Hyundai Santa Fe Wins Coveted AJAC Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year
Hyundai Santa Fe Wins Coveted AJAC Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year
Posted on May 31, 2025
The Hyundai Santa Fe has been named the 2024 AJAC Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, a prestigious honour awarded by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). The announcement was made at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto in early February, solidifying the Santa Fe’s position as a standout SUV in the competitive Canadian market.
This win is a significant achievement for Hyundai, as the AJAC awards are among the most respected automotive honours in the country. The recognition speaks to the Santa Fe’s exceptional design, performance, technology, and overall value—key factors that consumers consider when purchasing a new vehicle.
What the AJAC Award Means
The AJAC Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year Award is not just another industry accolade—it is a rigorous, data-driven evaluation that helps Canadian buyers make informed purchasing decisions. Every year, AJAC members—automotive journalists from across the country—conduct thorough back-to-back testing of competing vehicles to determine which models stand out in their respective segments.
Unlike some awards that rely solely on voting or public opinion, the AJAC process involves:
- Comprehensive real-world testing: Vehicles are assessed in a range of conditions that reflect how Canadian consumers will actually use them, including urban, highway, and winter driving scenarios.
- Direct comparisons with competitors: Each vehicle is tested against its closest rivals, ensuring a fair and balanced evaluation.
- Scoring across multiple categories: Judges consider factors such as performance, fuel efficiency, comfort, technology, safety, and overall value.
This thorough process ensures that the winners truly represent the best vehicles available to Canadian consumers. Winning an AJAC award means a vehicle has been evaluated against the highest standards and has proven itself superior to its competition.
What This Means for Canadian Consumers
For consumers, the AJAC Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year Award is a valuable tool when researching their next purchase. It provides trusted, unbiased insight from experts who have extensively tested all competing models. The Santa Fe’s victory highlights its outstanding combination of practicality, performance, and advanced features, making it a top choice for Canadians in the market for an SUV.
Winning an AJAC award also speaks to long-term reliability and resale value, as vehicles that perform well in these rigorous tests tend to maintain strong demand in the used vehicle market. For Hyundai, this recognition further solidifies its reputation as a leader in the SUV segment.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Named Canadian Electric Vehicle of the Year
In addition to the Santa Fe’s victory, Hyundai celebrated another major win at the Canadian International Auto Show. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was named the 2024 AJAC Canadian Electric Vehicle of the Year, recognizing its cutting-edge technology, impressive range, and standout design.
The Ioniq 5 has been a game-changer in the electric vehicle (EV) market, offering a unique blend of retro-futuristic styling, ultra-fast charging capabilities, and a spacious, high-tech interior. Competing against a growing field of EVs, the Ioniq 5 stood out in real-world range, driving dynamics, and overall value, making it a top pick for Canadian drivers looking to transition to electric mobility.
This dual victory for Hyundai—winning both Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year and Canadian Electric Vehicle of the Year—further reinforces the brand’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. Whether buyers are looking for a versatile family SUV like the Santa Fe or a next-generation EV like the Ioniq 5, Hyundai has demonstrated that it is leading the pack in multiple categories.