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

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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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 cars are saved for another category.

Let’s have a look.

Meet The Contenders

Clockwise from top left are the Mazda CX-60, Audi Q3 and Subaru Forester e-Boxer. Two Japanese and a German going toe-to-toe in this competition.

The Mazda CX-60 comes into this competition with a clean, premium-looking Jinba-Ittai-inspired design language. The inside is trimmed with premium-feeling materials and offers ample space for five along with their carry-ons. Coupled with useful driver aids and a suspension setup keen to take corners enthusiastically, the CX-60 is pretty likeable.

The Audi Q3 brings with it Audi’s renowned build quality and solidity, along with a clean and premium design aesthetic. It’s got ample easy-to-use technology, and the interior will take five occupants without too much bother. Frugal in fuel consumption and easy and comfortable to drive, the Q3 is a compelling package from a premium manufacturer.

The Subaru Forester e-Boxer is arguably the most SUV-like SUV of the trio, if you know what I mean. Subarus are utilitarian vehicles, and this theme continues with the Forester. Everything is simple and straightforward, and visibility from inside the cabin is excellent.

Add to that a comfortable ride aided by adaptive cruise control and Subaru’s legendary safety record, and you have an SUV here that can keep your family safe during all journeys.

Three great choices here. Which to choose? Decisions, decisions…

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Cat B SUV
Audi Q3

The winner with 319 points is the Audi Q3. This feels like the most grown-up and well-put-together SUV of the trio to the judging panel.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the Audi Q3 for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Cat B SUV!