Seat Ateca

most-and-least-reliable-car-brands-2018

Estate

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

ATECA

To find out who builds the most – and least – dependable cars, What Car? asked drivers if they had experienced any faults in the past 12 months.

More than 18,000 people responded, allowing us to compile ratings for 159 models from 31 different brands, with the best performers having no faults at all and the worst suffering a 50% failure rate.

We then filtered these results to focus on cars aged one to four years old, before giving each brand a reliability rating which factored in cost of repair and time off the road.

So, whose cars are most likely to let you enjoy trouble-free motoring and whose could well leave you stranded by the side of the road or facing a hefty repair bill?

Most and least reliable car brands 2018

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

Score: 97.7%

Buying a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/suzuki">Suzuki</a> is as close as you can get to a guarantee of reliability. In fact, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/sx4-s-cross/hatchback/review/n75">SX4 S-Cross</a> was one of only two models to get a perfect score, with no faults reported, while many Suzuki owners said that the thing they like most about their car is its dependability.

1. Suzuki

Hatchback

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Score: 97.5%

Feedback from owners suggests that the most reliable <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/lexus">Lexus</a> is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/ct/hatchback/review/n17309">CT family hatchback</a>, but all of the Japanese brand's models performed well, giving it second place in the overall standings.

2. Lexus

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

AYGO

Score: 96.8%

Like the SX4 S-Cross, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris/hatchback/review/n31">Toyota's Yaris hatchback</a> achieved a perfect score in petrol form (the hybrid model was only slightly behind on 98.2%), while its <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/rav4/4x4/review/n130">RAV4</a> was the most reliable large SUV, with a score of 99.6%.

3. Toyota

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

SPORTAGE

Score: 95.8%

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/kia">Kia</a> offers its customers the reassurance of a seven-year, 100-000-mile warranty, but they clearly don't have to make use of it very often, with the brand coming equal fourth and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Sportage</a> the best performing family SUV.

=4. Kia

While Mitsubishi sells both the Mirage hatchback and the L200 pick-up truck in the UK, the core of its range is in SUVs – handy, since this is one of the largest markets worldwide.

There’s an SUV to suit everyone, too. If you’re a company car driver, the Outlander PHEV mixes low fuel bills with a spacious interior. The ASX, meanwhile, is attractively priced against key rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Seat Ateca. Or, if you prefer mud to asphalt, the Shogun offers genuine off-road ability.

More SUVs are on the way, too, including one that’s rumoured to bring back the ‘Evo’ name made famous in rallying.

MITSUBISHI

OUTLANDER

Score: 95.8%

Mitsubishi's best performing model was <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mitsubishi">its plug-in hybrid SUV, the Outlander</a>, but the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mitsubishi/asx/estate/review/n72">smaller ASX</a> also suffered few faults. The number of repsonses for other Mitsubishis wasn't large enough for them to be included.

=4. Mitsubishi

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

FORESTER

Score: 95.8%

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/subaru">Subaru</a> owners are another group that tend to rate their car's dependability as one of the main reasons for choosing it –&nbsp;which is handy, because the brand's models very rarely cause trouble.

=4. Subaru

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

OCTAVIA

Score: 95.6%

The days when <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/skoda">Skoda</a> was the punchline to jokes about poor build quality are long gone, although diesel <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/octavia/hatchback/review/n39">Octavia hatchbacks</a> and estates are apparently that bit more dependable than their petrol counterparts.

7. Skoda

Saloon

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive and has performed very well in the annual What Car? Reliability Survey, while the closely related Stelvio competes in the booming SUV class.

Smaller and larger SUVs are planned, as is a two-door coupé version of the Giulia that will take on the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

GIULIETTA

Score: 95.5%

Like Skoda, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/alfa-romeo">Alfa Romeo</a> isn't a brand you traditionally associated with reliability, but new models such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/giulia/saloon/review/n159">Giulia executive saloon</a> have helped it transform its fortunes.

8. Alfa Romeo

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Score: 95.4%

It didn't do quite as well as its sister brand, Kia, but <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/hyundai">Hyundai</a> is still in the top 10, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i30/hatchback/used-review/n768">2012-2013 i30 family car</a> a particularly dependable choice.

9. Hyundai

Score: 95.2%

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/seat">Seat</a> likes to market itself as a sporty brand, but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/leon/hatchback/review/n89">Leon</a> hatchbacks and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ateca/estate/review/n111">Ateca family SUV</a> could just as easily be sold on their strong reliability record.

10. Seat

Sports

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

MX-5

Score: 94.6%

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda">Mazda</a> is just outside the top 10, but its owners still tend to be a pretty satisfied bunch; cars like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-5/sports/review/n17349">MX-5 sports car</a> are clearly more than just fun to drive.

=11 Mazda

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

INSIGNIA

Score: 94.6%

While owners of older <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/vauxhall">Vauxhalls</a> experienced their fair share of problems, the company's newer cars are much more impressive, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/insignia/estate/used-review/n689">Insignia</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/mokka-x/hatchback/review/n17360">Mokka X</a> the standout performers.

=11 Vauxhall

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds one of Britain’s cheapest new cars, the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the seven-seat Jogger, higher-riding Sandero Stepway, Logan estate and Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing platforms and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

SANDERO

Score: 94.1%

The strong performance of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/dacia">Renault's Dacia budget brand</a> shows that it's not how much you spend, but where you spend it, that matters when it comes to reliability.

13. Dacia

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Score: 94.0%

Some <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/fiat">Fiat</a> models are also among the cheapest cars on the road, yet the Italian brand's score was still well above the average of 91.7%.

14. Fiat

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

JAZZ

Score: 93.8%

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/honda">Honda</a> is some way behind much of its Japanese brethren, due to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/hr-v/hatchback/review/n102">HR-V SUV</a> being towards the bottom of its class. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Jazz</a> puts in a double effort when it comes to small cars, however, with both the current model and the previous one scoring well.

15. Honda

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Score: 93.4%

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> marks the mid-point on this list, because while some models including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/i3/hatchback/review/n14">i3 electric car</a> and current <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">5 Series luxury saloon</a> perform badly in their classes, others – such as the previous 5 Series and the current <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">X5 SUV</a> – perform very well indeed.

16. BMW

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

GOLF SV

Score: 92.9%

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/used-review/n17425">previous generation Polo hatchback</a> initially paints a bleak picture for <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a>, although the problem wasn't so much the number of issues reported, but that more than half of said issues rendered the car undriveable. In the MPV, class, however, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf-sv/hatchback/review/n190">Golf SV</a> claws things back with a far better score.

17. Volkswagen

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

GRAND C-MAX

Score: 92.7%

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/ford">Ford's</a> position in the bottom half of our table can be put in part down to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/edge/hatchback/review/n17193">Edge SUV</a>, with more than half of all models suffering problems. Redemption comes from the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/c-max/mpv/review/n17147">C-Max</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/grand-c-max/mpv/review/n17321">Grand C-Max MPVs</a>, where only around a fifth of cars developed faults.

18. Ford

Hatchbacks, SUVs, fast cars, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of them all is the design, with its cars now having a distinctive look that has won the firm a legion of fans for its flair and charm.

To drive and to own, the line-up is typically decent rather than outstanding. Best of the cars when they are rated against rivals are the Kadjar SUV, the fast RS models and the electric Zoe.

With new and used pricing also keen – and Target Price discounts through our New Car Buying marketplace usually more generous than most – there is the opportunity to negotiate an appealing price.

RENAULT

Score: 91.7%

Despite its position towards the bottom end of our table, there is a silver lining for <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/renault">Renault</a>; thanks to poor ratings for Peugeot and Citroën, it takes the accolade of being the most reliable French brand.

19. Renault

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Score: 91.5%

Several <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a> models, including the current diesel <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">A3 hatchback</a>, the petrol <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q3/estate/review/n43">Q3 SUV</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n41">Q5 SUV</a> come out towards the top of their classes for reliability, but we've also had plenty of complaints from owners of the diesel Q3 and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/tt/coupe/review/n12">TT Coupé</a> which bring that average score down.

=20. Audi

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

Score: 91.5%

Tied with Audi for 20th position is <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volvo">Volvo</a>. Its 2012-18 V60 was the most reliable executive car you, but elsewhere the Swedish brand doesn't perform so well.

=20. Volvo

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

HATCHBACK

Score: 91.2%

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mini">Mini</a> is some way behind its BMW parent when it comes to reliability, although at least none of its cars are in the bottom three of any class. That said, there are no Minis present in any of the top threes, either.

22. Mini

Coupe

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

CAYMAN

Score: 90.9%

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/porsche">Porsche</a> puts in the worst performance of any Volkswagen Group brand to be included in our survey. It's a tale of two cars, though, because while the 2012-2016 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayman/coupe/used-review/n17566">Cayman</a> is among the worst performers when it comes to coupés, convertibles and sports cars, the current <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/911/coupe/review/n98">911</a> is among the strongest.

23. Porsche

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Score: 89.4%

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/peugeot">Peugeot</a> <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">208</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/308/hatchback/review/n17380">308</a> hatchbacks are both the least reliable cars in their class, with the old 3008 MPV also among the bottom three in its market. There are a couple of saving graces, however: the current <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/2008/estate/review/n110">2008</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/3008/estate/review/n17363">3008</a> SUVs are among the top three performers in their respective classes.

24. Peugeot

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition, featuring paintwork-protecting ‘Airbumps’ and eschewing the sporty looks favoured by most rivals.

Indeed, Citroën tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from small hatchbacks (such as the C1 and C3) to big, family-friendly seven-seaters (the Spacetourer and Grand C4 Spacetourer).

The C3 Aircross SUV is another of its popular models, while a larger C5 Aircross is planned.

CITROEN

C4 CACTUS

Score: 88.1%

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/citroen">Citroën</a> puts in a marginally worse performance than its Peugeot stablemate, with two models – the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c4-spacetourer/mpv/review/n66">C4 Picasso</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c4-cactus/hatchback/used-review/n828">C4 Cactus</a> – at the very bottom of their classes. A further Picasso, this time the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c3-picasso/mpv/review/n17354">C3</a>, is also notable in the MPV class for turning up plenty of faults.

25. Citroën

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

C CLASS

Score: 88.0%

While two <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mercedes-benz">Mercedes</a> models, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/b-class/hatchback/used-review/n759">B-Class MPV</a> and the old E-Class saloon, come out at the top of their respective classes, plenty more cars with the three-pronged star fall towards the bottom: the C-Class saloon, Coupé and Cabriolet, the current <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">E-Class saloon</a> and the old <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n88">A-Class</a> diesel hatchback.

26. Mercedes

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

PULSAR

Score: 87.1%

While most Japanese brands performed well, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/nissan">Nissan</a> is fifth from bottom overall, with its <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/note/hatchback/review/n73">Note</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/pulsar/hatchback/review/n90">Pulsar</a> hatchbacks and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/review/n7">Qashqai</a> family SUV all in the bottom three in their respective classes.

27. Nissan

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

Score: 84.9%

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/jaguar">Jaguar</a> finds itself itself towards the bottom of this list, too, due to a poor performance from models including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xe/saloon/review/n69">XE saloon</a>.

28. Jaguar

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

RENEGADE

Score: 82.7%

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/jeep">Jeep</a> puts in the worst performance from the Fiat Chrysler Group. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jeep/renegade/4x4/review/n138">Renegade</a> forms the backbone of most complaints, with 47% of cars having problems in the first four years of ownership.

29. Jeep

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

RANGE ROVER

Score: 76.5%

Despite the popularity of its cars, plenty of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/land-rover">Land Rover</a> owners will get to know their dealers pretty well. As an example, how's this: half of all <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a> drivers told us they've had problems with their cars in the last year.

30. Land Rover

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

MODEL S

Score: 57.3%

Buying a new <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/tesla">Tesla</a> might put you at the cutting edge of technology, but our data suggests it will also give you regular reasons to head back to your dealer.

<hr />
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31. Tesla

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Comfortable ride </li> <li>Feature-filled infotainment </li> <li>Space for child seats </li> <li>Robust build quality </li> <li>Practical storage spaces </li> <li>A boot fit for a family holiday </li> <li>Fuel-efficient engines</li></ul>

While we define a small SUV&nbsp;as something&nbsp;less than 4.3 metres long and a large SUV as measuring more than 4.5 metres, family SUVs tread the middle ground.

As the name suggests, the vast majority are&nbsp;designed for family duties rather than serious off-roading, so practicality is paramount. However, that&nbsp;shouldn't come at the expense of a decent drive; the best examples combine tidy handling with smooth engines&nbsp;and a ride that's comfortable&nbsp;enough to ensure the kids aren't left feeling queasy.

The Seat Ateca and&nbsp;Skoda Karoq should definitely be on your shortlist. But if you have a bit more to spend,&nbsp;the Range Rover Evoque is another strong option. If money is a concern, then the Dacia Duster provides comfortable, spacious and well-equipped transportation for an affordable price.

&nbsp;

Family SUV

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Yes, Aston Martin is the preferred manufacturer of a certain (not so) secret agent, but its latest cars offer a lot more than the chance to indulge your Bond fantasies.

The DB11 grand tourer, for example, won its price point at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards, thanks to its beautifully crafted interior and the fact that it’s both fun in the corners and a convincing long-distance cruiser. Meanwhile, the latest Vantage is Aston Martin’s best sports car to date.

The modern Aston Martin isn’t afraid to move with the times, either, with a luxury SUV part of its future model plans.

ASTON MARTIN

BMW ALPINA

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

There's just one car in the line-up at the moment: the Cupra Ateca SUV. However, Cupra versions of the Ibiza and Leon hatchbacks are also planned, as is a bespoke model which –&nbsp;initially, at least –&nbsp;won't be offered in regular Seat from.

Don't think that the first Cupra is just an Ateca with a bit more power and a sporty bodykit, either. Its&nbsp;engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive system are actually very similar to what you'll find in Volkswagen's flagship Golf R hot hatch, and the car can hit 62mph in just 5.4sec.

CUPRA

GENESIS

Lamborghinis have been adorning bedroom posters since the mid-1960s. Not bad for a company whose origins lie in making tractors.

Today, Lamborghini is part of the Volkswagen Group, and as well as bolstering its core sports car portfolio, it has branched out to launch the Urus – a luxurious SUV that’s a rival to the similarly rapid Bentley Bentayga W12 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

LAMBORGHINI

Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.

This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.

Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.

In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.

MASERATI

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.

It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.

Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.

SMART

Ssangyong has made giant strides in recent years, after it was taken over by a new owner and given a injection of investment to help its bid to become a credible car maker.

The result so far is a range of cars dominated by SUVs (as well as a single pick-up), most of which are below the class average standard but all of which have merits, including the amount of space and practicality they offer for the money.

The highlight in the range is currently the Korando, a Nissan Qashqai rival that offers all the space of that car but for a price closer to the much smaller Nissan Juke’s. It is very roomy and has decent engines, but it’s let down a bit by interior quality, high running costs and poor resale values.

SSANGYONG

LEON

TARRACO

Great to drive&nbsp;and one of our favourite&nbsp;family SUVs

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