Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

Category winners

We reveal the best and worst cars in 10 categories - from reliability to running costs - as voted for by you

Is your car reliable? How does it fare when it comes to running costs? Or is your car's performance a bigger priority for you? We've crunched the numbers to name the best and worst cars across a total of 10 categories.

This year for the first time we've split build quality and reliability into separate categories to give an even better picture of the cars you can trust. And following the success of the new technology category last year, we've also asked owners to rate the usefulness, ease of use, reliability, innovation and value for money of their car's gadgets.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Scroll down to see the winners and losers in each category.

Best for reliability

Kicking off our category countdown is the reliability results. So which car can you depend on?

PositionMakeModel%
1ToyotaYaris MkIII98.40%
2SubaruForester MkIII97.96%
3HondaJazz MkII97.87%
    
Last placeLand RoverRange Rover MkIII83.31%

Best for in-car tech

You tell us just how well all the bells and whistles work in your car, and whether they're good value.

PositionMakeModel%
1SkodaYeti89.44%
2LexusIS MkII88.87%
3RenaultScenic/G Scenic MkII88.23%
    
Last placePorscheBoxster MkII75.66%

Best for running costs

How hard are you hit in the pocket by your car? These results reveal all on mpg and other costs.

PositionMakeModel%
1VauxhallAgila MkII90.34%
2ToyotaiQ89.81%
3ToyotaYaris MkIII89.60%
    
Last placeLand RoverRange Rover MkIII59.34%

Best for performance

It's no surprise that sports cars dominate this part of our results, but there are some shocks mixed in.

PositionMakeModel%
1JaguarXK/R MkII99.60%
2Porsche911 99798.45%
3PorscheBoxster MkII96.19%
    
Last placeHondaJazz MkI75.97%

Best for braking

A car needs to stop as well as it goes, and here you tell us which model is a hit coming to a halt.

PositionMakeModel%
1Porsche911 99796.83%
2JaguarXK/R MkII96.33%
3PorscheCayman MkI95.20%
    
Last placeHondaAccord MkVII80.20%

Best for ride quality

The UK's smoothest operator has a comfortable lead in an area where homegrown cars lead the way.

PositionMakeModel%
1Land RoverDiscovery 496.09%
2JaguarXJ MkV93.33%
3Land RoverRange Rover Evoque91.61%
    
Last placeHondaCivic MkVIII68.40%

Best for build quality

Solid construction inside and out is vital to ensure a car can withstand the rigours of everyday use.

PositionMakeModel%
1SkodaYeti96.25%
2LexusIS MkII95.45%
3BMW5 Series MkVI94.48%
    
Last placeFordGalaxy MkIII80.29%

Best for ease of driving

Which cars are a joy to drive? And which are a chore? Your rankings tell us all we need to know.

PositionMakeModel%
1Land RoverDiscovery 498.16%
2SkodaYeti97.77%
3JaguarXK/R MkII96.80%
    
Last placeVauxhallInsignia87.16%

Best for handling

Porsche takes the top three spots in this thrilling category, but there are a few surprises.

PositionMakeModel%
1PorscheCayman MkI99.60%
2Porsche911 99798.83%
3PorscheBoxster MkII98.41%
    
Last placeVolvoV70 MkII77.78%

Best for practicality

You name the cars that make the best use of space, whether you're carrying people, luggage or both.

PositionMakeModel%
1SkodaSuperb MkII98.75%
2Land RoverDiscovery 498.16%
3SkodaRoomster97.89%
    
Last placeJaguarXK/R MkII65.60%

See the results for previous years…

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,390Avg. savings £9,673 off RRP*Used from £24,750
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £12,490Avg. savings £2,429 off RRP*Used from £10,990
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £12,100Avg. savings £3,639 off RRP*Used from £11,450
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £9,750Avg. savings £4,806 off RRP*Used from £8,438
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Renault Megane to take on the Tesla Model Y with a radical makeover
Renault Megane - front quarter exclusive image Avarvarii

New Renault Megane to take on the Tesla Model Y with a radical makeover

Hi-tech ‘software-defined’ C-segment model heralds a new design direction for Renault as the firm works to achieve a 465-mile range
News
2 Nov 2026
Honda CR-V prices slashed by thousands, ZR-V gets cheaper too
2026 Honda CR-V - front cornering

Honda CR-V prices slashed by thousands, ZR-V gets cheaper too

Honda has revealed updated pricing for the CR-V and ZR-V models, with the latter getting a particularly chunky discount
News
2 Nov 2026
New Nissan X-Trail 2026 review: a big step in the right direction
Nissan X-Trail - front

New Nissan X-Trail 2026 review: a big step in the right direction

The reworked Nissan X-Trail hybrid is getting a fresh e-Power drivetrain and slicker styling – and is already available in the US
Road tests
30 Oct 2026