Four Cat B SUVs duel to the end for this category’s crown.
How Does ACOTY Define This Class?
Each contender must be a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and sold with a Category B Certificate of Entitlement (Cat B COE). At the same time, they should remain relatively affordable Cat B models and not creep into the ‘premium’ territory of pricing. Those SUVs are saved for another category.
Let’s have a look.
Meet The Contenders
Two South Koreans and two Japanese are duelling for the top spot. Clockwise from top left are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Honda CR-V and Subaru Crosstrek.
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes into this competition with a “hip-to-be-square” attitude. Literally. Its angular physique is a refreshing change, and stands out supremely from the sea of boring SUVs on our streets for this reason.
Featuring a seriously comfortable ride, great fuel economy, an interior that wouldn’t go amiss in a vehicle twice its price, and tech and creature comforts galore, this becomes one seriously compelling family SUV package.
Its cousin, the Kia Sorento looks aggressive head-on and makes others notice it. With plenty of room on the inside, tech integration that’s seamless, handling that’s surprisingly nimble and ride comfort that’s necessary for the family, the South Koreans appear to be nailing the SUV brief with aplomb.
The Honda CR-V needs no introduction. A regular sight on our roads since its inception in 1995, having sold in droves, that alone should speak to how accomplished it is as a family mover.
Sporting a sleek, minimalist look, the CR-V remains understated yet instantly recognisable. Featuring just enough tech on the inside as to not distract, simple but highly functional interior, superb visibility and ergonomics and a comfortable ride, this CR-V soldiers on in the footsteps of its forebearers.
The Subaru Crosstrek e-Boxer is the only SUV available in this grouping with all-wheel drive. With a go-anywhere penchant complete with roof rails for outdoorsy gear, rugged-looking exterior, utilitarian interior and all-round visibility for days, the Crosstrek is easy to drive and live with.
Four went to duel, and only one will emerge victorious.
AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Cat B SUV
Hyundai Santa Fe
| Vehicle | Points Tally |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 398 |
| Kia Sorento | 372 |
| Honda CR-V | 321 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 267 |
The winner with 398 points is the Hyundai Santa Fe. This is a lot of SUV for the money, and offers creature comforts usually reserved for much more expensive vehicles.
More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.
Congratulations to the Hyundai Santa Fe for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2025 Best Cat B SUV!
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