The UK's 10 "best cars to own" have been revealed in a major satisfaction survey, with a budget electric vehicle taking the top spot. Drivers were asked for their opinions to help determine the best motor money can buy in 2026.
Tesla Model 3 Dominates
Elon Musk’s Tesla Model 3 dominated this year’s survey, scoring high in all categories. The survey is designed to help car experts determine which set of wheels offers owners the ultimate satisfaction.
Auto Express's Driver Power owner satisfaction survey ranked Elon Musk’s Tesla Model 3 first, in categories ranging from Engine and Gearbox, Safety Features, and Quality to Reliability.
BMW and Vauxhall in Second and Third
The BMW 2 Series Coupe was ranked in second place, with the quality of its interior finish and materials "highly rated." Reacting to this year’s survey, Sarah Perks, vice president of content and publishing at Auto Express, said owners "love almost everything about their Model 3s, especially now quality has improved." She added: "The electric saloon is the only car to be rated 100 per cent in a category, with owners giving a perfect score for the drivetrain smoothness."
The Top 10 Best Cars to Own
- Tesla Model 3 – 88.5%
- BMW 2 Series – 88.19%
- Vauxhall Grandland – 87.77%
- Ford Kuga – 87.30%
- Vauxhall Frontera – 86.86%
- BMW 1 Series – 86.64%
- Peugeot 2008 – 86.40%
- Vauxhall Mokka – 86.31%
- Hyundai Tucson – 86.13%
- Peugeot 3008 – 86.14%
Hybrids Named Smart Choice for Tow Cars
It comes as hybrids were named as the smart choice for tow car drivers looking to go electric by What Car? and the Camping and Caravanning Club. In its 20th year, the annual What Car? Tow Car Awards, in partnership with the Camping and Caravanning Club, saw hybrids pick up five of the seven prizes they were eligible for.
The overall Tow Car of the Year for 2026 is the BMW 530e Touring – a plug-in hybrid estate with an official electric range of 59 miles. Meanwhile, this year’s used car champion is the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (2021-2024).
