The 10 best petrol cars 2026 - plus the one to avoid
The saying ‘old is gold’ may have its inconsistencies, but, in the UK at least, it seems many still believe that of petrol-powered cars. Indeed, figures from the Society of Motoring Manufacturers (SMMT) show that more than 46% of the 90,100 new cars purchased within the first two months of 2026 ran on petrol. Year-on-year, that represents a substantial 5.2% increase.
So, regardless of when the Government decides to ban new petrol car sales, the interest is clearly still there. And for those on the market, we’ve put together a list of what we believe to be the 10 best petrol cars on sale – plus the one we'd avoid. Full hybrids and plug-in hybrids won’t be included, but mild hybrids, which use small amounts of electrical assistance to help lower your fuel bills, do make the cut. Let’s jump right in…
Best petrol cars to buy now – and how to get the best deal
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Make and model |
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PCP deals |
Leasing deals |
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£30,935 |
5 |
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£93,160 |
5 |
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£35,860 |
5 |
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£31,620 |
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£38,120 |
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The best petrol cars for you
The Kia Sportage has been one of the very best cars on sale for some time now, because it is heavily equipped yet is good to drive, offers lots of space for your family and, perhaps most importantly, comes with Kia’s long warranty guarantee.
But what if you want a car that’s like the Sportage – well-refined across the board and nice to live with – but with a strong splash of class both inside and out? The BMW X7 is perhaps the finest luxury SUV on sale outside the hyper expensive brands (like Ferrari or Rolls-Royce), and starts at a smidge more than £93k. That’s no small money, of course, but you’re getting a car that uses the highest grade of materials inside and punches well, with a choice of six- and eight-cylinder engines.
Both the Sportage and X7 are at opposite ends of the spectrum, however, so if you’re after something that’s a little more middle-ground, we’d divert your attention to the Volvo XC40. It does things slightly differently; not being as basic in its design as the Kia, but without being quite as fanciful as the BMW. A well-specced petrol version of the XC40 should also sit halfway between the two in terms of price.
If SUVs aren’t to your taste, don’t worry, because our list also features convertibles, estates, hatchbacks and sports cars.
Read more: Complete the What Car? Reliability Survey now and you could win a prize
Strengths
- Lower-spec models are great value
- Smart interior
- Generous rear leg room and boot space
Weaknesses
- Rear head room compromised with panoramic roof
- No clever rear seat functions
- Auto gearbox feels frustratingly slow with non-hybrid engine
Priced from £30,935 | Recommended trim 1.6 Turbocharged Petrol Pure
This humble family SUV has all the hallmarks of a deserving five-star car: it’s smooth and quiet on motorways, features a smart yet functional interior, and has a welcoming amount of space for people and baggage alike. What’s more, our recommended entry-level Pure model undercuts rivals like the Honda CR-V and the Renault Austral, yet its 147bhp turbocharged engine (with a six-speed manual gearbox) still delivers a respectable 9.0sec 0-62mph time. Simply put, the Sportage is the most bang-for-buck petrol car on sale right now.
“If you engage Sport mode in the hybrid Sportage, the paddles on the steering wheel change gears rather than adjust the regenerative braking, which is clever.” – Doug Revolta, Head of Video
Read our full Kia Sportage review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £27,995
RRP from: £31,395
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
1.6 h T-GDi Pure SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (235 bhp)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 48 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £302.34 |
| Initial payment | £3,628.08 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 3.0 40i MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Strengths
- Supremely quiet and comfortable
- Incredibly spacious and practical
- Fabulous interior quality
Weaknesses
- There are cheaper alternatives
- Looks won’t be to all tastes
- No plug-in hybrid or electric option
Priced from £93,160 | Recommended trim xDrive40i M-Sport
Where the Kia Sportage wins maximum points for versatility, the X7 does so for pure quality. Its interior is not only spacious and tech-filled, but it's decked-out with ultra premium materials like Merino leather, wood trim and crystal glass accents. You also get a 14.9in infotainment screen and 12.3in digital driver’s display; the only negative for the former is a lack of physical buttons. We’d stick with the entry-level six-cylinder petrol engine, which still has enough oomph to get to 62mph in around 6.0secs, but pair it with the one-up from standard M-Sport trim. This gets all the niceties of the standard car, including air suspension, a panoramic glass roof and heated front seats, but adds a little more panache to the exterior for a small premium.
“For a huge seven-seat SUV weighing around 2.5 tonnes, I was astonished at how tidily the BMW X7 handles with Executive Drive Suspension fitted.” – Oliver Young, Reviewer
Read our full BMW X7 review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £77,490
RRP from: £93,280
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
3.0 40d MHT Excellence SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (352 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 48 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £1,118.30 |
| Initial payment | £13,419.60 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 2.0 B3 MHEV Ultra Dark DCT Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Strengths
- Stylish and high-quality interior
- Comfortable ride on most versions
- Comprehensive safety kit
Weaknesses
- Lacks the rear-seat flexibility of some rivals
- Fairly small infotainment screen
- Some rivals are tidier to drive
Priced from £35,860 | Recommended trim B3 Plus
Volvo’s decision to phase-out estate cars was controversial, but what the Swedish marque ended up with was a fleet of excellent SUVs – take the 2018 What Car? Car of the Year winner, the Volvo XC40, for instance. The interior quality is close-to-class-leading, the practical boot belies its relatively dinky dimensions, and for a premium-badged vehicle in a packed segment, the XC40 is genuinely affordable. Add to these facets a strong resale value, plus Volvo’s almost customary five-star Euro NCAP rating, and you can see why this practical, posh SUV takes the final podium spot in our list.
“The XC40’s boot is well thought out, and I like the recessed areas which can hold smaller items such as cleaning cloths or a first aid kit.” – Doug Revolta, Head of Video
Read our full Volvo XC40 review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £35,860
RRP from: £36,860
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
2.0 B3 MHEV Plus Dark SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid DCT Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (163 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 36 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £293.76 |
| Initial payment | £3,525.12 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Strengths
- Comfortable ride and quiet on the motorway
- High-set driving position for a small SUV
- Good-size boot by class standards
Weaknesses
- Touch-sensitive interior controls can be fiddly
- Upper trims are costly
- Not as sharp to drive as some of its rivals
Priced from £31,620 | Recommended trim 1.5 TSI 150 Life DSG
The Volkswagen T-Roc continues to make a strong case for itself, once again being named our favourite small SUV at the 2026 What Car? Awards. As well as impressing in all the key areas that the best small SUV should – namely, being good to drive, spacious for your family and their luggage and comfortable for long and short journeys alike – the T-Roc comes with a cracker of a petrol engine. The 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol that we recommend offers effortless performance no matter the situation, yet won't also send your running costs into the stratosphere.
“I like that you get a ski hatch and the ability to fold the front passenger seat down. It means you can fit really long loads in the T-Roc." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor
Read our full Volkswagen T-Roc review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £26,954
RRP from: £31,635
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
1.5 eTSI MHEV Life SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 36 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £307.05 |
| Initial payment | £3,684.60 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 1.5 TSI e-TEC MHEV SE Technology DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Strengths
- Hugely spacious boot and interior
- Comfortable on adaptive (DCC) suspension
- Well equipped and priced – PHEV makes a cheap company car
Weaknesses
- Grabby brakes on the PHEV
- Interior quality not the best in places
- 3 Series Touring is more fun to drive
Priced from £38,120 | Recommended trim 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150 SE L
One estate car which simply refuses to retire is the Skoda Superb; where it has seen plenty of rivals come and go, this comfortable, practical and keenly-priced alternative to the Superb saloon has only solidified its position as the best estate on the market. You’re compromising on interior quality (in places), and it’s not quite as fun to drive as the BMW 3
Series Touring or the VW ID 7 Tourer, but just about everywhere else, the Superb Estate is a class leader. The SE L – which is also our preferred spec – gets 17in alloy wheels, heated front seats, privacy glass and a host of parking aids provided as standard. Plus, there's a 690-litre boot to haul around all of your kit.
"The Superb's physical rotary controls are a reminder that sometimes the old ways are best. I find them so much easier to operate on the move than it would be to mess around with the touchscreen." – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor
Read our full Skoda Superb Estate review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £35,495
RRP from: £38,135
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
2.0 TDI SE L Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 24 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £286.63 |
| Initial payment | £3,439.56 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Strengths
- More fun to drive than a Mercedes CLE
- Range-topping M440i is seriously rapid
- Back seats are more usable than you might expect
Weaknesses
- Some wind and tyre noise
- Mercedes CLE comes with more standard kit
Priced from £46,160 | Recommended trim 420i M Sport
Where the very best coupes used to be primarily about sharp looks and engaging dynamics, these days, they also need to soothe in stop-start traffic and long commutes. With that in mind, the finest petrol-powered coupe you can buy is the BMW 4 Series Coupe. Of course, you can have the raucous range-topping BMW M4 if you so wish, but opt for the more sedate 420i entry level and you’ll retain a fraction of the magic, but with friendlier running costs, a more comfortable day-to-day experience and an interior cocooned in lavish materials.
Most options can be left out, but we’d suggest adding the £450 adaptive suspension and, potentially, the £1295 Comfort Pack, which adds lumbar support for the front seats, an electric bootlid and a charging pad for your phone.
"The optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system sounds great, and I’d definitely recommend it if you're a music fan." – Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer
Read our full BMW 4 Series review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £42,930
RRP from: £46,180
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
2.0 420i M Sport Pro Coupe 2dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 60 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £642.43 |
| Initial payment | £7,709.16 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 1.0 TSI SE Technology Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Strengths
- Great to drive
- Punchy engines
- User-friendly interior
Weaknesses
- Lots of road noise
- There are punchier rivals available
- Iffy reliability record
Priced from £20,995 | Recommended trim 1.0 TSI 95 SE
The Seat Ibiza shares its underpinnings with the Skoda Fabia and the VW Polo, which is a good start. But where the Ibiza stands apart is that it’s even better to drive, with sharp, confidence-inspiring handling that doesn’t compromise ride quality.
The entry-level 1.0-litre TSI 95 engine isn’t the punchiest in its class (0-62mph in 9.8sec), but it’s quick enough, and can be paired with a five or six-speed manual gearbox. It misses out on a five-star rating because the Ibiza does generate a lot of road noise, some rivals are more spacious, and Seat’s reliability record is iffy. But with prices starting from less than £21k, it’s cheaper than the Polo, Honda Jazz or Toyota Yaris.
“I’ve yet to drive another small car that flows down a country road as well as the Ibiza does.” – Oliver Young, Reviewer
Read our full Seat Ibiza review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £16,348
RRP from: £21,610
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
1.0 TSI SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (95 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 48 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £235.96 |
| Initial payment | £2,831.52 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 3.0T 992 Carrera S PDK Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
Strengths
- Seriously rapid and sounds good
- Great to drive
- Practical for a sports car
Weaknesses
- Options are expensive
- Lots of road noise
Priced from £103,700 | Recommended trim Carrera T
Some complain that its engine is in the wrong place (at the rear), while others chastise it for nabbing the headlights from a VW Beetle. But the irrefutable fact is this: the Porsche 911 is an icon of the performance car world more than 60 years on from its inception, and the current generation is as good as there’s ever been.
You’ll choose from a quartet of turbocharged flat-six petrol engines, and among them – for the first time ever - is a mild-hybrid option (dubbed the GTS). On top of that, you can cherry-pick from various gearboxes, suspension setups, interior comforts and just about anything else you can think of. In truth, though, even the most basic 911 will prove very special.
"Many Porsche 911 fans were worried about the GTS getting a hybrid system, but it has turned out to be a great thing. It feels more like a non-turbocharged 911, reacting instantly when you plant the throttle." – Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer
Read our full Porsche 911 review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £109,950
RRP from: £108,605
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
3.0T 992 Carrera Coupe 2dr Petrol PDK Euro 6 (s/s) (394 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 6000 |
| Term months | 48 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £1,244.51 |
| Initial payment | £14,934.12 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 2.0 B5 MHEV Core Auto 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Strengths
- Classy interior
- Seven seats come as standard
- Cheaper to buy than some rivals
Weaknesses
- The Audi Q7 has a smoother ride
- A Land Rover Defender has roomier third-row seating
- Expired Euro NCAP safety rating
Priced from £66,270 | Recommended trim B5 Plus
The XC90 is Volvo’s flagship car: the biggest, fanciest and loaded with the most technology. It’s also the most practical, and comes with seven seats as standard. The current model has actually been around since 2019, but in 2025, Volvo gave it a facelift, which included a new Android-based infotainment system. Plug-in hybrid versions of the XC90 are coming, but for the time being, the base version (badged B5) gets a 247bhp petrol engine.
Elsewhere, the XC90’s strong points include quiet cruising manners, good all-round visibility, a huge boot and lots of standard safety equipment. It’s not cheap at £66k, but the XC90’s popularity speaks for itself.
"The XC90 has an airy, open feel inside and its driving position is pretty lofty. I enjoyed having such a commanding view of the road and being able to see out easily while parking." – Oliver Young, Reviewer
Read our full Volvo XC90 review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £67,165
RRP from: £66,270
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
2.0 B5 MHEV Plus SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) (250 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 36 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £554.68 |
| Initial payment | £6,656.16 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 2.0 CLE300h MHEV AMG Line (Premium) Cabriolet G-Tronic+ 4MATIC Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
Strengths
- Fine ride and handling balance
- Impressive refinement
- Surprisingly roomy in the back
Weaknesses
- Slightly more expensive than a BMW 4 Series Convertible
- 4 Series also feels sportier
- Some visibility issues
Priced from £56,585 | Recommended trim 200 AMG Line Premium
Beyond simply being a stylish four-seat cruiser, the CLE Cabriolet is enjoyable to drive and packs a sumptuous interior. The build quality is superb too, and small quality of life measures, like the cleverly crafted wind deflectors, cut out any compromises you may get with older convertibles.
We’d go for the entry-level 200 AMG Line Premium to keep costs down, but you’ll still get plenty for your hard earned cash: 18in alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, ambient lighting and two-zone climate control, to name a few.
“The CLE Cabriolet comes with a conventional wind deflector that can be installed over its rear seats but I found it wasn’t needed because the Aircap and the deflector behind the rear seats are so effective.” – Steve Huntingford, Editor
Read our full Mercedes CLE Cabriolet review
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What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £52,805
RRP from: £55,045
Strengths
- One of few plug-in hybrid options in the class
- Reasonably compliant ride
- Plenty of head room
Weaknesses
- Lethargic gearbox
- Lack of refinement
- Comparatively expensive
Priced from £32,929 | Recommended trim e-Hybrid
The Renegade isn’t all bad; it’s got a reasonably comfortable ride, good head room and is quite well-equipped across the board. However, there are far too many general flaws for us to recommend one. Refinement is poor, the digital driver’s display graphics look outdated and there are far too many cheap-feeling materials for something that costs almost £33k. You'll find much better value in a VW T-Roc or a Kia Sportage.
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £25,495
RRP from: £30,785
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
1.5 T4 e-Hybrid MHEV North Star SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 60 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £483.59 |
| Initial payment | £5,803.08 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
