The 10 nicest cars to drive, according to their owners
Car changing is a big deal
Some cars are nicer to drive than others. But which ones do owners rate most highly? These are the 10 models that stand out for driving pleasure in the latest Driver Power owner satisfaction survey.
For many drivers, the way a car drives is just as important as how it looks and how practical it is. Whether it’s a sporty saloon darting around town or an electric SUV accelerating effortlessly up to motorway speeds, driving pleasure can be a major factor when choosing a new set of wheels – but which cars do it best?
Based on feedback from more than 100,000 UK motorists, the latest Driver Power survey reveals the 10 cars that owners rate highest for driving pleasure. Here are the models that made the cut.
- BMW 2 Series
- Tesla Model 3
- Ford Kuga
- Peugeot 208
- Vauxhall Mokka
- Mini Cooper
- Peugeot 308
- BMW 5 Series
- Tesla Model Y
- Vauxhall Corsa
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
1. BMW 2 Series
Taking the top prize is the BMW 2 Series, and it’s easy to see why. The driving position is excellent, particularly if you’re after a sporty feel, and it’s really easy to drive. Its small dimensions mean it’s not hugely practical, but they also make it less intimidating than bigger family cars and more enjoyable on narrow, twisty roads.
The suspension feels smooth but grips onto the road like a sports car, too, while at motorway speeds, the car is quiet and refined, making it more than capable of long journeys.
Owners were equally impressed with its driving experience. One respondent described it as “very fun, smooth, and comfortable to drive”, while another said “it’s fast and hugs the road really well”.
2. Tesla Model 3
Taking second place is the Tesla Model 3, which topped the Driver Power survey for overall driver satisfaction. We also think it’s one of the most enjoyable electric cars to drive. Its ultra-responsive steering and its firm suspension give it a sporty feel. And while it’s less comfortable than alternatives such as the Mercedes CLA Electric, it remains refined enough for long motorway journeys.
Respondents to the Driver Power survey particularly praised its driving enjoyment. One owner described it as a “smooth driving experience”, while another said that “as a performance model, it’s ridiculously fast”. A third added: “I love the power and acceleration which is available if needed.”
3. Ford Kuga
Rounding out the podium is this practical family SUV. We think the Ford Kuga is great fun to drive by SUV standards.
The Kuga is at its best around town, with good visibility from its raised driving position. It handles larger bumps well, although it can feel unsettled over potholes. Acceleration is noisy, but wind and tyre noise are minimal when cruising. It’s also great fun on country lanes, with limited body lean through corners.
Owners agree that the Kuga is a pleasure to drive. One respondent described it as “comfortable to drive”, while another praised its “excellent fuel consumption”, adding that it’s “roomy and comfortable, and really fun to drive”.
4. Peugeot 208
Next up, we have the Peugeot 208. This stylish small hatchback is available with a hybrid engine, which adds extra punch and responsiveness to the driving experience. That makes it feel nippy around town, while it’s also a comfortable companion for longer motorway journeys, with very little wind noise. It’s enjoyable on country roads, too, and the hybrid models have plenty of punch for accelerating between corners.
It’s clearly made plenty of Peugeot 208 owners happy. One survey respondent praised its “good performance at the price”, while another described it as “comfortable to drive and handles well”. A third went even further, calling it the “best car I have ever driven, I love it”.
5. Vauxhall Mokka
The Vauxhall Mokka is another car that’s made it into the top 10. This well-equipped and handsome SUV is a piece of cake to drive around town, with its soft suspension doing a good job of soaking up bumps. It’s a comfortable motorway cruiser, too, although we find it’s far from exhilarating on a country lane.
That said, owners are clearly happy with how the Mokka drives. One respondent called it an “excellent car to drive”, another described it as “smooth to drive”, while a third said: “I like the drive and the feel of the car.”
6. Mini Cooper
This hatchback is a British icon, and it’s easy to see why some love the way it drives. However, we think the latest version has lost some of the purity of its predecessors. Its firm suspension and artificial feel lack the authentic ‘go-kart’ character of older Minis, which were lighter and had lighter controls.
Still, respondents to the Driver Power survey were impressed by how the Mini Cooper drives, suggesting it retains plenty of appeal for owners. One described it as “fun and easy to drive”, while another called it “great”, adding that it’s “comfortable and easy to park”.
7. Peugeot 308
Yes, we have another Peugeot on this list – and we can see why. The Peugeot 308 excels on longer journeys, cruising happily at motorway speeds. Whichever engine you choose, all 308s offer good visibility despite sitting low to the ground, while the dinky steering wheel makes it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces around town.
It’s a “really nice car to drive”, said one Driver Power survey respondent. Another described it as “comfortable and nippy”, while a third called it a “very easy car to drive” that’s “comfortable on long journeys”.
8. BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series has also made the list. This upmarket saloon is a comfortable and refined motorway cruiser. Sure, there’s a little wind and road noise, but overall, it’s a relaxing way to rack up the miles.
However, owners still seem to like how their 5 Series drives. One respondent praised its “drivability and style”, while another said it’s “fun to drive, but also really practical”. A third said they “love it” and that it “drives really well”.
9. Tesla Model Y
Although its size can make tight corners and car parks a little daunting, the Tesla Model Y is surprisingly easy to drive around town, thanks to its standard parking cameras. Take it down a twisty country lane, and it impresses with sharp brakes, precise steering and minimal body lean.
Still, Model Y owners had plenty of praise for its driving experience. One respondent said: “Tesla believes driving can be fun as well as functional, and this shines through in the driving experience.” Another described it as “wonderful to drive with awesome acceleration”.
10. Vauxhall Corsa
Rounding out the top 10 is the Vauxhall Corsa. It’s easy to drive around town and does a decent job of soaking up larger bumps, although its suspension can feel unsettled on rough roads. It’s less impressive on the motorway, where it feels quite jittery and lets in plenty of wind and tyre noise. The Corsa handles country lanes competently, with decent front-end grip, but don’t expect much excitement.
That said, Corsa owners are more positive about how it drives. One Driver Power respondent said they “like how it accelerates quickly”, while another described it as “reliable, and a comfortable car to drive”.
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.
Want to see the latest car content first? Click here to follow us on Reddit, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.