of Best 7-Seater.
Unlike traditional industry awards, the Drivers’ Choice Awards—formerly known as the Autotrader New Car Awards—are entirely driven by consumer feedback. Over 225,000 car owners from across the UK participated in this year’s online survey, making their voices heard across 20 of the 25 award categories.
Participants rated their vehicles on 16 key criteria, including performance, reliability, design, and running costs. The survey also gauged overall satisfaction and the likelihood of recommending their vehicle, offering a comprehensive view of real-world ownership experiences.
Erin Baker, Autotrader Editorial Director, said, “A smooth drive and great visibility are two of the key features of the IONIQ 5, which make it the ideal choice for city drivers in this year’s awards. Owners told us they loved its combination of unique looks and practicality, with one saying: ‘It is a pleasure to drive, has all the power I could want, has great acceleration and ride comfort, looks fantastic and handles extremely well when I’m driving around town’.”
“There was also strong appreciation for the SANTA FE. Combining generous space, practicality, and standout style, owners praised the SUV’s exceptional quality both inside and out. Many highlighted its impressive value, with one owner noting, ‘I’ve owned several premium SUVs over the years, but the SANTA FE offers everything those high-end brands do—at a fraction of the price.”
“Congratulations to Hyundai on two outstanding vehicles that truly deserve this recognition.”
Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, commented, “Winning awards is always an honor, but it’s especially meaningful when the recognition comes directly from owners. That’s why we’re particularly proud to see the IONIQ 5 named Best Car for City Drivers and the All-new SANTA FE recognized as Best 7-Seater in the 2025 Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards. There’s no better validation than the approval of those who experience our vehicles every day.”
