Hyundai Santa Fe Crowned CarsGuide 2026 Car of the Year
It all comes down to this.
Seven category winners. Seven exceptional vehicles. But only one can take the ultimate title of CarsGuide’s 2026 Car of the Year — and this year, Hyundai has taken top honours.
After careful consideration by the CarsGuide judging panel, the Hyundai Santa Fe has been named overall winner, standing tall above a fiercely competitive shortlist that featured performance SUVs, electric newcomers, family hybrids and a truly game-changing ute.
A massive achievement for Hyundai — and fantastic news for drivers considering their next family SUV at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee.
A Strong Field of Finalists
The final shortlist was made up of the winners from each CarsGuide category, including:
- Kia EV3 (Best Small Car Under $50,000)
- BMW X1 (Best Small Car Under $80,000)
- Zeekr 7X (Best Medium SUV Under $60,000)
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Best Medium SUV Under $130,000)
- Porsche Cayenne (Best Large SUV Under $220,000)
- BYD Shark 6 (Best Ute Under $85,000)
Each of these vehicles impressed in their own right — but one SUV proved it had the complete package.
The Overall Winner: Hyundai Santa Fe
Without further ado, CarsGuide’s 2026 Car of the Year is the Hyundai Santa Fe.
The judges were unanimous in their praise, calling the Santa Fe a standout family SUV that’s incredibly hard to fault. Whether configured as a six- or seven-seater, it delivers exceptional space across all three rows, paired with practical cargo capacity and outstanding comfort.
It’s a true family-first SUV — but one that doesn’t compromise on refinement, technology or driving enjoyment.
Why the Santa Fe Stood Above the Rest
According to CarsGuide, the new-generation Santa Fe represents a massive leap forward:
🚘 Premium Interior, No Matter the Grade
Even the entry-level Santa Fe feels far from “base model”. In fact, judges noted it feels more premium than many rivals’ top-spec variants. Materials, finishes and touchpoints all punch well above the price point, with a modern interior design featuring a subtle retro twist.
⚡ Two Excellent Powertrains
Buyers can choose between:
- A 1.6-litre turbo hybrid, offering impressive efficiency, smooth refinement and surprising punch
- A 2.5-litre turbo-petrol, delivering strong performance and an engaging drive
Both are available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive — and yes, even the hybrid gets a full-size spare wheel.
💰 Outstanding Value for Money
With pricing starting from around $54,000 and topping out at approximately $77,000 for the fully loaded Calligraphy Hybrid, the Santa Fe offers exceptional value. Even at entry level, it’s packed with advanced safety tech and comfort features families genuinely want.
🎨 Bold, Standout Design
Its boxy, confident exterior may be polarising — but the judges agreed it’s refreshing to see something bold in a segment often filled with safe, forgettable designs.
The Verdict
Not only did the Hyundai Santa Fe earn the CarsGuide 2026 Car of the Year title, it was also labelled “the best car money can buy” by the judges — high praise indeed.
It’s a well-deserved win for a brilliantly executed SUV and another reminder of why Hyundai continues to lead the way in design, technology and real-world usability.
Experience the Award-Winning Santa Fe at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee
If you’re considering a large family SUV in 2026, now’s the perfect time to see what all the fuss is about. Visit Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee to explore the award-winning Hyundai Santa Fe range and experience CarsGuide’s top pick for yourself.