It comes down to this. Seven exceptional cars. But only one can take the crown

The final shortlist for the overall Car of the Year award is made up of the winners of each of our seven categories.

This impressive list includes high-end performance SUVs from Germany, new contenders from China, a game-changing ute, family friendly hybrids and top-notch EVs.

As a reminder, here are the category winners that make up this final shortlist.

Best Small Car Starting Under $50,000 - Kia EV3

The Kia EV3 proves small EVs don't have to be boring. A striking design combined with an engaging drive experience, visually appealing and surprisingly spacious cabin and high levels of standard equipment make for a winning package.

Best Small Car Starting Under $80,000 - BMW X1

It might not be the newest model on this list, but punchy petrol powertrains and a well-calibrated electric version elevate the BMW X1 above all of its premium small car rivals.

Best Medium SUV Starting Under $60,000 - Zeekr 7X

The newest car on this list, the long-awaited Zeekr 7X is a deeply impressive electric family SUV in all grades and proves Zeekr means business.

Best Medium SUV Starting Under $130,000 - Hyundai Ioniq 5

Perhaps a surprising win against some impressive premium players, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 deserves this award as it remains one of the most impressive electric medium SUVs money can buy.

Best Large SUV Starting Under $100,000 - Hyundai Santa Fe

A massive step up from the previous model, the new Hyundai Santa Fe has a bold design and a spacious and flexible interior with the choice of two excellent powertrains.

Best Large SUV Starting Under $220,000 - Porsche Cayenne

Outpacing a range of mostly German rivals, the Porsche Cayenne has the performance and prestige to make it the clear standout in the category.

Best Ute Under $85,000 - BYD Shark 6

A truly game-changing ute, the BYD Shark 6 has brought plug-in hybrid power to the masses in a big way.

Such a solid list of winners means the car that took the crown is a special vehicle indeed.

Without further ado, the winner of CarsGuide's overall 2026 Car of the Year award is the Hyundai Santa Fe!

The Santa Fe won over the CarsGuide Car of the Year judges for a variety of reasons.

The six- or seven-seat large SUV is hard to fault. It's a phenomenal family car with acres of occupant space across all three rows and decent cargo space as well. There's also enough to keep kids occupied in the rear two rows while offering high levels of comfort and refinement up front.

Interior design and layout is modern, with a retro twist, and the materials used throughout are second to none. Hyundai has used eye-catching seat materials, while the various touchpoints look and feel like they belong in the premium segment.

A Santa Fe highlight is the fact that even the entry grade (simply called Santa Fe) feels nothing like a base model. In fact, it feels more high-end than top-spec versions of many of its rivals.

The availability of two excellent powertrains further boosts the Santa Fe. The 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid is not just the best choice for efficiency and refinement, it's also a punchy, engaging engine. But the 2.5L four-cylinder turbo-petrol version is also an absolute hoot.

Both are available in front and all-wheel drive, and they come with a full-size spare wheel. Not something every hybrid can claim.

Value for money was also a one of the Santa Fe's biggest strengths. Pricing ranges from around $54,000 for the entry petrol grade and it tops out at $77,000 for the fully kitted out Calligraphy hybrid. Even at the entry point, the Sant Fe is packed with comfort and safety features.

Finally, while its exterior design is undoubtedly polarising, the judges agree that it's a standout among a largely vanilla bunch of family SUV rivals.

Not only is the Hyundai Santa Fe CarsGuides top pick for a family car in 2026, but we reckon it's the best car money can buy.

A well deserved win for a brilliantly executed car.