Hyundai Santa Fe Wins Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $60K – Available at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee
The Hyundai Santa Fe has once again claimed top honours, winning Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $60K at the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards — marking its second consecutive win in this category.
For families across Sutherland Shire searching for a spacious, high-tech and fuel-efficient seven-seat SUV, the award confirms that the Hyundai Santa Fe remains one of the smartest buys under $60,000.
You can explore the Santa Fe range today at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee.
Back-to-Back Drive Car of the Year Winner
The seven-seat SUV category is one of the most competitive in Australia, with strong new entrants including:
- MG QS
- Volkswagen Tayron
- Chery Tiggo 9
Despite stiff competition, Drive judges found the Santa Fe offered the best overall balance of practicality, affordability and family-friendly features.
Drive’s pick of the range was the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 2WD, priced from $57,650 plus on-road costs.
Hyundai Santa Fe Key Highlights
- Priced from $53,650 + on-road costs
- Available in turbo-petrol and hybrid variants
- Hybrid powertrain: 172kW / 367Nm
- Turbo-petrol powertrain: 206kW / 422Nm
- Claimed fuel consumption from 5.6L/100km (hybrid)
- Seven-seat configuration with generous third-row space
For families in Kirrawee, Miranda, Caringbah and Cronulla, the Santa Fe offers serious space and efficiency without exceeding the $60K threshold.
Why the Hyundai Santa Fe Won
✔ Spacious Three-Row Comfort
One of the biggest deciding factors was the Santa Fe’s genuine usability across all three rows. Judges praised the ample second- and third-row space, making it a true seven-seater — not just a 5+2 compromise.
✔ Fuel-Sipping Hybrid Efficiency
The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system delivers impressive fuel economy of just 5.6L/100km (claimed), ideal for school runs, commuting and weekend road trips.
✔ High-Tech Cabin
The Santa Fe blends practicality with premium touches, including:
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Dual-zone climate control
- Powered tailgate
- 360-degree camera system
- Modern infotainment technology
The cabin quality and smart packaging were key factors in its near-unanimous win.
Built for Modern Family Life
Seven-seat SUVs are often chosen as the ultimate all-rounder — offering flexibility, cargo capacity and comfort.
The Hyundai Santa Fe delivers:
- Flexible seating configurations
- Excellent access to the third row
- Hybrid efficiency for lower running costs
- Advanced safety technology
- Strong value under $60K
It strikes the perfect balance between affordability and premium feel.
Test Drive the Award-Winning Hyundai Santa Fe at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee
If you're searching for a Hyundai Santa Fe in Sutherland Shire, now is the ideal time to experience Drive’s Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $60K for yourself.
Visit Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee to:
- Compare petrol and hybrid Santa Fe models
- Explore finance options
- Arrange a family-friendly test drive
- Receive a competitive trade-in valuation
Click here to book test drive
Discover Why It’s Australia’s Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $60K
With spacious comfort, hybrid efficiency and back-to-back Drive Car of the Year wins, the Hyundai Santa Fe continues to set the benchmark for large family SUVs under $60,000.
Visit Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee today and see why it leads the segment or click here to explore it online.
Source
Drive.com.au – Hyundai Santa Fe wins Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $60K, Drive Car of the Year 2026 (23 February 2026)