Hyundai Santa Fe Wins the Title of Best Canadian Utility Vehicle, According to AJAC
Hyundai Santa Fe Wins the Title of Best Canadian Utility Vehicle, According to AJAC
Posted on March 11, 2025
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has been named Best Canadian Utility Vehicle by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), solidifying its place as one of the most well-rounded and capable SUVs in the market. The award was announced at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, a major annual event that showcases the latest automotive innovations.
This recognition is a significant achievement for Hyundai, as AJAC’s awards are among the most respected and comprehensive automotive honours in the country. The Santa Fe’s combination of practicality, technology, safety, and value helped it stand out in a fiercely competitive segment, making it a top choice for Canadian drivers looking for a versatile and family-friendly SUV.
Why the Hyundai Santa Fe Stood Out
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe represents a significant evolution in Hyundai’s SUV lineup, with a bold new design, a spacious interior, and an array of advanced features. One of its defining characteristics is its boxier, more rugged styling, which not only gives it a commanding road presence but also enhances its off-road capabilities. With increased ground clearance and available all-wheel drive, the Santa Fe is well-equipped for Canadian winters and challenging road conditions.
Inside, Hyundai has focused on comfort, space, and technology. The Santa Fe offers a three-row seating option, a feature that makes it more practical for larger families compared to many other midsize SUVs. The interior has been completely reimagined, featuring high-quality materials, a modern design, and an expansive dual-screen infotainment system that integrates the latest in connectivity and driver assistance technologies.
Performance is another key strength of the 2024 Santa Fe. The SUV is available with a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine that delivers strong performance while maintaining fuel efficiency suited for long-distance travel and city driving alike. Hyundai has also introduced a hybrid powertrain, catering to environmentally conscious buyers looking for improved efficiency without compromising power. These powertrain options give the Santa Fe a level of versatility that appeals to a wide range of drivers.
What the AJAC Award Means
The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) is a respected organization that conducts extensive, real-world testing to determine the best vehicles available to Canadian consumers. Unlike many automotive awards that rely solely on public voting or subjective opinions, AJAC's process is rooted in data-driven evaluations.
Each year, automotive journalists from across the country participate in back-to-back testing of new vehicles, assessing them based on a variety of factors, including performance, fuel efficiency, safety, technology, comfort, and overall value. Vehicles are evaluated in real-world conditions, ensuring that the results reflect how Canadians actually use their vehicles—from city commuting to highway driving to tackling harsh winter conditions.
Winning an AJAC award is a strong endorsement for any vehicle, as it signifies that the model has been thoroughly tested against its competitors and has excelled across multiple categories. For the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, this means it has been recognized not just for its design and features, but also for its practicality, drivability, and suitability for Canadian roads.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Also Wins Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year
Hyundai didn’t just take home one award at the Canadian International Auto Show—it secured two out of the four major AJAC utility vehicle awards. In addition to the Santa Fe’s victory, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was named Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year, further cementing Hyundai’s reputation as a leader in both traditional and electrified mobility.
The Ioniq 5 has been a standout in the EV market, offering cutting-edge technology, ultra-fast charging capabilities, and an innovative design that combines retro styling with modern aerodynamics. Built on Hyundai’s dedicated E-GMP electric platform, it delivers a smooth, quiet ride and impressive efficiency, making it a top contender in the rapidly growing electric SUV segment.
With an available all-wheel-drive system, up to 488 kilometres of range, and a high-tech interior featuring a large digital cockpit, the Ioniq 5 is not only a practical choice for Canadian drivers but also an exciting one. Its award-winning fast-charging capabilities allow it to regain up to 100 kilometres of range in just five minutes, making it one of the most convenient EVs on the market for long-distance travel.
The fact that Hyundai secured two of AJAC’s four utility vehicle awards is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation, quality, and value. Whether drivers are looking for a versatile gasoline-powered SUV like the Santa Fe or a cutting-edge electric SUV like the Ioniq 5, Hyundai has proven that it can deliver some of the best utility vehicles in Canada today.
What This Means for Canadian Drivers
For consumers, the AJAC awards serve as a trusted guide when choosing a new vehicle. With the midsize SUV segment being one of the most competitive in Canada, the Santa Fe’s victory confirms that it is one of the best all-around choices for families, commuters, and adventure-seekers alike.
The combination of spaciousness, advanced safety features, and all-weather capability makes the Santa Fe an ideal vehicle for the demands of Canadian driving. Whether navigating urban environments, long road trips, or winter conditions, Hyundai’s latest SUV has proven its versatility and reliability.
At the same time, the Ioniq 5’s recognition as Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year reinforces Hyundai’s commitment to the future of sustainable transportation. As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, the Ioniq 5 stands out as one of the most advanced and practical EVs available, offering a blend of performance, range, and efficiency that meets the needs of modern drivers.
By winning two of the most significant AJAC awards, Hyundai has demonstrated that it is at the forefront of both traditional and electric vehicle innovation, giving Canadian buyers more choices than ever when it comes to finding the right utility vehicle for their needs.