100,000 drivers agree – these 10 car brands are the best
Car changing is a big deal
More than 100,000 drivers rated the UK’s best car manufacturers in this year’s Driver Power survey – here are the results.
The results are in from the 2026 Driver Power survey, which reveals the car brands that owners rate highest. More than 100,000 UK drivers shared their views on everything from reliability and value for money to practicality, safety and driving enjoyment, as well as brand satisfaction. So which manufacturers topped the rankings?
Here are the 10 best car brands, as voted by you:
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1. Mercedes – 88.96%
Taking the top spot is Mercedes, which topped six categories thanks to its strong scores for interior quality, refinement and in-car technology.
Owners praise the brand for its cars’ luxury feel and smooth, composed drive. According to respondents, the only significant drawback is higher running costs.
2. Alfa Romeo – 87.17%
This Italian brand snatched second place, with owners praising its striking design and engaging driving experience. It also topped several handling-related categories in the survey.
Survey respondents were impressed by its steering response and handling balance, which helped offset traditional concerns around build quality and running costs.
3. Tesla – 86.91%
Tesla completes the podium in this year’s survey, earning top marks for its powertrain and strong scores for infotainment.
Owners value its speed, simplicity and tech-focused experience, although opinions were more mixed when it came to design and build quality.
4. Lexus – 86.71%
Lexus might have narrowly missed out on a place in the top three, but owners continue to praise the brand for its quality and reliability.
It also scored highly for interior comfort and practicality, although some respondents felt its relaxed driving dynamics make it less engaging than some alternatives.
5. BMW – 86.45%
Completing the top five is BMW, with the German brand impressing owners thanks to its premium interior, intuitive infotainment system and powerful engines.
BMW owners also rate the brand highly for its overall usability, which remains among the best in the survey. However, the main drawback continues to be higher running costs.
6. Vauxhall – 85.94%
Just missing out on a top-five finish, Vauxhall delivered a consistently strong performance, with particular strengths in value for money and driving comfort.
The brand put in a solid, well-rounded showing, with no major weak spots across the survey categories. Owners also rated its running costs highly.
7. Peugeot – 85.90%
Peugeot owners praised the brand’s design-led approach, with its styling and driving dynamics proving particularly popular.
Survey respondents rated its steering and handling highly, helping its cars stand out from more conventional alternatives. However, owners were less impressed by the usability of its infotainment systems.
8. Jeep – 85.68%
Owners rated this iconic American brand, renowned for its rugged 4x4s, highly for driving comfort and engine performance despite lingering reliability concerns.
Strong scores for driving dynamics helped boost its overall ranking, although respondents raised concerns about value for money.
9. Renault – 85.59%
Also making the top 10 is Renault. Owners praised the French brand for its low running costs, a key strength at a time when household budgets remain under pressure.
Its Google-based infotainment system proved particularly popular with respondents. However, owners were less convinced by the brand’s refinement and drivetrain smoothness.
10. Land Rover – 85.44%
Rounding out our list is Land Rover. This iconic British brand remains hugely appealing to owners thanks to its premium feel.
Survey respondents also praised its interior quality and design. However, weaker scores for fuel economy and reliability prevented it from finishing higher in the rankings.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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