• ·     Hyundai IONIQ 5 named Best Car for City Drivers at Drivers’ Choice Awards

  • All-new SANTA FE recognized as Best 7-Seater on the market

  • Awards based on real-world feedback from over 225,000 UK car owners


Hyundai Motor Company has secured a double victory at the Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards, with the IONIQ 5 named Best Car for City Drivers and the All-new SANTA FE recognized as Best 7-Seater.

The Drivers’ Choice Awards, which were previously known as the Autotrader New Car Awards, differ from other awards in that they are decided by the people whose opinion matters most: car owners. This year, more than 225,000 owners across the United Kingdom shared feedback on their vehicles in an online survey, with their insights determining the winners of 20 of the 25 award categories.

Respondents assessed their cars across 16 criteria, including performance, reliability, appearance and running costs. They also evaluated their overall satisfaction and how likely they would be to recommend their car to others, giving a well-rounded picture of owner sentiment.

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 high praise for the SANTA FE. With space, practicality and style in spades, owners love the quality of the car inside and out and the real ‘bang for their buck’, with one telling us: ‘I’ve owned many premium SUVs over the years, but the SANTA FE feels like it has everything the more premium brands offered as standard, but at a fraction of the cost’.”

“Congratulations Hyundai for two fantastic cars, which thoroughly deserve their recognition.”

Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said, “It is always satisfying to win awards, but it is especially gratifying when they are decided by owners. And so we are particularly pleased that the IONIQ 5 has been named the Best Car for City Drivers and the All-new SANTA FE the Best 7-Seater in the 2025 Autotrader Drivers’ Choice awards. There is no greater validation than earning the praise of the people who live with our vehicles day in, day out.”