Carwow has announced the winners of its 2025 Car of the Year Awards, highlighting outstanding vehicles in 13 categories. This year, the awards included a new category for vans, expanding the range of recognized vehicles. The purpose of these awards is to celebrate excellence in car design, assisting consumers in making confident car-buying decisions and helping drive demand for the brands and dealerships involved. Each vehicle was reviewed by Mat Watson and his team of experts, with evaluations based on how well they meet the key needs of drivers.
Hyundai emerged as a major winner in the 2025 awards, taking home both the “Car of the Year” title for its Santa Fe SUV and the “Brand of the Year” award. Mat Watson described the Santa Fe as a standout vehicle, praising its driving comfort, practicality, and affordability, which made it the best all-around performer this year. Hyundai’s success in 2024, with the Ioniq 5 N and the All-New Santa Fe also earning accolades, reinforced its position as an automotive leader focused on customer needs and innovation.
Dacia also had a strong showing in this year’s awards. The Dacia Bigster was named “Most Anticipated New Car of 2025,” while the Duster took top honors in the “Smart Spender” category. Dacia’s reputation for offering practical, value-focused cars was evident in these wins. The Bigster, in particular, was impressed with its affordability and design as Dacia’s first foray into the large SUV segment. The Duster, known for its rugged looks and off-road capabilities, was praised for offering great value at a low price point.
A new category, “Van of the Year,” was introduced this year, with the Ford Transit Custom taking the top spot. The Transit Custom was celebrated for its flexibility, offering various configurations and a well-designed cab. This award highlighted the van’s appeal to business owners, providing both practicality and comfort. Carwow’s online auctions for vans and pick-ups, which began earlier this year, have also contributed to the success of the Transit Custom, meeting the demand from dealers and customers across the UK.
Ben Carter, Carwow’s Chief Customer & Marketing Officer, emphasized how these awards help consumers make informed car choices while supporting the retailers who represent these brands. With over 10 million users, Carwow continues to guide people through the car-buying process with expert advice and a wide selection of vehicles, making these awards an important endorsement for the winning brands.
In addition to the overall awards, Mat Watson offered insights into the top winners in each individual category. The “Adventurer’s Choice” award went to the BMW X5, which was praised for its spaciousness and off-road capabilities, making it a great option for those with an active lifestyle. The “Family Values” award was given to the Hyundai Santa Fe, which stood out for its practicality, comfort, and affordability, making it an ideal choice for families in need of a spacious vehicle with excellent value for money.
Other category winners included the Toyota Yaris Cross, named “Urban Living Award” for its small size, hybrid efficiency, and ease of maneuvering in city traffic. The Kia EV9 won “Outstanding EV” for its impressive electric range, fast charging abilities, and spacious interior, which made it a top pick for family electric vehicles. The “Desirability Award” went to the Bugatti Tourbillon, a hypercar known for its eye-catching design and remarkable performance, including a V16 hybrid engine capable of 1,800 horsepower.
Additional accolades included the “Smart Spender” award for the Dacia Duster, which combines rugged styling with affordability and smart features like Apple CarPlay. The “Pleasure of Driving” award went to the Porsche 911 GTS, which continues to offer an unparalleled driving experience. Meanwhile, the Skoda Superb was named the best “Comfortable Cruiser,” thanks to its refined interior and smooth driving performance, making it an excellent choice for long-distance travel. Through these awards, Carwow continues to spotlight a broad range of vehicles that cater to different needs, preferences, and budgets.