Every brand's best car revealed

With a growing number of brands arriving in the UK, and ever more models on sale as a result, choosing between them can be a real struggle.

That's why our team of experts have debated and discussed every major car maker to answer the question: what is the best car from each brand?

Read on to find out...

Abarth 600e Competizione 

List price £37,995 Best price £37,995 

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 51kWh (usable) 0-62mph 5.9sec Top speed 124mph Official range 200 miles 

While it's based on the Fiat 600e, this Abarth version produces up to 276bhp (versus the Fiat’s 152bhp) and adds a traction-enhancing limited-slip differential to help you make the most of that extra power. True, it still doesn’t feel quite as agile as the best petrol alternatives, but it offers a greater sense of fun than other electric SUVs of its size, with the precise, communicative steering a particular highlight. 

Unfortunately, it impresses less for everyday usability. Despite being more practical than Abarth’s 500e, the 600e is still pretty cramped in the back. And in real-world use, you’ll struggle to travel 150 miles between charges. 

Alpine A390 GT 

List price £61,390 Best price £61,390 

Engine Three electric motors Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 89kWh (usable) 0-62mph 4.8sec Top speed 124mph Official range 345 miles 

Low weight has always been key to the appeal of Alpine’s sports cars, whereas the A390 tips the scales at more than 2.1 tonnes. And yet somehow this electric SUV manages to almost entirely disguise that heft. 

The steering plays a big part, because it’s light yet direct and feelsome. What’s more, the nose dives into corners with such urgency that you’d swear you were driving a much smaller car. 

As for the suspension, it’s on the sporty side in order to keep body lean to a minimum in fast corners, but it’s not so firm that bumps upset the balance of the car. Only the mushy and inconsistent brake pedal response disappoints 

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo 

List price £86,885 Best price £86,885 

Engine 6cyl, 2891cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 8-spd automatic 0-62mph 3.9sec Top speed 191mph Fuel economy 28.0mpg CO2 229g/km 

Some performance cars straddle a middle ground between pace, running costs and practicality, but the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio unashamedly goes after one thing more than anything else: smiles per mile. 

A big part of its appeal is its storming 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine, which produces 512bhp and an intoxicating soundtrack – especially in Race mode. If anything, though, the Quadrifoglio’s handling is even more special; it has astonishing agility and a delightful natural balance that allows you to explore its limits with confidence. 

True, interior quality is nothing special, but on a great road you won’t care. 

Aston Martin DBX 707 

List price £210,545 Best price £210,545

Engine 8cyl, 3982cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 9-spd automatic 0-62mph 3.3sec Top speed 193mph Fuel economy 19.9mpg CO2 229g/km 

You could be forgiven for thinking that the Aston Martin DBX is about little more than performance and noise; after all, it has a 4.0-litre V8 under the bonnet and is one of the most powerful SUVs ever built. However, in reality it’s remarkably well rounded. 

Yes, it’s very fast in a straight line and sounds amazing when you put your foot down. But it also delivers a plush ride and is quieter at a cruise than most rivals. Plus, it manages to feel sharp and engaging on a country road. We’d even say the DBX is the best GT car Aston has ever produced; it’s not only spacious but also feels special inside, aided by almost limitless personalisation options. 

Audi E-tron GT quattro

List price £88,605 Best price £79,980 

Engine Two electric motors Gearbox 2-spd automatic Battery size 97kWh (usable) 0-62mph 4.0sec Top speed 152mph Official range 385 miles

Sharing its foundations with the Porsche Taycan, the E-tron GT is a slightly more comfort-oriented take on that electric performance car. However, it still offers blistering acceleration and precise, reassuring handling.

At launch, its usability was somewhat undermined by a real-world range of around 200 miles. But Audi upgraded the battery as part of a facelift in late 2024, making runs of more than 300 miles between top-ups perfectly possible.

The E-tron GT also offers ultra-rapid charging and is spacious enough for four adults and their luggage. So, the only real downside now is an interior that doesn’t feel as special as you might hope.

Bentley Bentayga 4.0 V8

List price £184,345 Best price £184,345

Engine 8cyl, 3996cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 8-spd automatic 0-62mph 4.4sec Top speed 180mph Fuel economy 22.4mpg CO2 296g/km

No matter how nicely cut it might be, buying a new suit off the peg isn’t quite the same as having one tailored, and that’s how the Bentley Bentayga is different from the likes of the BMW X7 and even the Range Rover. In essence, it provides similar comfort and refinement, but where those models are built (and beautifully so), the Bentayga is more accurately described as ‘crafted’.

As with all Bentleys, every fibre of its interior looks and feels exquisite. The soft furnishings can be upholstered in your choice of grain and colour of leather, with a vast palette at your disposal. But the Bentayga, as a large SUV, has the usability to go with it.

BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport

List price £61,255 Best price £61,255

Engine Two electric motors Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 108.7kWh (usable) 0-62mph 4.9sec Top speed 130mph Official range 492 miles

BMW is no stranger to the premium electric SUV market, but in so many respects the latest iX3 offers a stepchange in capability.

Most obviously, our reigning Car of the Year can officially cover up to 500 miles in one hit – the first production electric car to do so. But just as importantly, it combines this with lightning-fast charging speeds. 

The new iX3 ‘thinks’ fast, too, due to a 20-fold increase in processing power that improves everything from the responsiveness of the infotainment system to the effectiveness of the driver aids. And despite being one of the most enjoyable SUVs to drive, it’s also very comfy.

BYD Dolphin Surf Boost

List price £21,975 Best price £17,800

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 43.2kWh (usable) 0-62mph 12.1sec Top speed 93mph Official range 200 miles

The old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ holds some weight here, because the Dolphin Surf isn’t as good to drive as the slightly pricier Renault 5. It does, though, avoid the heavy compromises found in even cheaper electric cars such as the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03, with stronger performance, a longer range and faster charging.

The Surf’s interior quality is also a step above what you get in those rivals. And while the range-topping Spring is the only one with a proper infotainment system, and no T03 is available with smartphone mirroring, every Surf has a crisp touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Changan Deepal S07 Standard

List price £39,990 Best price £36,989

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 78kWh (usable) 0-62mph 7.6sec Top speed 112mph Official range 295 miles

Chinese brand Changan is a newcomer to the UK, with the Deepal S07 its first model to be sold here. But this family SUV certainly has its appeal.

A rival to the likes of the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y, it has a lovely-looking interior with soft-touch vegan leather covering pretty much every surface, and the huge, 15.6in touchscreen can swivel to reduce glare. You also get lots of equipment for your money. 

However, the aforementioned alternatives – and quite a few others –are better to drive, because the S07 has numb steering, suffers quite a bit of body lean in bends and starts to feel unsettled at higher speeds.

Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Aspire

List price £33,545 Best price £30,545

Engine 4cyl, 1498cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor Gearbox 3-spd automatic 0-62mph 8.5sec Top speed 112mph Fuel economy 235.0mpg CO2 31g/km

Chery takes it name from the word ‘cheery’, which is appropriate, because that’s how you’ll probably feel when you see how affordable the Tiggo 8 is.

Indeed, in 1.6-litre petrol form, this is the cheapest seven-seat SUV on sale in the UK today, while even the plug-in hybrid version that we’ve tried undercuts the equivalent Skoda Kodiaq by around £12,000 and Hyundai Santa Fe by almost £22,000.

Just bear in mind that it isn’t as quiet, comfortable or reassuring to drive as those cars. And, perhaps more significantly, it isn’t as practical, whether you’re looking at rear space or ease of access to the third row.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT Convertible 

List price £102,924 Best price £102,924

Engine 8cyl, 6162cc, petrol Gearbox 8-spd automatic 0-62mph 3.5sec Top speed 184mph Fuel economy 23.3mpg CO2 277g/km

The iconic Corvette sports car is the only model that American brand Chevrolet currently sells in the UK, and unlike previous generations, it’s available in right-hand-drive form. There are two V8 petrol engine options and an electric E-Ray, with even the cheapest version offering a theatrical soundtrack and hitting 62mph from a standstill in 3.5sec – quicker than a Porsche 911 Carrera.

While the Corvette isn’t as precise as the 911, it’s well balanced and forgiving, and adaptive suspension gives it a smooth ride. What’s more, the Corvette undercuts many rivals on price, despite offering a lengthy list of standard kit. The 911’s interior feels more upmarket, though. 

Citroën e-C5 Aircross Comfort Range Plus

List price £36,705 Best price £36,705

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 73.7kWh (usable) 0-62mph 8.9sec Top speed 106mph Official range 321 miles

The e-C5 Aircross demonstrates that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a large, practical family electric SUV. Despite costing less than the Kia EV6 and Skoda Enyaq, it offers a respectable official range of up to 321 miles.

While it’s not as agile as the EV6 around bends, the e-C5 Aircross’s ride is smoother than the Tesla Model Y’s, and there’s very little road and wind noise at motorway speeds. 

In addition to offering plenty of room for five adults, the e-C5 Aircross’s interior feels sturdy and features intuitive physical controls. What’s more, its 565-litre boot is big enough to accommodate eight carry-on suitcases.

Cupra Born 59kWh e-boost 230 V1

List price £34,190 (with £1500 grant) Best price £23,685

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 59kWh (usable) 0-62mph 6.7sec Top speed 99mph Official range 264 miles

While some Cupra models struggle to make a case for themselves against rivals and the other VW Group models with which they share parts, the Born is different. It may have a lot in common with the Volkswagen ID 3, but it’s noticeably better to drive and has a more appealing interior, helping to make it the best electric option in the family car class. 

With limited body lean and well-weighted steering, the Born stays more composed than the Renault Megane on twisty roads, and it’s more settled over bumps than the MG 4. 

The interior is spacious and the boot is a good size, while the smaller of the two battery options still has a useful range.

Dacia Duster 1.2 TCe 140 Expression

List price £21,845 Best price £21,845

Engine 3cyl, 1199cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 6-spd manual 0-62mph 9.9sec Top speed 111mph Fuel economy 52.3mpg CO2 123g/km

While the Duster isn’t the plushest or most refined small SUV, it offers a lot of space and practicality for a very tempting price. 

Our pick of its three engine options is the entry-level 1.2-litre mild hybrid petrol with front-wheel drive; it provides enough oomph for everyday driving while keeping the price down. The Duster is generally comfy, too, if not as plush as the Volkswagen T-Roc.

Despite using mostly hard plastics, the interior feels sturdy. There’s room inside for two pairs of six-footers, while the boot is huge by class standards. The Duster’s three-star Euro NCAP safety rating is disappointing, though.

DS No4 1.2 Hybrid Pallas+

List price £32,200 Best price £31,381

Engine 3cyl, 1199cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 6-spd automatic 0-62mph 10.4sec Top speed 129mph Fuel economy 54.3mpg CO2 116g/km

While its Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class rivals are more popular, few premium hatchbacks offer as much choice as the DS No4. You can have it in pure electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) guises, but the mild hybrid version is our pick. 

It combines fair performance with decent (54.3mpg) official economy, and it’s pretty quiet on the move. The No4’s ride is generally comfy, too. It does, though, lean more in bends than the A3, and its steering isn’t as nicely weighted. 

Meanwhile, six-footers will find the rear seats a bit tight, but the No4’s 430-litre boot is bigger than those of the A3, 1 Series and A-Class. 

Ferrari 296 GTB

List price £259,575 Best price £259,575

Engine 6cyl, 2992cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor Gearbox 8-spd automatic 0-62mph 2.9sec Top speed 205mph Fuel economy 26.7mpg CO2 198g/km

‘Plug-in hybrid’ probably won’t leap to mind when you think of Ferrari, but when you consider that the 296 GTB’s 3.0-litre V6 engine and electric motor make 819bhp in total, the combination suddenly makes sense. It’s enough punch to fire the car from 0-62mph in just 2.9sec.

Pinpoint steering and sublime body control make the 296 GTB more exciting than even the McLaren 750S, or, for that matter, Ferrari’s Purosangue SUV. Yet, with room inside for a couple of six-footers and space for a few soft overnight bags in the nose, it’s not completely impractical. Yes, the five-door Purosangue is easier to live with, but it’s also more than £100,000 pricier.

Fiat Grande Panda Electric Icon

List price £21,995 Best price £21,995

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 43.8kWh (usable) 0-62mph 11.0sec Top speed 82mph Official range 199 miles

It may borrow its looks from the original Fiat Panda of the 1980s, but the Grande Panda Electric is very much in tune with what buyers want today.

Not only is it a small electric car at a sensible price, but it’s also one with a modern, vibrant interior, a raised, SUV-like driving position and enough room for six-footers in the back. Its 361-litre boot is bigger than those of its BYD Dolphin and Citroën e-C3 rivals, too. 

The Grande Panda’s 199-mile official range is similar to the e-C3’s, and good for the money, but the latter has a comfier ride. The two are almost identically priced, but the Grande Panda is the best-value car in Fiat’s line-up.

Ford Ranger 2.0 Ecoblue Wildtrak

List price £43,691 (excl VAT) Best price £43,691 (excl VAT)

Engine 4cyl, 1996cc, diesel Gearbox 10-spd automatic 0-62mph 10.5sec Top speed 112mph Fuel economy 32.1mpg CO2 230g/km

While pick-up trucks are generally designed to be tough workhorses, the Ford Ranger goes to show that they can also be enjoyable to drive. That’s particularly true for our favourite Wildtrak version, which also rides more comfortably than the rival Volkswagen Amarok, while having more steering feel and less body lean than the Isuzu D-Max. 

The Ranger looks and feels plusher inside than most pick-ups, yet it’s still as practical as you’d expect, with room for five adults. And when you do want to use it as a commercial vehicle, you’ll appreciate its competitive maximum payload of nearly 1200kg and its hefty 3500kg towing limit.

Geely EX5 SE

List price £31,990 Best price £31,990

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 60.2kWh (usable) 0-62mph 6.9sec Top speed 109mph Official range 267 miles

Among electric SUVs, the Geely EX5 isn’t yet a very familar name to most folk, but it undercuts almost all of its rivals, including the Kia EV3, Renault Scenic and Skoda Elroq. It’s well equipped, too; even the entry-level SE comes with keyless entry, heated front seats and a wireless phone charger. 

With a 215bhp electric motor, the EX5 can reach 62mph in 6.9sec, making it quicker than the entry-level Elroq 50. The EX5 leans a lot more in corners, though, and its vague-feeling steering does less to inspire confidence. You do get a plush interior and plenty of front and rear passenger space, although the 410-litre boot is smaller than the Elroq’s.

Genesis GV60 Pure

List price £54,115 Best price £54,115

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 80kWh (usable) 0-62mph 7.8sec Top speed 114mph Official range 348 miles

The GV60 was Genesis’s first attempt at an electric SUV, and it was a case of ‘right first time’. After four years on sale, it still has lots in its favour.

Every GV60 has nippy performance and is ultra-quick to charge; a 10-80% top-up can take as little as 18 minutes via a 350kW charger. The GV60’s official range of up to 348 miles isn’t quite as good as the rival Tesla Model Y’s, though. 

Despite having tighter body control around bends than the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the GV60’s ride is surprisingly comfortable, particularly in our preferred Pure trim. And while it’s not the most spacious SUV, it’s very plush and packed with standard kit.

GWM ORA 03 Pure

List price £24,995 Best price £16,895

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 45.4kWh (usable) 0-62mph 8.3sec Top speed 99mph Official range 193 miles

You'll pay around the same for this funky-looking electric car as you would for an MG 4 or Renault 5, and the 03 rewards you with lots of standard kit. Even the entry-level Pure model gives you adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging and LED headlights. 

Sadly, though, that’s where the niceties end, because in most other respects the 03 isn’t up to scratch. It’s unwieldy to drive, with lots of body lean and slow, overly light steering, and it doesn’t make up for this by being comfy. In fact, it’s tiresomely fidgety. 

Add in a tiny boot and indifferent official range figures and there are far better small electric car options.

Honda Civic 2.0 e:HEV Elegance

List price £32,455 Best price £29,295

Engine 4cyl, 1993cc, petrol, plus two electric motors Gearbox 1-spd automatic 0-62mph 7.8sec Top speed 112mph Fuel economy 60.1mpg CO2 108g/km

Honda's family hatchback is the best car of its kind, combining fuel-sipping frugality with the kind of practicality that makes hauling the kids and all of their caboodle a doddle.

Its impressive efficiency comes courtesy of an unusual hybrid set-up that combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine and two electric motors. It delivers gutsy, smooth performance and makes for remarkably quiet journeys. On top of this, it’s even pretty good fun to drive.

And while it was previously an expensive choice in the family car market, the Civic is now very competitive if you take the PCP finance route – as most buyers will. 

Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid 2WD Premium

List price £49,090 Best price £45,840

Engine 4cyl, 1598cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor Gearbox 6-spd automatic 0-62mph 9.0sec Top speed 121mph Fuel economy 42.2mpg CO2 152g/km

Passenger princesses and princes rejoice, because it’s in the rear seats where this large and luxurious SUV really excels. Settle into the middle row and adults will find plenty of room to stretch out, even behind a tall driver. Or take a pew in the third row, where the Santa Fe beats even the rival Mazda CX-80 and Peugeot 5008 for space. The boot is massive, too.

Beyond sheer roominess, the Santa Fe impresses as a long-distance cruiser. Our recommended hybrid version offers a comfortable ride that only gets smoother the faster you go. Plus, it being a hybrid, your running costs should be kept in check.

Ineos Grenadier 3.0 Station Wagon auto

List price £62,495 Best price £58,995

Engine 6cyl, 2993cc, diesel Gearbox 8-spd automatic 0-62mph 9.9sec Top speed 99mph Fuel economy 26.0mpg CO2 309g/km

If you like to travel as the crow flies rather than using Tarmac, the off-road prowess of the Ineos Grenadier will be a big draw for you. And when it comes to the rough stuff, few rivals can match this spiritual successor to the old-school Land Rover Defender. 

Most of us prefer to travel on the road, though, and the Grenadier shows more than a few flaws in those circumstances. The ride isn’t very comfortable, and the faster you go, the louder the wind gets as it buffets the car. And while you get the sort of high-up driving position that SUV buyers look for, the pedals are offset to the right, so you end up sitting awkwardly askew.

Isuzu D-Max DL20 Double Cab 4x4

List price £34,695 (excl VAT) Best price £34,695 (excl VAT)

Engine 4cyl, 1898cc, diesel Gearbox 6-spd automatic 0-62mph 12.7sec Top speed 112mph Fuel economy 32.5mpg CO2 227g/km

As a workhorse for your business, it’s easy to see the appeal of this go-anywhere pick-up. Its load bed can carry a pallet, no matter which version you go for, and it can tow up to 3500kg without breaking a sweat. Plus, in Double Cab guise, there’s enough room for three average-sized adults to sit across the rear bench in relative comfort.

The engine (a 162bhp 1.9-litre diesel) feels as punchy as the rival Toyota Hilux’s to begin with, but it’s noisy when worked hard, and performance starts to tail off as you approach motorway speeds. Both the Hilux and Ford Ranger are more comfortable choices if you need to make longer trips.

Jaecoo E5 Pure

List price £27,505 Best price £23,094

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 61.1kWh (usable) 0-62mph 7.7sec Top speed 108mph Official range 250 miles

As an electric SUV from a brand that’s relatively new to the UK, Jaecoo’s E5 attracts buyers by promising lots of kit at a very aggressive price. That means even entry-level versions come with such niceties as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a heated steering wheel and an electric tailgate. 

The E5’s 250-mile official range is down on that of the rival Kia EV3, but it’s farther than the Ford Puma Gen-E can manage. Performance from the electric motor is nippy, but there’s more wind and road noise than you’ll hear in rivals, and the suspension sends a nasty thud through the car when you drive over potholes or drain covers.

KGM Musso 2.2 Rebel auto 

List price £33,965 (excl VAT) Best price £33,965 (excl VAT)

Engine 4cyl, 2157cc, diesel Gearbox 6-spd automatic 0-62mph 11.9sec Top speed 107mph Fuel economy 31.3mpg CO2 237g/km

Despite being one of the cheapest pick-up trucks to buy, the KGM Musso is also one of the best for working drivers. Most pick-ups can’t carry their maximum payload while hauling their maximum towing weight, but the Musso can. Plus, the Musso has a practical plastic bed liner, a power socket in the load bay to plug your tools into, and numerous hooks to keep cargo from wandering about.

While the 2.2-litre diesel engine doesn’t give scintillating performance, the Musso is quieter than the Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Hilux when you put your foot down. And while the ride is rather stiff, the trade-off is that the Musso feels well planted through corners. 

Jeep Avenger 1.2 Longitude

List price £26,495 Best price £22,964

Engine 3cyl, 1199cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 6-spd manual 0-62mph 10.6sec Top speed 114mph Fuel economy 49.6mpg CO2 131g/km

You might think that a small SUV with only 99bhp to its name would feel a bit weedy, but actually the Avenger’s 1.2-litre petrol engine provides plenty of grunt at low revs, and it has no trouble getting you up to motorway speeds. Around town, the Avenger’s tight turning circle makes it a doddle to thread through tight gaps in the traffic.

The driving position is top notch, placing you high above the road and giving you an excellent view out the front of the car, but some small SUV rivals offer more room for your passengers to stretch out. Mind you, the Avenger undercuts most of those competitors on price. 

Kia Sportage 1.6T HEV Pure

List price £34,475 Best price £30,995

Engine 4cyl, 1598cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor Gearbox 6-spd automatic 0-62mph 7.9sec Top speed 121mph Fuel economy 50.4mpg CO2 126g/km

If you're in the market for a family SUV, there’s nothing better than the Kia Sportage. Our favourite version, the hybrid, combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. It can drive for short distances without using any petrol at all, yet it has 235bhp to call on when you need it, so motorway speeds are reached quickly and pretty quietly.

Elsewhere, a good driving position and loads of passenger space make the Sportage a comfortable and practical choice, and even entry-level Pure trim has a long list of standard kit.

Meanwhile, the suspension strikes a superb balance between comfort and control. Yet, despite its breadth of talents, the Sportage is priced competitively against its rivals.

Lamborghini Urus 4.0 V8 SE

List price £213,595 Best price £213,595

Engine 8cyl, 3996cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor Gearbox 8-spd automatic 0-62mph 3.4sec Top speed 193mph Fuel economy 49.6mpg CO2 140g/km

Adding and electric motor to what was already a powerful 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine seems like a very Lamborghini way of doing things, but the results speak for themselves: a total output of 789bhp and a theatrical soundtrack, along with an official electric range of 37 miles.

It’s still not the most sensible of SUVs, but the Urus is mind-bogglingly fast and handles with an agility that belies its two-tonne weight. In fact, its ride and handling balance is very well judged.

Yes, the Urus is hideously expensive to buy, and its interior isn’t as luxurious as those of its rivals, but it’s one of the most entertaining sports SUVs you can buy.

Land Rover Defender 110 D250 S

List price £62,795 Best price £62,795

Engine 6cyl, 2997cc, diesel Gearbox 8-spd automatic 0-62mph 8.3sec Top speed 117mph Fuel economy 33.1mpg CO2 223g/km

The Defender has been a benchmark for off-road prowess for decades, but the current model adds premium luxury to its list of attributes. 

It comes in a wide range of configurations, but we think it’s best powered by the gutsy entry-level D250 diesel engine and in medium-length 110 guise – particularly with the air suspension option box ticked. Thus equipped, it provides effortless, smooth family transport in solid-feeling and user-friendly surroundings.

An optional third row of seats adds extra versatility, although if you’re going to regularly carry seven adults, consider the bigger 130 model.

Leapmotor T03 37.3kWh

List price £15,995 Best price £12,995

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 36kWh (usable) 0-62mph 12.7sec Top speed 78mph Official range 165 miles

The Leapmotor T03 is one of the cheapest electric cars out there; indeed, if you discount the Citroën Ami quadricycle, only the Dacia Spring is cheaper (by £5). Yet the T03 is more comfortable, better to drive, has a smarter interior and can travel slightly farther on a charge than the Spring. It has lots of standard equipment; in fact, the only extra offered is paint colour. 

All of that makes it a decent option if you want an urban runabout – although you’d be better served by a slightly pricier Citroën e-C3 or a Renault 5 if you regularly venture farther afield. Either of those options is more practical, with three seats in the back and a bigger boot.

Lexus LBX 1.5 Hybrid Premium Plus

List price £35,195 Best price £33,765

Engine 3cyl, 1490cc, petrol, plus electric motor Gearbox CVT automatic 0-62mph 9.2sec Top speed 106mph Fuel economy 61.4mpg CO2 103g/km

The LBX was our overall Car of the Year in 2024, and two years later Lexus’s cheapest model remains its best. 

It owes its existence to the more workaday Toyota Yaris Cross, because both use the same underpinnings and 1.5-litre hybrid engine, although the LBX produces more power for improved performance. It feels nippy around town and agile through corners, at the expense of a slightly firm ride. 

Although the rival Volkswagen T-Roc is roomier for rear passengers and has a bigger boot, the LBX has enough space for four adults inside. And its interior remains the classiest of any small SUV.

Lotus Eletre 600 

List price £86,305 Best price £86,305

Engine Two electric motors Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 109kWh (usable) 0-62mph 4.5sec Top speed 160mph Official range 373 miles

The concept of a 2.5-tonne electric SUV from lightweight sports car specialist Lotus might feel alien, but it marks the Norfolk-based firm moving with the times. Potent performance grabs the headlines – 0-62mph in 4.5sec in 600 Series models, 2.95sec in the 900 Series – but while there’s loads of grip, the Porsche Macan Electric is more fun and more comfortable, particularly at low speeds. 

An official range of up to 373 miles is good – although it should be, given the size of the battery – and it can accept a 350kW charge. For all this, though, it’s the interior that’s the Eletre’s trump card; it’s the best of any Lotus by a long way.

Maserati MCPura 3.0 V6

List price £209,930 Best price £209,930

Engine 6cyl, 2992cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 8-spd automatic 0-62mph 2.9sec Top speed 202mph Fuel economy 24.6mpg CO2 261g/km

Maserati is synonymous with speed and glamour, so it might surprise you that the MC20, which evolved into the MCPura, was its first supercar for nearly two decades. While the Ferrari 296 GTB and McLaren Artura lean on a plug-in hybrid system, the MCPura serves its 621bhp via a twin-turbo V6 with F1-derived tech.

Although the engine doesn’t sound great, performance is savage, and the car’s handling is playful. The two-seat interior is relatively simple, with an excellent driving position. However, if the MC20 is a guide, the MCPura will depreciate heavily.

Maxus MIFA 9 Luxury 7 Seats

List price £73,385 Best price £73,385

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 84kWh (usable) 0-62mph 9.2sec 

Top speed 112mph Official range 267 miles

Maxus may be better known for its vans and pick-up trucks, but it also does electric MPVs, with the Mifa 9 being the largest offering. That means it’s a rival for the Lexus LM and Mercedes-Benz EQV (although they’re both more expensive), as well as the cheaper Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB.

The Mifa 9 offers the choice of seven or eight-seat configurations across three well-equipped trims, and like its rivals, it’s extremely spacious inside. 

However, beyond that, it starts to unravel: its real-world efficiency isn’t really up to snuff, the interior materials are below par, the ride is unsettled and there’s lots of wind noise.

Mazda MX-5 1.5 Skyactiv G Prime-Line

List price £28,585 Best price £28,585

Engine 4cyl, 1496cc, petrol Gearbox 6-spd manual 0-62mph 8.3sec Top speed 127mph Fuel economy 45.6mpg CO2 140g/km

In an increasingly electrified world, where praise is heaped upon power, the modestly endowed Mazda MX-5 seems somewhat like an anachronism. But even the entry-level 130bhp 1.5-litre version of this traditional two-seat roadster is ideally suited to having fun on winding British back roads. True, it’s not as rapid as other sports cars, but the engine is responsive, the short-shift manual gearbox is engaging and the car strikes a fine balance between agility and ride comfort. 

Despite coming with a decent amount of equipment, the MX-5 is far cheaper to buy and run than its rivals. That gives it a USP that most other Mazdas lack.

McLaren 750S 4.0 V8 Spider

List price £274,705 Best price £274,705

Engine 8cyl, 3994cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 7-spd automatic 0-62mph 2.8sec Top speed 206mph Fuel economy 23.2mpg CO2 276g/km

The Mazda MX-5 and McLaren 750S Spider may both be two-seat convertible sports cars, with engaging handling and free from any form of hybrid tech, but in every other regard they’re worlds apart. The lightweight 750S is all about huge performance, whether you’re on a race track or traversing the Stelvio Pass. 

Unlike in earlier McLarens, the 750S’s twin-turbo V8 engine sounds the part. The Spider’s electrically operated roof exposes you to even more of the fireworks – as does the suspension, which is firmer than the earlier 720S’s but still supple by supercar standards. You’ll need deep pockets to buy and run a 750S, though.

Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet 200 AMG Line Premium

List price £56,370 Best price £56,370

Engine 4cyl, 1999cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 9-spd automatic 0-62mph 7.9sec Top speed 147mph Fuel economy 41.6mpg CO2 155g/km

Mercedes-Benz has a wider spread of models than any other car maker, so choosing the best one was tough. But the CLE Cabriolet – our reigning Convertible of the Year – won out because it does everything beautifully. 

Although the BMW 4 Series Convertible is slightly sharper, the CLE is still very good to drive, and it’s the comfier of the two. It can transport you and three passengers in smooth tranquillity, whether the electrically operated roof is up or down, thanks to a clever wind deflector. It’s surprisingly roomy in the back, and the boot is a decent size. Plus, you get more equipment than you do in the 4 Series.

MG HS 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid SE

List price £32,245 Best price £23,999

Engine 4cyl, 1496cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor Gearbox 2-spd automatic 0-62mph 6.8sec Top speed 105mph Fuel economy 48.7mpg CO2 12g/km

MG has made a name for itself for affordable electric vehicles, but it’s the HS plug-in hybrid that is its star turn.

For a modest outlay, our reigning Plug-in Hybrid of the Year is an excellent family SUV with an impressive 75-mile official electric range. It’s also surprisingly good to drive in PHEV guise, because it’s quiet and rides better than the pure petrol model. It accelerates quicker than the rival BYD Seal U and Jaecoo 7, too. 

The more pragmatic elements are equally appealing; its interior is relatively plush and well equipped, and there’s plenty of space for occupants, although the PHEV has a smaller boot than other versions.

Mini Cooper Convertible 2.0S Exclusive 

List price £34,190 Best price £32,027

Engine 4cyl, 1998cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 7-spd automatic 0-62mph 6.9sec Top speed 147mph Fuel economy 42.8mpg CO2 149g/km

Most four-seat convertibles are pricey to buy, but the drop-top version of the Mini Cooper is a rare exception. In fact, with prices starting at just under £30k, it’s one of the cheapest ways you can enjoy wind-in-your-hair thrills while carrying four occupants.

In our preferred S form, the Cooper Convertible’s turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine pumps out 201bhp – which is plenty. It’s enthusiastic at low revs and propels the S from 0-62mph quicker than the Fiat 500e Convertible.

The Mini isn’t the most practical of four-seat drop-tops, but it’s stylish, fun to drive and well equipped; the S gets the desirable Level 1 equipment pack.

Nissan Micra Extended Range Advance

List price £25,495 (with £1500 grant) Best price £25,495

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 52kWh (usable) 0-62mph 8.0sec Top speed 93mph Official range 257 miles

It should come as no surprise that our favourite offering from Nissan is the new all-electric Micra; after all, it’s based on our 2025 Car of the Year, the Renault 5. Like that car, the Micra’s styling harks back to earlier designs, with its elliptical headlights and round tail-lights reminiscent of the third-generation model from 2002.

The Micra is virtually identical to the R5 under the skin, using the same electric motors and 40kWh and 52kWh batteries. Thanks to its bubbly, aerodynamic shape, the Micra is able to extract a few more miles of range, but unlike the 52kWh R5, it doesn’t qualify for the Government’s full, £3750 grant. 

Omoda E5 Knight 

List price £33,065 Best price £27,255

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 58.9kWh (usable) 0-62mph 7.2sec Top speed 106mph Official range 267 miles

Despite making its debut only a couple of years ago, Omoda already sells five models in the UK, including petrol, electric and hybrid versions of the 5, the smallest of its SUV offerings. While we haven’t driven the hybrid version yet, the pick of them so far is the electric E5.

Positives include a respectable range and a smart-looking, well-equipped interior. However, the E5 falls short of nearly all its rivals in other key areas, with a firm ride, cramped rear seats, slow charging speeds and prices that put it too close to the far more well-rounded Kia EV3. 

Peugeot e-5008 73kWh Allure

List price £45,310 Best price £41,999

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 73kWh (usable) 0-62mph 9.7sec Top speed 105mph Official range 309 miles

Most electric SUVs don’t have more than five seats, and the ones that do are often very expensive. The Peugeot e-5008, though, is a rare example of a seven-seat SUV at a reasonable price. 

As well as being stylish and well equipped in entry-level Allure trim, the interior is very practical, with sliding middle-row seats and a huge boot. The third-row seats, though, are a bit cramped for taller adults. 

While the range-topping 97kWh version has an official range of up to 413 miles, the cheaper 73kWh model that we recommend can still go a long way between top-ups; 309 miles should be plenty for most buyers’ needs.

Polestar 3 Rear Motor

List price £69,990 Best price £69,990

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 88kWh (usable) 0-62mph 6.3sec Top speed 130mph Official range 375 miles

Despite the existance of a Polestar 4 and 5, the Polestar 3 is actually the largest model in the upmarket Swedish brand’s line-up, with underpinnings closely related to those of the Volvo EX90 seven-seater. You’d hardly believe it, though, given the 3’s sleek body and five-seat configuration.

This premium electric SUV is exceedingly comfortable and comes with masses of kit. That being said, its interior – while plush – isn’t as distinct from the EX90’s as you might expect. 

While you can get versions with more power and longer ranges, our pick is the entry-level Rear Motor, which is still rapid and can cover a generous distance between charges. 

Porsche 911 Carrera T

List price £120,135 Best price £120,135

Engine 6cyl, 2981cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 6-spd manual 0-62mph 4.5sec Top speed 183mph Fuel economy 26.9mpg CO2 237g/km

The 911 isn't just the best model Porsche has to offer; we also think it’s the best sports car you can buy. If you’re looking for driver engagement, you can’t go wrong with the 911 Carrera T, which comes exclusively with a manual gearbox, allowing you to properly interact with the twin-turbo 3.0-litre flat six engine at the back of the car.

The Carrera T also comes kitted out with a number of features you’d have to pay extra for on other versions, including four-wheel steering, lowered sports suspension and torque vectoring (which distributes power to individual rear wheels). All of these things make the Carrera T a master of agility.

Renault 5 Comfort Range Techno+

List price £23,945 (with £3750 grant) Best price £23,250

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 52kWh (usable) 0-62mph 7.9sec Top speed 93mph Official range 253 miles

This former Car of the Year draws heavily from the style of the original 1970s Renault 5, but it combines its retro looks with bang-up-to-date electric power – all at a very keen price.

While its compact dimensions make it right at home in the city, the R5 handles all environments with ease. With light, accurate steering and impressive composure, it’s at home on urban streets and country lanes alike. You won’t have to remortgage your house to afford one, either; it’s cheaper, even, than some petrol-powered rivals, thanks in part to qualifying for the Government’s £3750 Electric Car Grant.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.75 V12

List price £344,665 Best price £344,665

Engine 12cyl, 6700cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 8-spd automatic 0-62mph 5.2sec Top speed 155mph Fuel economy 17.7mpg CO2 363g/km

If there's a car that embodies true luxury, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan might just be it. It shares its name with the largest diamond ever found – the one that’s set into the Crown Jewels. Like its namesake, the wheeled Cullinan is large, imposing and very expensive.

Under its bonnet sits a monstrous V12 engine that sends this 2.6-tonne SUV from 0-62mph in just 5.2sec – quicker than plenty of hot hatches. It’s also sumptuous inside, furnished with a traditional mix of hand-crafted wood and leather, but there’s no shortage of modern-day must-have amenities. You’ll need very deep pockets to put a Cullinan on your driveway, though. 

Seat Leon 1.5 TSI 150 FR

List price £30,765 Best price £24,157

Engine 4cyl, 1498cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 6-spd manual 0-62mph 8.7sec Top speed 135mph Fuel economy 49.7mpg CO2 130g/km

The Seat Leon has historically been overshadowed by bigger-selling rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf and now-discontinued Ford Focus, but this isn’t down to a lack of ability. 

Indeed, the Leon is a fantastic all-rounder. Its wide range of engine options means there’s a version for everyone, whether you’re looking for petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid power. Plus, it’s practical enough to cart around your tribe and all its belongings, and no version is poorly equipped.

Nonetheless, we’d recommend mid-spec FR trim, which adds wireless phone charging, three-zone climate control and sporty exterior styling.

Skoda Superb Estate 1.5 TSI 150 e-TEC SE L

List price £41,565 Best price £36,745

Engine 4cyl, 1498cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 7-spd automatic 0-62mph 9.3sec Top speed 137mph Fuel economy 52.2mpg CO2 123g/km

In an illustrated dictionary, the Skoda Superb Estate would be a great choice to represent the definition of an estate car. Indeed, we crowned it our Estate of the Year at the start of this year, due to its standout qualities as a family workhorse.

At almost five metres long, the Superb Estate is a big car, and that’s reflected inside, where there’s masses of space for a whole family of six-footers to get comfortable. All of their personal belongings will be taken care of, too, thanks to a cavernous boot; at 690 litres, it’s one of the biggest around. What’s more, it offers a smooth ride and is priced to undercut similar-sized rivals.

Skywell BE11 Long Range

List price £34,990 Best price £23,890

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 81kWh (usable) 0-62mph 9.6sec Top speed 93mph Official range 304 miles

Skywell sells only one model in the UK, the BE11 – an electric family SUV with a generous list of standard equipment and a competitive 304-mile official range. Being very enticingly priced is also in its favour. Unfortunately, the BE11 is outclassed by its rivals in virtually every other regard. 

To drive, it suffers from an unruly power delivery, grabby brakes, vague steering and lots of lean in corners. A bouncy ride means it isn’t a very comfy cruiser, either. The rival MG S6 (itself very keenly priced) is much more enjoyable to drive and be driven in. Having not yet achieved a Euro NCAP safety rating cements the BE11’s place on the ‘avoid’ list. 

Smart #5 Pro+

List price £43,800 Best price £43,800

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 94kWh (usable) 0-62mph 6.5sec Top speed 124mph Official range 366 miles

Smart has come a very long way from the tiny two-seat city cars with which it made its name, and – from a very strong line-up – the #5 is the cream of the crop. It’s a rival to the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y, and it’s so good that we recently named it as our Family Electric SUV of the Year. 

The #5 has a real premium feel inside, and there’s acres of room for passengers and their possessions. It’s also very comfy and quiet to travel in, and all versions have lots of standard kit. We’d recommend the Pro+ trim level, which extends the official range while keeping the price sensible. 

Subaru Solterra Limited

List price £52,505 Best price £52,505

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 64kWh (usable) 0-62mph 6.9sec Top speed 100mph Official range 289 miles

This electric SUV is closely related to the Toyota bZ4X, but with a few key differences. It’s offered solely with four-wheel drive and it has special off-road features (including a Grip Control setting), wrapped up with a fittingly rugged styling treatment. 

The Solterra’s positives include tidy handling and a smooth ride, and while some rivals have more rear head room, long-legged folk are well catered for and the rear seats recline for comfort. There’s lots of standard safety kit, too. 

If you can live without the Solterra’s off-road chops, though, key rivals – such as the Kia EV6 – offer much better value, with a longer range and faster charging.

Suzuki Swift 1.2 Mild Hybrid Motion 

List price £19,699 Best price £15,995

Engine 3cyl, 1197cc, petrol Gearbox 5-spd manual 0-62mph 12.5sec Top speed 103mph Fuel economy 64.2mpg CO2 99g/km

It may be a few years old now, but the Suzuki Swift wears its age pretty well, and its attractive price tag certainly works in its favour. Plus, the strong fuel economy of its mild hybrid engine will help to stretch your money even further.

That 1.2-litre engine’s 81bhp isn’t a big number, but the lightweight Swift still feels reasonably nippy, and it sounds good when you work it hard. And you might, because the Swift is a genuinely fun car to drive. For those who live where winter conditions get tricky, there’s even a four-wheel-drive version. 

We’d stick with two-wheel drive, though, and entry-level Motion trim, which keeps costs to a minimum.

Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD

List price £44,990 Best price £44,990

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 79kWh (usable) 0-60mph 5.2sec Top speed 125mph Official range 466 miles

The Tesla Model 3 is our reigning Executive Car of the Year, and it has been collecting gongs at our annual awards since going on sale in 2020. It was a fantastic car from the outset, and it’s now better than ever. 

The most recent update brought an uplift in interior quality, but even more welcome was that it was smoother and quieter than before. And all this on top of the Model 3’s existing virtues. 

It’s one of the most efficient electric cars out there, it’s crammed with useful technology and it’s extremely practical. Plus, Tesla drivers get preferential rates when using the brand’s fast-expanding network of Supercharger rapid chargers. 

Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid Icon

List price £30,795 Best price £30,795

Engine 4cyl, 1798cc, petrol, plus electric motor Gearbox CVT automatic 0-62mph 9.1sec Top speed 111mph Fuel economy 64.1mpg CO2 100g/km

Since the Corolla name first appeared, Toyota has shifted more than 50 million units worldwide across all body styles; that’s more than 833,000 each year for 60 years straight. And it’s fair to say that this family car makes even more sense today than it ever has before.

For starters, the latest version has hybrid power, and the 64.1mpg official economy of our favourite 1.8-litre version promises modest fuel bills. It’s also one of the smoothest-riding family cars out there, without sacrificing neatness in corners. In fact, it feels very composed on a twisty road. And, to cap it all, Toyota frequently scores highly in our reliability surveys.

Vauxhall Astra 1.2 Turbo Griffin

List price £26,135 Best price £19,995

Engine 3cyl, 1199cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 6-spd manual 0-62mph 9.7sec Top speed 130mph Fuel economy 50.4mpg CO2 126g/km

Like the Corolla, the Astra has become a household name after several decades of production. But despite being Vauxhall’s best car, it’s not as recommendable as its Japanese rival.

Yes, it does a lot of things well. It’s competitively priced, well equipped and fairly efficient. It also handles tidily and feels well built inside. However, it’s still not class leading in any of those areas.

At the same time, plenty of rivals are roomier inside (particularly in the rear) and offer more boot space. What’s more, the petrol engines grow vocal when you work them hard, and the automatic gearbox is jerky. The Corolla is a much quieter, smoother car to travel in. 

Volkswagen T-Roc 1.5 eTSI 150 Life

List price £33,685 Best price £33,685

Engine 4cyl, 1498cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 7-spd automatic 0-62mph 8.4sec Top speed 129mph Fuel economy 47.0mpg CO2 137g/km

Volkswagen makes several five-star cars: the ID Buzz, Passat and Transporter, to name a few. But the T-Roc is the best of the lot.

It ticks the small SUV boxes more emphatically than any rival. It gives you a raised driving position for terrific visibility, it tackles bumps with grace, and it’s a quiet cruiser. It’s also very spacious and practical, and the mild hybrid petrol engines are grunty and efficient, although the full hybrid Lexus LBX beats it for overall economy. That car is plusher inside, too, but it still has to bow to the T-Roc as an all-rounder. 

Volvo XC40 B3 Plus

List price £38,590 Best price £38,590

Engine 4cyl, 1969cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 7-spd automatic 0-62mph 8.6sec Top speed 112mph Fuel economy 42.8mpg CO2 149g/km

Until the electric EX30 arrived last year, the XC40 was the baby of Volvo’s range. And now, having been on sale for more than eight years, it’s certainly no infant. It’s still superb, though; it was our 2018 Car of the Year, and while it faces tougher competition today, it more than deserves its five-star rating.

It all comes down to DNA. The XC40 distils many of the big, posh XC90’s virtues into a more affordable package. That means you sit up high in spacious, stylish and beautifully made surroundings, and you’re treated to a comfy ride and a long list of standard safety kit. Strong resale values mean it works well on PCP finance, too.

Xpeng G6 Long Range

List price £44,990 Best price £44,990

Engine Electric motor Gearbox 1-spd automatic Battery size 80kWh (usable) 0-62mph 6.7sec Top speed 125mph Official range 326 miles

Chinese brand Xpeng is among the more recent arrivals to the UK car market, and the G6 brings our first taste of the marque. And some aspects of this electric SUV are mouth-watering. Our favourite Long Range version can charge quicker than any other electric car on sale; a 10-80% top-up can take as little as 12 minutes if you can find a charger powerful enough to support its 451kW peak rate.

The X6 is also spacious inside, and you get a long warranty.

Unfortunately, the unruly ride, wayward handling and fiddly infotainment screen will make you lose your appetite. For this price, there’s an entire menu of tastier rivals to choose from. 

Read more: Britain's best cars

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here