2026 Driver Power survey results

What is Driver Power?

Driver Power is the UK’s biggest new car ownership survey, delivering unrivalled insights to drivers and manufacturers about what matters most to car owners.

Manufacturers use the results to make changes to their cars, which means your feedback goes straight to making the industry a better place for drivers everywhere.

Driver Power’s ethos is simple: “may the best car win.”

2026’S TOP 10 CARS AS VOTED BY YOU

1. Tesla Model 3 - 88.55%

Claiming first prize in Driver Power 2026 is the Tesla Model 3, coming top of the table in three of the main categories.

Its category wins included powertrain, safety attributes and overall quality and reliability, also scoring highly for its infotainment and driving pleasure. The main outlier is child-friendly features, which ranked lower by comparison.

Owner quote: “I enjoy the level of quality and craftsmanship that went into my wonderful car!”

2. BMW 2 Series - 88.19%

The BMW 2 Series snatched second place with a strong all-round performance. It only claimed the top spot in the main infotainment category, but also ranked first in the sub-categories for driving pleasure and the overall build quality of the interior.

Owners also praised its entertainment systems, user-friendly controls and switches, and all-around visibility. However, it scored poorly on rear seat legroom and boot space.

Owner quote: “It’s so comfortable to drive and the safety features are useful.”

3. Vauxhall Grandland - 87.77%

The Vauxhall Grandland rounds out the podium of Driver Power 2026 after securing a top three spot in four of the 10 main categories, for its interior, practicality and boot space, and economy and running costs.

Other highlights include safety, its child-friendly features, and servicing costs. However, owners scored it poorly for acceleration.

Owner quote: “I like that it’s high up and has good vision.”

4. Ford Kuga - 87.30%

The Ford Kuga might have just missed out on the podium, but owners loved the flexibility and versatility of the seating areas, and it scored particularly well for driving pleasure.

Owners also liked it for all-around visibility and rear seat legroom. Buyers didn’t think its interior quality was great, though.

Owner quote: “It’s very comfortable to drive and be in. It’s also got a good sound system and is well-specced.”

5. Vauxhall Frontera - 86.86%

Completing the top five is the Vauxhall Frontera. This boxy little SUV claimed the top spot for responsive steering, and scored highly for interior, rear seat legroom and boot space.

Owners were also wooed by its fuel economy, however it ranked low for its reliability.

Owner quote: “Lovely to drive and cheap to run.”

6. BMW 1 Series - 86.64%

We have another BMW for you. The 1 Series ranked first for its comfortable front seats, while owners loved its interior styling and user-friendly controls.

Owners also liked its overall quality and reliability. However, it scored poorly for servicing and running costs, as well as boot space.

Owner quote: “It’s the best vehicle we’ve ever owned.”

7. Peugeot 2008 - 86.40%

Peugeot 2008 owners love the way it looks, ranking it fourth overall for its exterior and interior styling. It also ranked highly for the quality of its exterior, too.

Owners also rated it fairly for its running costs, as well as the ride and handling, but it was ranked low for comfort in the front seats by comparison.

Owner quote: “A great SUV that drives well and is economical to run.”

8. Vauxhall Mokka - 86.31%

The Vauxhall Mokka is an electric SUV with head-turning looks, and claimed the top spot overall for ride and handling.

Owners also liked how it looks, giving it bronze for overall exterior styling, but ranked it poorly for practicality, boot space, and rear legroom.

Owner quote: “An excellent car that’s easy to drive, is comfortable, and has plenty of room, especially with the back seats down.”

9. Hyundai Tucson - 86.18%

This family car has had a strong performance this year, claiming the top spot for interior and ranked third overall for practicality and boot space.

Owners loved it for its comfortable front seats and all-round visibility. They didn’t rank it so highly for its fuel economy and running costs, though.

Owner quote: “Love everything about it – the ride, the size and height, the design, performance and attention to detail.”

10. Peugeot 3008 - 86.14%

Another Peugeot sneaks into the top 10 this year, completing our list. The 3008 claimed silver for its exterior, and owners ranked it high for the quality of the exterior and its child-friendly features. Some owners found it wasn’t great value for money, though.

Owner quote: “It’s very comfortable, easy to drive, and feels luxurious.”