Best large SUV: New Car Awards 2014
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the 2014 Auto Express large SUV of the Year, with the Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover Sport commended
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There have been a number of new arrivals to the large SUV class in the past 12 months, but none has been able to knock the Hyundai Santa Fe off its top spot.
A year on from its maiden win, the stylish and capable Hyundai continues to prove that the Korean brand is now a serious player in the mainstream marketplace. For instance, it has the sort of eye-catching exterior styling you’d expect from a much more expensive premium machine, while the interior effortlessly blends desirability and versatility.
At the heart of its appeal as a family-friendly SUV is its ability to accommodate seven people, thanks to the addition of a neat pair of rear seats that fold out of the boot floor. If carrying capacity is your top priority, then there’s always the five-seat version, which boasts a vast 585-litre load bay.
![Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium interior](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--au6pH7PX--/f_auto,t_content-image-mobile@1/v1562249648/autoexpress/hyundai-santa-fe-3-interior.jpg)
Yet there’s style to match the substance, because the Hyundai’s interior is eye-catchingly designed and finished with top-notch materials, while all versions come with enough equipment to shame a luxury limousine. And while there’s only one engine option, the 2.2-litre CRDi diesel is smooth, punchy and surprisingly efficient. There’s also a choice of two and four-wheel-drive transmissions – the latter gets useful additions for off-roading, such as a differential lock and hill descent control.
The Santa Fe’s qualities shine through on the road, too, where you’ll discover assured handling, an absorbent ride and decent refinement. Further highlights include a high-set driving position that gives you a commanding view of your surroundings and the choice of precise six-speed manual or unobtrusive automatic gearboxes.
If you’re still not convinced, check out the value-for-money prices and excellent five-year warranty. On this evidence, it’s not hard to see why the Hyundai has maintained its grip on the large SUV class.
Our choice:
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi seven-seat 4WD Premium (£31,220)
The 2.2-litre diesel is the only engine, so it’s just a case of picking the right trim. We think the well equipped Premium model in seven-seat 4WD guise is all the SUV you’ll need.
Commended large SUVs
Land Rover Discovery
![Land Rover Discovery 2014 action](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--xJzG9YOx--/f_auto,t_content-image-mobile@1/v1562254832/autoexpress/land_rover_discovery_action.jpg)
A recent facelift has helped keep the hugely desirable Land Rover Discovery at the top of its game. Imposing looks, an incredibly practical interior and superb off-road ability are the car’s major calling cards. Yet it’s just as capable on the road, and the V6 diesel serves up effortless performance.
Range Rover Sport
![Range Rover Sport SDV8 front action](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--V0qf9tUa--/f_auto,t_content-image-mobile@1/v1562255302/autoexpress/rrs_sdv8_143.jpg)
It’s not the cheapest choice, but the Range Rover Sport’s blend of abilities is hard to ignore. Lightweight aluminium build and clever air-suspension mean agile handling, while the brand’s trademark off-road expertise means few models can compete with a Sport in the rough stuff.