Award season continues with the "Latin Flavor: Cars of the Year 2025" awards, as voted on by the editors of a leading auto website for the Hispanic population in the U.S. It describes the awards as celebrating vehicles that have "captured the essence and needs of the Hispanic market." They focus on safety, technology and efficiency. Kia, Genesis, Hyundai, McLaren, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen all make the list.
Here are this year's winners and highlights as shared in a press release:
Sedan of the Year: 2025 Kia K4
Latin Flavor Awards: The 2025 Kia K4 wins in the sedan category, cementing the Korean brand's position in the Latin American market. This model, an evolution of the successful K3, boasts significant improvements in safety and technology.
The K4 earned a 5-star rating in Latin NCAP tests, with an impressive 87% score for adult occupant protection and 84% for child occupant protection.
Highlights include a completely revamped infotainment system featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wirelessly compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also introduces an advanced Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system that now detects pedestrians and cyclists, reinforcing its commitment to road safety.
SUV of the Year: 2025 Genesis GV80
Latin Flavor Awards: The 2025 Genesis GV80 takes the SUV of the Year award, standing out for its luxurious design and advanced technology. This model strengthens its position in the premium SUV segment with significant updates in comfort and driver-assistance features.
The 2025 GV80 introduces an enhanced suspension system that improves ride quality and handling across various road conditions. Additionally, its infotainment system now boasts a 14.5-inch curved display with an upgraded interface, offering seamless navigation and connectivity features tailored for modern drivers.
Electric Vehicle of the Year: 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz
Latin Flavor Awards: The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz wins in the electric vehicle category, reviving the spirit of the iconic VW Bus in a fully electric and futuristic version. The 2025 model improves its range, achieving 500 km on a single charge thanks to a higher-capacity battery.
The ID.Buzz surprises with an all-new augmented reality windshield, providing intuitive navigation and driver-assistance information. It also features a Level 2 autonomous driving system, allowing drivers to disengage in certain conditions.
Pickup of the Year: 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Latin Flavor Awards comments: The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz earns the Pickup of the Year title, thanks to its innovative design that blends the practicality of a truck with the comfort of an SUV. The 2025 Santa Cruz introduces a new XRT model with off-road capabilities.
Key updates include a hybrid powertrain that improves efficiency without sacrificing payload and towing capacity. Additionally, it offers an advanced driver-assistance system featuring autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.
Sports Car of the Year: 2025 McLaren 750S
Latin Flavor Awards: The 2025 McLaren 750S wins in the sports car category, proving that the passion for speed and performance remains alive in the Latin American market. This supercar features a new-generation carbon fiber chassis that reduces the vehicle's weight by 5%.
Powered by an optimized twin-turbo V8 engine, the 750S delivers 750 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds. It also incorporates an active aerodynamics system that enhances stability at high speeds.
Special Mention: 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Latin Flavor Awards: The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV receives a special mention as one of the best hybrid SUVs on the market. This model has proven exceptionally reliable, with most owners reporting trouble-free experiences.
The 2025 model enhances its plug-in hybrid system, extending its electric range to 70 km. Its updated interior features higher-quality materials and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Enhanced safety measures include an improved autonomous emergency braking system and Level 2 highway driving assistance.
About the Awards
The "Latin Flavor: Cars of the Year 2025" awards are voted on by the editors of the largest Spanish-language automotive media in the US, www.purosautos.com. Editors say they have thoroughly reviewed each model to be considered the winner. They say the awards reflect the diversity and evolution of the US automotive market and showcase the auto industry's ability to adapt to the needs and preferences of Hispanic consumers.
Photo: McLaren.