Porsche 911

BMW iX3

Mercedes CLE Cabriolet

BMW M3

BMW 4 Series

Hyundai Santa Fe

Tesla Model 3

Skoda Superb Estate

what-car-awards-2026-the-best-cars-on-the-market-revealed

But while it's true that very few are now dangerous or hopelessly unreliable, the gap between the best and worst models remains high. 

And that's why the annual What Car? Car of the Year Awards remain so important. First held back in 1978, they are the culmination of 12 months of rigorous testing, during which we've driven hundreds of new or updated models. To be eligible, a car has to have been driven back to back with all its rivals on UK roads. 

The awards were presented at a glitzy event at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in central London on the evening of Thursday 22nd January – and these are the winners – the best cars on sale today in the UK, for all classes of car:

You sometimes hear that there's no such thing as a bad car any more. 

The Toyota Aygo X has moved to the top of its class by adopting the hybrid underpinnings of the Yaris.&nbsp;Power has increased from 71bhp to 114bhp, making it much more usable, and it achieves 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds. It's easy to drive, lively, and well equipped.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Efficiency: Officially capable of 74.3mpg, surpassing the 58.9mpg of the previous model. </li>
	<li>Key Facts: List price £21,595; Best price £18,845. </li>
	<li>Also consider in this class: Dacia Sandero (Best for Value) and Renault Clio (Best to Drive). </li>
</ul>

Best Small Car: Toyota Aygo X (1.5 Hybrid Icon)

The Renault 5 is modern, fully electric take on the 1970s original that is more affordable than rivals like the Mini Cooper Electric. It has funky looks and a clever interior - and deservedly won the What Car? Car of the Year award in 2025. It's now one of the best-selling EVs in Europe.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Range: The 52kWh Comfort Range model has an official range of 253 miles. </li>
	<li>Features: Techno+ trim includes built-in Google functionality (Assistant and Maps). </li>
	<li>Key Facts: List price £23,945 (with £3750 grant); Best price £23,945. </li>
	<li>Also consider in this class: BYD Dolphin Surf (Best for Value) and Cupra Born (Best to Drive). </li>
</ul>

Best Small Electric Car: Renault 5 (Comfort Range Techno+)

The Civic returns to the top spot as price disparities with rivals have reduced. It's a great overall package - and we can be fairly sure it will be very reliable too. It has strong performance, great ride and handling, and a generous level of standard equipment.

<ul>
	<li>Driving: Features precise steering and taut body control, making it more enjoyable than most rivals. </li>
	<li>Efficiency: Capable of returning real-world fuel economy in the mid-50s (mpg). </li>
	<li>Key Facts: List price £33,795; Best price £29,995. </li>
	<li>Also consider in this class: Skoda Scala (Best for Value) and Mazda 3 (Best Interior). </li>
</ul>

Best Family Car: Honda Civic (2.0 e:HEV Elegance)

The second-generation T-Roc offers a larger, more premium and spacious interior and maintains a plush, soothing ride. It has a plush and comfortable ride, handles well, and is quiet too.

<ul>
	<li>Space: It is 122mm longer than its predecessor, providing more rear leg room and a 475-litre boot. </li>
	<li>Key Facts: List price £33,685; Best price £33,685. </li>
	<li>Also consider in this class: Dacia Duster (Best for Value), Ford Puma (Best to Drive), and Lexus LBX (Best Interior). </li>
</ul>

Best Small SUV: Volkswagen T-Roc (1.5 eTSI 150 Life DSG)

The EV3 offers a convincingly SUV-like driving position. It provides great visibility and a ride that effortlessly soaks up bumps and potholes. Its interior is spacious, it has tons of standard equipment, it has a good range - and it's comfortable as well.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Key Trim: The entry-level Air trim with a 55kWh battery is the recommended "sweet spot".</li>
	<li>Range: 270 miles (55kWh) or up to 375 miles (78kWh).</li>
	<li>Key Facts: List price £33,005; Best price £28,880; Official range 270 miles. </li>
	<li>Pros: Spacious interior, long list of standard kit (heated seats/steering wheel), and impressive range.</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: Renault 4 (Best for Value), Volvo EX30 (Best interior quality)

Small Electric SUV: Kia EV3 (Standard Range Air)

This car was updated in 2025 with a redesigned front end. It strikes a great balance between comfort and agility with a user-friendly dashboard featuring physical knobs – a most welcome feature. It has a smart and spacious interior, rides well, good handling, and is well equipped. It's good value too.

<ul>
	<li>Engine: The 1.6-litre hybrid (HEV) produces 235bhp (listed elsewhere as 238bhp).</li>
	<li>Price: £34,475</li>
	<li>Pros: Smart-looking interior, fine ride/handling balance, and undercuts most rivals on price.</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: Dacia Bigster (Best for Value), Volvo XC40 (Best interior)

Family SUV: Kia Sportage (1.6T Hybrid Pure)

The biggest model Smart has ever made. It features a boxy shape with loads of head and leg room. It can charge quickly – going from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes, a feature of the Pro+ and above models. It also rides really well and has a classy interior.

<ul>
	<li>Battery/Range: 94kWh battery with a 366-mile official range.</li>
	<li>Price: List and Best price of £43,800.</li>
	<li>Pros: Classy/spacious interior, huge 630-litre boot plus a 72-litre "frunk".</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: Skoda Elroq (Best for value), Volvo EX40 (Best interior)

Family Electric SUV: Smart #5 (Pro+)

The Defender combines outstanding off-road ability with on-road refinement. It features a "towering" seating position, and is a great all-rounder. It has a hugely spacious, practical interior, smooth six-cylinder diesel engines, and comfy ride, especially with the optional air suspension.

<ul>
	<li>Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel (246bhp).</li>
	<li>Price: £62,795.</li>
	<li>Pros: Hugely spacious, practical interior, and a cosseting ride on air suspension.</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: Porsche Macan S (Best to drive), Volvo XC60 (Best interior)

Premium SUV: Land Rover Defender 110 (D250 S)

With the new iX3 BMW has had a radical rethink of its model range: design, battery, brakes and infotainment system are all brand-new – and BMW has played a blinder. It can charge to a range of 215 miles in just 10 minutes, has a controlled ride, it is very spacious inside, and genuinely fun to drive.

<ul>
	<li>Range: Up to 500 miles (492 miles in M Sport trim).</li>
	<li>Charging: 400kW max speed, adding 215 miles in 10 minutes.</li>
	<li>Price: £61,255.</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: Tesla Model Y (Best for practicality), Genesis GV60 (Best interior)

Premium Electric SUV: BMW iX3 (50 xDrive M Sport)

We asked our readers to vote for the new car they’re most excited about. Thousands of votes were counted, and this car is the winner. The EX60 is the most advanced and efficient car Volvo has ever made – and it needs to be, with tough competitors like the refreshed Tesla Model Y.

<ul>
	<li>Range: A "whopping" 503 miles.</li>
	<li>Tech: Supports 400kW charging (10-80% in 20 minutes).</li>
	<li>Price: Expected to start around £60,000.</li>
</ul>

Runners-up: 
Hyundai Ioniq 3, Honda Super-N

Readers' Choice 2026: Volvo EX60

&nbsp;Honda took the top spot in our annual reliability survey for the first time in seven years.

Four out of five Hondas with issues remained driveable, and half of the problems took a single day or less to resolve.

<ul>
	<li>Model Highlights:

	<ul>
		<li>HR-V: Best performer with a 97.5% rating.</li>
		<li>Civic: Scored 97.3%.</li>
		<li>Jazz: Scored 96.9%. 
		&nbsp;</li>
		<li>Runners-Up: Mini (96.4%), Suzuki (95.7%)</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

Reliability Award 2026: Honda (Reliability Rating: 96.6%) 

The HS ticks all of the traditional SUV boxes while giving you lots of electric range. It has a good ride and handling; finally it has a big boot, a classy interior, and a forgiving ride.

<ul>
	<li>Pricing: List price: £32,245; Best price: £28,395.</li>
	<li>Specs: 295bhp, 0-62mph in 6.8sec, and an official electric range of 75 miles.</li>
	<li>Pros: Forgiving ride, tidy handling, classy/spacious interior, and a big boot.</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: BMW 3 Series (Best to drive), Volvo XC90 (Best for large families)

Best Plug-In Hybrid: MG HS (1.5T Plug-in Hybrid SE) 

The best has just got better with the latest Model 3, which now has a larger battery and longer range, and it’s more efficient. It’s good to drive and comfortable too.

<ul>
	<li>Pricing: List price: £44,990; Best price: £44,990.</li>
	<li>Specs: 320bhp, 0-60mph in 4.9sec, and an official range of up to 466 miles.</li>
	<li>Pros: Standard heated/ventilated seats, smartphone-as-key tech, and access to the Supercharger network.</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: BMW i5 (Best interior), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Best hybrid)

Best Executive Car: Tesla Model 3 (Long Range RWD) 

The X7 offers a supremely stately and calm way to get around, with a pillowy soft ride, and it’s very quiet. It's hugely comfortable and spacious inside, is very well built, and is superbly quiet and serene on long journeys.

<ul>
	<li>Pricing: List price: £96,160; Best price: £83,999.</li>
	<li>Specs: 375bhp, 0-62mph in 5.8sec, and "library-like hush" at speed.</li>
	<li>Pros: Seven-seat capacity, 14.9in curved touchscreen, and commanding driving position.</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: Bentley Bentayga (Best interior), BMW i7 (Best to be driven in)

Best Luxury Car: BMW X7 (xDrive40i M Sport)

The choice of estate cars on the market is much less than it used to be, so thank heaven for the excellent Superb estate. It has masses of space inside, an enormous boot, is great on a long-distance cruise, and has good fuel economy.

<ul>
	<li>Pricing: List price: £41,565; Best price: £37,888.</li>
	<li>Specs: 148bhp, 52.2mpg fuel economy, and a massive 690-litre boot.</li>
	<li>Pros: Exceptional passenger space, portrait smartphone holders in the rear, and tidy handling.</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: Seat Leon Estate (Best for value), Volkswagen ID 7 Tourer (Best electric option)

Best Estate: Skoda Superb Estate (1.5 TSI 150 e-TEC SE L) 

The PV5 has a vast boot, and it’s very clever too, with plenty of storage areas around the car that will please all families. It’s very good value, has a high driving position that gives you a great view out, and is manouverable. At present it’s a five-seater only, but a seven-seat version is on its way.

<ul>
	<li>Pricing: List price: £38,295; Best price: £36,995.</li>
	<li>Specs: 161bhp, 0-62mph in 10.7sec, and a 250-mile official range.</li>
	<li>Pros: Vast boot capable of holding 16 carry-on suitcases, flat floor for three-abreast seating, and limo-like rear leg room.</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: Dacia Jogger (Best for Value), Volkswagen ID Buzz (Best Seven-Seater)

Best MPV: Kia PV5 (Long Range Plus) 

This car was picked from 108 new models based on crash safety and active prevention technology.

<ul>
	<li>Featured Technology:

	<ul>
		<li>Cameras accurately recognize road speed signs and warn the driver.</li>
		<li>Adaptive cruise control automatically slows the car to the correct limit.</li>
		<li>Driver monitoring system detects fatigue and distraction.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Performance: The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) work unobtrusively without unnecessary beeping.</li>
	<li>Pedestrian Safety: All trim levels feature a pop-up bonnet to reduce injuries to cyclists and pedestrians.</li>
</ul>

Other Safety Notable Mentions:

<ul>
	<li>Smart #5: High Euro NCAP scores; features automatic emergency braking and lane-change assistance.</li>
	<li>Skoda Elroq: Cited for "democratising" safety by offering a high suite of driver assistance systems at a lower price point.</li>
</ul>

Best for Safety: BMW X3 

This car features a boxy, "Minecraft" silhouette to prioritize third-row head room over "sporty" rooflines. It’s brilliantly practical, spacious, plenty of room for seven adults, has a large boot, and is good to drive. 

<ul>
	<li>Interior:

	<ul>
		<li>Third row is comfortable even for six-footers.</li>
		<li>Access is facilitated by wide-opening doors and middle-row seats that tumble at the press of a button.</li>
		<li>Colossal load bay when the third row is folded.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Driving:
	<ul>
		<li>Fantastic, high driving position.</li>
		<li>Standard hybrid is the "sweet spot," returning almost 40mpg in real-world testing.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: Kia EV9 (Best Electric Option), Skoda Kodiaq (Best for Value)

Best Seven-Seat SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe (1.6T Hybrid 2WD Premium) 

The 4 Series is a highly accomplished car. it looks great, drives very well, it’s smooth, with a really classy interior.

<ul>
	<li>Driving Experience: More precision and feel through the steering than a Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé. The adaptive suspension gives a smoother ride.</li>
	<li>Engine: The 181bhp 2.0-litre engine reaches 0-62mph in 7.5sec.</li>
	<li>Interior: Shares parts with the 3 Series executive car, using first-rate materials and a sense of solidity.</li>
	<li>Utility: Roomy up front with a decent-sized boot and usable rear seats for adults.</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: Bentley Continental GT Speed (Best for Luxury), Cupra Formentor (Best Coupé SUV)

Best Coupé: BMW 4 Series Coupé (420i M Sport) 

This car is very refined and comfortable, and good-to-drive to boot. It’s roomy even in the rear seats, and its roof works quickly. 

<ul>
	<li>Refinement: Uses the "Aircap" system—wind deflectors on the windscreen and behind rear seats—to create a "bubble of calm" with the roof down.</li>
	<li>Interior: Infotainment screen electrically tilts to avoid sun glare. Rear seats are more spacious than the BMW 4 Series rival.</li>
	<li>Driving: Recommended CLE 200 reaches 62mph in less than 8 seconds using mild hybrid assistance. Suspension sponges up bumps for a comfortable ride.</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: Aston Martin DB12 Volante (Best for Thrills), Mini Cooper Convertible (Best for Value)

Best Convertible: Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet (200 AMG Line Premium) 

This car excels at everything important in a performance car while offering estate versatility. It’s almost two cars in one – sports car performance and handling when you want that – but plenty of room for the family and their clobber.

<ul>
	<li>Engine: 523bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine; 0-62mph in 3.6sec.</li>
	<li>Handling: Variable four-wheel drive allows for seemingly endless traction or customizable drift settings.</li>
	<li>Utility: Features a 500-litre boot and 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats.</li>
</ul>

Also consider in this class: &nbsp;Mercedes-AMG A45 S Plus (Best Hot Hatch), Hyundai Ioniq 6 N (Best Electric Option), Porsche Cayenne S (Best Sports SUV)

Best Performance Car: BMW M3 Touring (xDrive Competition) 

The 911 Carrera T is an old-school sports car – it’s an "analogue" car in a digital world, and even though it sits near the bottom of the current 911 line-up, it’s hugely capable, with a slick manual gearshift, a responsive and great-sounding six cylinder engine, with grippy and agile handling.&nbsp; It’s lighter than most 911s due to thinner glass, less sound deadening, and the removal of rear seats (though you can specify them as a no-cost option)

Engine: 3.0-litre flat-six turbo petrol producing 389bhp and 332lb ft of torque. 

Acceleration: 0-62mph in 4.5sec. 

Top Speed: 183mph. 

Fuel Economy: 26.8mpg (official). 

Pricing: List price of £120,135. 

Also consider in this class: Mazda MX-5 (Best for Value), Aston Martin Vanquish V12 (Money No Object)

Best Sports Car: Porsche 911 Carrera T 

The What Car? Car of the Year for 2026 is the BMW iX3. The premium electric SUV market in which the car competes is one of the most hotly contested. Yet – in so many respects – the iX3 leapfrogs its rivals with a stepchange in capability.

Most obviously, it’s the first electric production car that can officially cover 500 miles in one hit, making range anxiety a thing of the past. Meanwhile, usability is further enhanced by its ability to charge at lightning-fast speeds. The iX3 ‘thinks’ fast, too, thanks to a new computer system that packs 20 times the processing power of its predecessor. As a result, its infotainment system is more responsive, the electronic driver aids help rather than hinder you, and both stability and agility are improved. Indeed, the new iX3 is one of the most enjoyable SUVs of any kind to drive. Yet it’s also very comfortable.

It even makes financial sense, despite a fairly high list price; company car drivers will love the low benefit-in-kind tax bills that it attracts, while all owners who are able to charge at home will enjoy low running costs. In short, our winner is a car that will make you smile for any number of reasons and, more importantly, it’ll keep you smiling in the way that only great cars do. That’s exactly what the iX3 is: a truly great car.

Overall Car of the Year 2026: BMW iX3 (50 xDrive M Sport) 

What Car? Awards 2026: The best cars on the market revealed

We name all the winners in this year's What Car? Car of the Year, as we name the finest cars on sale today

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