Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai IONIQ 5 Take Home Prestigious AJAC Awards
Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai IONIQ 5 Take Home Prestigious AJAC Awards
Posted on March 11, 2025
At the 2024 Toronto International Auto Show, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced its highly respected Canadian Car of the Year Awards, recognizing the best vehicles on the market based on extensive testing and evaluation. The Hyundai Santa Fe was awarded Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 earned the title of Canadian Electric Vehicle of the Year. These awards reflect Hyundai’s success in delivering innovative, high-quality vehicles that perform exceptionally in real-world conditions.
What Do the AJAC Awards Mean?
The AJAC awards are among the most prestigious honours in the automotive industry, as they are based on thorough, real-world testing by professional automotive journalists from across the country. Vehicles are compared directly against their competitors in various conditions, evaluating aspects such as performance, handling, efficiency, safety, technology, and overall value. This intensive evaluation process ensures that the winning models stand out not only on paper but also on the road, providing consumers with confidence in their purchasing decisions.
For buyers, an AJAC award serves as an important marker of quality. It indicates that a vehicle has outperformed others in its category, offering a better driving experience, more advanced technology, or superior overall value compared to its direct rivals. With the Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai IONIQ 5 winning their respective categories, both models have proven their excellence in their segments.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe: Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe stood out in this year’s competition due to its combination of versatility, practicality, and modern technology. Hyundai completely redesigned the Santa Fe for 2025, giving it a more rugged, boxy design that prioritizes functionality and interior space. The larger size, extended wheelbase, and spacious three-row seating make it an ideal choice for families or those who need a vehicle capable of handling daily commutes and weekend adventures.
Under the hood, the 2025 Santa Fe offers a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with an available turbocharged version producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission ensures smooth acceleration, while all-wheel drive is available on most trims, improving traction in all road conditions. For those needing towing capability, the Santa Fe can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Inside, the new Santa Fe features a spacious and high-tech interior, with an available panoramic curved display housing two 12.3-inch digital screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance technologies make the Santa Fe one of the most well-rounded options in the segment. Generous cargo space and flexible seating arrangements further highlight why the Santa Fe took home the award for Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5: Canadian Electric Vehicle of the Year
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been a game-changer in the electric vehicle (EV) segment, and its recognition as Canadian Electric Vehicle of the Year highlights its continued dominance. AJAC tested and awarded the 2024 model, which is built on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and delivers a spacious, futuristic interior with an emphasis on efficiency and performance.
The 2024 IONIQ 5 is available with two battery options: a 58-kWh standard-range battery and a 77.4-kWh long-range battery, with an estimated range of up to 488 km on a full charge in the AWD version. It offers instant torque and a smooth, quiet ride, making it a great choice for both city driving and long-distance travel. With ultra-fast 800V DC fast charging, the IONIQ 5 can regain up to 80% of its battery in just 18 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime during road trips.
Inside, the IONIQ 5 features a flat-floor design, creating an open and spacious cabin with adjustable rear seats for added flexibility. The dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, along with an available head-up display with augmented reality, provide a modern and intuitive user experience. Hyundai’s SmartSense driver-assistance suite comes standard, offering features such as highway driving assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-following assist for added convenience and safety.
While the 2024 model took home the award, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is expected to be even better. With an upgraded 84-kWh battery in the Long Range version and the addition of North American Charging Standard (NACS) compatibility, allowing access to Tesla Superchargers, the latest IONIQ 5 will offer more range and improved charging convenience. These refinements will further solidify Hyundai’s position as a leader in the EV space.
Conclusion
Winning two major AJAC awards reinforces Hyundai’s ability to produce vehicles that meet the needs of modern consumers. The Hyundai Santa Fe excels as a family-friendly, versatile SUV with impressive technology and space, while the IONIQ 5 continues to redefine what’s possible in an electric vehicle with its range, charging capabilities, and futuristic design.
For buyers looking for a top-rated utility vehicle or a proven electric vehicle, both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 have been tested and validated by expert automotive journalists, making them smart choices for anyone in the market for a new vehicle. As Hyundai continues to innovate and improve its models, these awards signal that the brand remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering vehicles that excel in performance, technology, and overall driving experience.