The mid-sized SUV was awarded as one of the Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX for 2024. It’s joined by the Hyundai Kona. This makes Hyundai the only manufacturer to have two vehicles on the annual list.

The focus of the Wards 10 Best Interiors and UX competition, is to identify driver interfaces that are user-friendly, navigation systems that are easy to program, and smartphone integration that is simple, allowing drivers safe access to text messages, emails, and phone contacts while on the road.

The award evaluates the user-friendliness of the driver-assist technologies and the access to information and entertainment options without distraction as well as the vehicles overall interior quality and comfort. The 2024 Hyundai product awards are the second and third product recognitions by Wards Auto since its award inception in 2022. The Hyundai Palisade won in 2023.

Wards Auto jurors point out the Kona’s cool modernist aesthetic and lots of technology for its price point. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe was found to be of incredible value, especially in the top-grade Calligraphy model. It rewrites the rule book for the whole industry on vehicle interior design. Thoughtful features like a drawer for second-row passengers and a UV-C sterilization tray for phones adds to its appeal.

Evaluations of nominated vehicles for the 2024 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX competition took place earlier this year with judges experiencing the vehicles during their daily driving. Judges rate new or heavily refreshed vehicle interiors and user-experience technology on a variety of metrics including design and aesthetics, comfort, materials, fit-and-finish, connectivity, and infotainment, displays and controls, as well as advanced driver assist system content and value. There is no price cap, but overall value is a consideration.