Large SUV wins world’s best title

Hyundai’s Santa Fe has been crowned the 2025 supreme winner of the Women's Worldwide Car of the Year awards.

A panel of 82 motoring journalists from 55 countries tested dozens of different models before voting for the world’s best car.

The annual contest started with 81 contenders and an initial round of voting decided the top picks in a number of categories.

The winners were the Mini Cooper, urban car; Kia EV3, compact SUV; Audi A6 e-tron, large car; Santa Fe, pictured, large SUV; Toyota Land Cruiser, 4x4; and Porsche Panamera, performance car.

A subsequent round of voting was then held by the Women's Worldwide Car of the Year to choose the supreme winner from among the category champions.

Marta Garcia, executive president, says: “Choosing the world’s best car is a task of great responsibility. It must take into account the particularities of each market, the type of driving done, purchasing power, orography, consumer preferences.

“The winning car has to meet all these needs, satisfying drivers around the world.” 

The Santa Fe, which can accommodate up to seven passengers, was praised by judges for its innovative design, hybrid engines, safety features and technology.

It was announced as the winner on March 6 to coincide with the week in which International Women’s Day – March 8 – is celebrated.