Hyundai Kona vs Santa Fe vs Tucson: Drive's Cars of the Year
Hyundai's Tucson, Kona and Santa Fe Hybrid have been named Drive's Cars of the year!
Hyundai has taken out three of the biggest wins at the Drive Car of the Year 2025 awards, proving its SUV line-up leads across every size and lifestyle.
The Hyundai Kona claimed Best Small SUV under $50,000, the Tucson secured Best Medium SUV under $50,000, and the Santa Fe Hybrid not only earned Best Large SUV under $80,000 but was also crowned the overall Drive Car of the Year 2025.
For Western Australian drivers, that means whichever Hyundai SUV you choose, you’re choosing one of Australia’s most awarded vehicles of the year. In this guide, we compare the three side by side to help you find your perfect fit.
Quick comparison: Hyundai Kona vs Santa Fe vs Tucson
| Model | Drive Award 2025 | Seats | Cargo (L) | Powertrain | Drivetrain | Combined Fuel Use (L/100km) | Power / Torque | Indicative Drive-Away (from) |
| Hyundai Kona | Best Small SUV under $50K | 5 | 407 / 1241 | 2.0L MPi Petrol | FWD | 6.6 | 110kW / 180Nm | ~$36,000 |
| Hyundai Tucson | Best Medium SUV under $50K | 5 | 539 / 1860 | 2.0L MPi Petrol | FWD | 8.1 | 115kW / 192Nm | ~$40,000 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid | Best Large SUV under $80K + Overall Car of the Year | 7 | 628 / 1949 | 1.6T-GDI Hybrid | FWD / AWD | 5.6 | 172kW / 367Nm | ~$58,000 |
(Specifications and indicative pricing sourced from official Hyundai Australia data. Real-world fuel economy may vary.)
Which Hyundai SUV suits you best?
Each of Hyundai’s Drive award-winning SUVs has a clear purpose and personality.
- Hyundai Kona: Compact, stylish and easy to park, the Kona is perfect for city living. It offers smart technology, great fuel efficiency, and enough space for everyday errands or weekend escapes.
- Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson is a confident all-rounder, perfectly sized for young families or professionals who need room for kids, pets or gear without stepping up to a large SUV.
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Spacious, refined and impressively efficient, the Santa Fe Hybrid delivers long-distance comfort and three-row flexibility for bigger families or those who love to explore WA’s open roads.
Dimensions & space: Big on comfort, right for your lifestyle
Hyundai’s SUV range offers a clear size step-up, so it’s easy to choose what fits your life.
- Hyundai Kona: A smart city-sized SUV at 4,350 mm long, offering 407 litres of boot space or up to 1,241 litres with the seats folded. Compact, agile, and easy to live with around the city.
- Hyundai Tucson: A mid-sized all-rounder stretching to 4,640 mm long, with 539 litres of cargo space expanding to 1,860 litres when you need it. Perfect for young families or active professionals.
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: A true seven-seater measuring 4,830 mm long, with 628 litres of storage (or up to 1,949 litres folded). Spacious, comfortable, and ready for big WA adventures.
Performance & efficiency: Power, choice and everyday confidence
Each Hyundai SUV offers a balance of smooth performance and smart efficiency, so you can drive with confidence wherever life takes you.
- Hyundai Kona: Powered by a 2.0L SmartStream MPi petrol engine, producing 110 kW and 180 Nm through a responsive Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Delivers an efficient 6.6L/100km combined, perfect for city commutes and weekend getaways.
- Hyundai Tucson: Steps up with a 2.0L MPi petrol engine and 6-speed automatic, offering 115 kW and 192 Nm. Returns 8.1L/100km combined, balancing power and practicality for everyday family use.
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Combines a 1.6T-GDi petrol engine with electric motor for a total 172 kW and 367 Nm. Uses just 5.6L/100km combined, delivering smooth, refined performance and impressive fuel savings for a seven-seat SUV.
Technology, safety & connectivity: Smart drivers every day
Hyundai’s award-winning SUVs all come packed with the latest smart tech and safety features, giving you peace of mind on every journey.
Each model includes Hyundai SmartSense™ driver-assist technology with essentials such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Smart Cruise Control. Inside, you’ll find large 12.3-inch displays, seamless smartphone connectivity, and Bluelink® connected car services for remote access and live updates.
Comfort and interior quality: Designed around you
Hyundai’s SUV cabins combine practicality with premium touches that make every drive more enjoyable.
- Hyundai Kona: Dual-zone climate control, supportive cloth or leather-appointed seats, and a modern open console design create a relaxed, high-tech feel. Compact outside, yet surprisingly roomy inside.
- Hyundai Tucson: Adds wider seating, soft-touch materials, acoustic glass and a quiet, insulated cabin for longer trips. Dual-zone air conditioning and power-adjustable front seats add extra everyday comfort.
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Goes even further with Nappa leather-appointed seats, heated and ventilated rows, tri-zone climate control, and generous legroom across all three rows, delivering luxury SUV comfort without the price tag.
Which SUV fits your lifestyle?
Each Hyundai SUV is built for a different type of driver, but the key is finding the one that suits your routine.
- Urban Professional: The Hyundai Kona is perfect for city living, offering easy manoeuvrability, great technology and efficiency for the daily commute.
- Growing Family: The Hyundai Tucson offers the right mix of comfort, space and practicality for school runs, weekend sport and longer drives.
- Adventurous Family or Frequent Traveller: The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid delivers effortless long-distance comfort, towing ability and fuel-saving hybrid power for bigger families or regular WA road trips.
Finance simplified for you by John Hughes
When comparing the Kona, Tucson and Santa Fe Hybrid, getting flexible finance and a fair trade-in offer shouldn’t slow you down. At John Hughes, we make it easy:
- Seamless finance packages tailored to your budget with no hidden fees, quick approvals, and competitive rates.
- Transparent trade-in valuations, based on real market data, so you know your current car is valued fairly.
- Book a test drive online, pick your Hyundai and drive away!
- After-sales support with factory-trained technicians, genuine parts, and long-term servicing across John Hughes’ multiple WA locations.
Ready to experience Hyundai’s best SUVs?
Hyundai’s award-winning SUV range proves there’s a model for every lifestyle, all backed by advanced safety, comfort and long-term value. The best way to find your fit is to get behind the wheel.
Book your test drive at John Hughes, explore our latest Hyundai SUV stock, or get a fast trade-in valuation online. With trusted advice, flexible finance and genuine local service, John Hughes makes it easy to drive home in a Hyundai you’ll love.