Striking Presence, Intelligent Engineering. Silent by Design yet Commanding on the Road
Johannesburg, 29 January 2026 – The Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid has officially been named a 2026 Car of the Year Finalist for the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) Awards, reinforcing its status as one of the country’s most compelling and forward-thinking Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).
Launched in May last year as Hyundai’s first hybrid vehicle in South Africa, the SANTA FE Hybrid marked a significant milestone for the brand’s local electrification journey. Since its introduction, the SUV has attracted strong interest from South African motorists due to its bold, distinctive design, premium comfort and efficient hybrid performance.
Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa said the finalist recognition affirms the Hyundai’s strategic decision to introduce the SANTA FE Hybrid to the local market. “Bringing the SANTA FE Hybrid to South Africa was a deliberate and confident decision aligned to where the market is going. Being named a finalist by the SAGMJ confirms that this vehicle delivers meaningful value for consumers while making strong commercial sense for our business.”
Finalist status places the Hyundai SANTA FE among the top vehicles launched in South Africa, recognising its impact in an increasingly competitive SUV segment. “This recognition celebrates more than just innovation. It reflects how strongly South Africans have connected with a vehicle that delivers style, comfort and confidence in one distinctive package,” added Anderson.
The SAGMJ Awards are among the most respected accolades in the local automotive industry, judged by leading mobility and motoring journalists. According to the SAGMJ, they will conduct an intensive two-day testing process in March, scoring each contender to determine category winners and ultimately crown the overall winner of the prestigious 2026 South African Car of the Year competition. The winners will be announced in May 2026.
In 2025, the Hyundai SANTA FE won the World Car of the Year as voted by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) jury, an international panel of leading female motoring journalists. It quickly earned its reputation for its striking presence, intelligent engineering and next-generation efficiency.
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