3 Award-Winning Hyundai SUVs That Aussies Are Loving in 2025

Picking a new car can sometimes feel like gambling blind.

You scroll through reviews. You bounce between models. You get ten different opinions from five different mates—and none of it makes your decision any easier.

One says go electric. One swears by diesel.

Someone’s cousin had a horror story with one brand, so now that’s off the table.

And before you know it, you’re deep in a YouTube rabbit hole watching some bloke test boot space with an esky and a gym bag.

It’s confusing.

And worse—half the time, the advice isn’t even relevant to you.

Because you’re not buying a car for TikTok reviews.

You’re buying it for the real stuff. School drop-offs. Weekend road trips. Fuel costs. Parking. Hauling gear. Safety. Comfort. Long drives. Short runs. All of it.

You just want something that won’t let you down. That won’t empty your wallet. That won’t make you regret it six months in.

That’s why, every now and then, it’s good when someone cuts through all the noise and says:

“Here. These are the ones that actually nailed it this year.”

So let’s talk about the SUVs that did exactly that—and why Aussies are snapping them up in 2025.

 

1. The Kona Hybrid – Best Small SUV Under $50K

Let’s start with the little beast that’s made a big splash—the Hyundai Kona Hybrid.

Now, if you’re the kind of person who says, “I don’t need a big car, I just want something easy to drive, good on fuel, and sharp looking,” this is probably your winner.

The Kona Hybrid is one of those cars that surprises you. It’s compact, sure—but it doesn’t feel like a tin can. It’s got room where it matters. Plenty of tech. And it’s quiet. Like, creep-up-on-your-own-driveway quiet.

But the real reason it’s making waves? That hybrid fuel economy.

You can still get all the perks of driving a petrol-powered car, but without watching the fuel gauge drop every 15 minutes. 

Perfect for city driving. Perfect for school runs. Perfect for people who are sick of paying $2 a litre.

And yeah—it looks damn good doing it. The new design gives off premium energy without the premium price tag.

So if you want a smart, stylish, fuel-sipping SUV that won’t break your budget or take up the whole driveway—the Kona Hybrid just proved it belongs at the top of your list.

 

2. The Tucson Hybrid – Best Medium SUV Under $50K

Next up: the Tucson Hybrid. AKA the “I need more space, but I still want something that drives like a dream” option.

If the Kona is for zipping around town, the Tucson is for doing life.
School drop-offs. Work commutes. Grocery hauls. Weekend beach trips. All of it—handled.

This thing is comfy, smooth, and built to make busy days feel less chaotic. 

It’s packed with clever storage, safety features that actually help (not just beep at you), and enough tech to make it feel more like a mobile lounge than a car.

But here’s what really stands out: it doesn’t drive like a big SUV. It’s nimble. It feels light. And with the hybrid engine, it sips fuel like a hatchback—not like a hungry 2-tonne monster.

You’ll also notice the Tucson looks a bit sharper this year. Hyundai dialled up the design with clean lines, bold lighting, and a proper presence on the road. You’re not just buying function—you’re getting style too.

Bottom line is, if you’ve got a family, a dog, a surfboard, or just a bunch of life to haul around, the Tucson Hybrid checks every box without blowing your budget.

 

3. The Santa Fe Hybrid – Best Large SUV Under $80K + Car of the Year (Overall Winner)

And then we get to the heavyweight champion—the new Santa Fe Hybrid.

Not only did it win Best Large SUV, but it also took out the Drive Car of the Year 2025. 

That’s not a small deal. That’s a “this car is better than everything else on the market right now” type of win.

And when you see it, you get it.

The new Santa Fe is bold. Like, really bold. It looks like something out of a concept showroom—boxy in the best way, futuristic without being weird, and with enough space inside to fit your whole life (plus some).

But don’t let the size fool you. This thing moves.

With a smooth hybrid powertrain under the hood, it delivers strong performance and excellent fuel efficiency—two things you rarely get together in a big SUV.

The cabin? Luxe. We're talking reclining second-row seats, smart storage everywhere, USB ports in all the right places, and panoramic screens that make it feel like you’re in a spaceship.

It’s safe. It’s strong. It’s ridiculously comfortable. 

And if you’ve got a growing family—or just like to ride in style—it’s the kind of SUV you buy once and hang onto for years.

This isn’t just a “car of the year” because of one feature. It’s the full package—and that’s why Aussies are lining up to get behind the wheel.

 

Why This Matters to Real People (Not Just Car Nerds)

Awards are cool, but what does this actually mean for you?

It means that whether you’re after a small SUV to dart around town, a medium SUV for the day-to-day grind, or a big SUV to haul your whole crew—Hyundai has absolutely nailed the options this year.

It means you can walk into a dealership without second-guessing yourself for three weeks.

It means that real experts, real drivers, and real families have already test-driven these things, run them through their paces, and said, yep—these are the ones to beat.

And that saves you time, money, and a whole lot of mental bandwidth.

 

Where to Test Drive These Award Winners Near You

If you’re in the market for a new SUV and want to get behind the wheel of something that’s already proven itself in 2025—you don’t have to go far.

You’ll find all three of these award-winning Hyundai hybrids—the Kona, Tucson, and Santa Fe—right here at Llewellyn Hyundai, located on 246 Brisbane Road in Ipswich.

That’s right. Easy to get to. Easy to park. Easy to take a test drive.

Whether you’re after something compact, practical, or full-size with all the bells and whistles—our team is here to walk you through it all without the pressure.

Fuel efficiency? Covered.
Award-winning tech and safety? Locked in.
Real service from a local team? That’s what we do best.

Come down to 246 Brisbane Rd and see what makes these three SUVs the top choice for Aussie drivers in 2025.