Electric small car

Electric family car

Hybrid family car

Electric small SUV

Hybrid small SUV

Electric family SUV

Hybrid family SUV

Electric 7-seater

Hybrid 7-seater

Electric estate

Hybrid estate

Electric executive car

Hybrid executive car

Electric luxury car

Electric performance car

Readers' choice

Category winners

Electric Car Awards 2024

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

Electric

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Low running costs compared with solely petrol or diesel equivalents</li> <li>Very low official CO2 emissions to benefit company car drivers</li> <li>The same usability as a regular car</li> <li>Smooth transition between electric and engine power</li> <li>Small practicality compromise over conventional models</li></ul>

Not so long ago, hybrids were the preserve of Hollywood stars, environmentally conscious 'early adopters' and the odd&nbsp;minicab driver looking to save a bit of money on fuel.

Since the collapse in demand for diesel, however, they have become&nbsp;much more popular, and it's easy to see why, with&nbsp;low tax bills and&nbsp;impressive MPG figures&nbsp;just a couple of the perks they offer.

There are two types of hybrid: 'self-charging'&nbsp;models, which mix petrol&nbsp;and electric power in an effort to maximise&nbsp;efficiency, and&nbsp;plug-in hybrids that can travel many miles purely on electricity before their engines need to cut in. This category is for the former type of cars.

Hybrid

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Usefully long electric-only range</li> <li>Exceedingly frugal</li> <li>Cheap company car tax rates</li> <li>Smooth switching between electric and petrol power</li></ul>

If you're not ready to commit to a fully electric vehicle&nbsp;but have the capacity to charge your car at home or at work, a plug-in hybrid could be the perfect compromise. Electric batteries paired with a petrol or diesel&nbsp;engine means you'll never be left short of charge&nbsp;but can capitalise on cheap running costs, thanks to a surprisingly long electric-only range.

There's plenty of choice, too, whether you're after a sporty saloon like the BMW 3 Series, the 330e variant of which providing up to 36 miles of electric-only driving on a full charge, or a large load-lugging large SUV, including the Volvo XC90 T8, which claims an extraordinary&nbsp;113mpg.

Throw in competent handling and driving prowess, despite the added weight of the electric batteries, and a plug-in hybrid&nbsp;makes a compelling case for frugal buyers.&nbsp;

Plug-in hybrid

With electric and plug-in hybrid cars now coming in all shapes and sizes – and available to suit every budget – we’ve named the best new and used models in every class

Electric Car Awards

A former motorsport team and independent tuning company, Abarth has long&nbsp;produced high performance versions of Fiat's cars.

In recent years, Abarth has been established&nbsp;as a standalone brand – in the same way that Citroën split off its DS luxury division several years ago. However, the major difference is that DS cars look completely different from the Citroëns on which they’re based, whereas Abarths rely on bodykits and big wheels to mark them out.

The Abarth 500e is a sporty version of the Fiat 500 Electric, whilst the Abarth 595 is a beefed-up version of the older Fiat 500 hatchback.

ABARTH

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive, while the closely related Stelvio and smaller Tonale both competes in the booming SUV class.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

Alpine (pronounced 'Al-peen') only makes one model, but if you’re in the market for a sports car, this French brand is worthy of your attention.

Its A110 is one of the best-handling cars on sale today. And while it’s not especially powerful, it’s still properly quick, thanks to its low weight.

The looks and character of today’s A110 were inspired by a legendary namesake that won the first ever World Rally Championship back in 1973. But the new car is undoubtedly a worthy successor.

ALPINE

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

BYD is one of the biggest names in electric cars globally, but only launched in the UK recently.

Even so, it has a fast-growing dealer network, and it's models - most notably the Tesla Model 3-rivalling Seal - are gaining attention for impressive tech and good driving ranges.

Other BYDs include the MG4-sized Dolphin and Nissan Qashqai-sized Atto 3.

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

Like Abarth, some of Cupra's models including the Ateca and Leon are extensively reworked Seats, but models such as the Born and Formentor are exclusive to Cupra.

Whilst Cupras are closely related to equivalent models from Seat and Volkswagen, they are generally tuned to provide a more engaging driving experience.

CUPRA

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the Stellantis group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

The first DS models were essentially rebadged Citroëns, but more recently its cars are now standalone models in their own right. Yet under the skin, they're still very closely related.

Its models are&nbsp;influenced by the French fashion industry and are designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

GENESIS

GWM ORA

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

LEAPMOTOR

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Fancy something small, lightweight and fast? Then Lotus possibly has the right car for you. In fact ‘simplify then add lightness’ was the mantra of company founder Colin Chapman as far back as 1952.

These days, Lotus sells four models, with the core of the range being the Elise. Then there’s the more hardcore 3-Eleven, the sporty Exige and the Evora – which is pitched as a rival to the Porsche Cayman.

Big changes are afoot, though, because Lotus plans to build its own SUV in the near future, with the hope of broadening the brand’s appeal to families. The planned car will use Volvo underpinnings and will tackle rivals such as the Porsche Macan and Maserati Levante.

LOTUS

MAXUS

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

OMODA

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Polestar is a relative newcomer to the new car market, having been born as a motorsport team later bought by Volvo. Today it produces a range of upmarket, fully-electric vehicles and as a brand now sits independently of Volvo.

Its models are given numerical names, and unusually these don’t denote the size of the model, rather they indicate the order in which they’re launched. The now-discontinued Polestar 1 was the firm’s first model and the Polestar 2 is an executive hatchback which is a direct rival for the Tesla Model 3. The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV, Polestar 4 a coupé and Polestar 5 a performance car.

Polestar has a focus on sustainability: in 2020 was the first car maker to release a study to show the carbon footprint of its cars, and in 2021 it started a project to ensure rare-Earth materials such as cobalt – used in many electric car batteries – are sourced responsibly.

POLESTAR

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

When it comes to making a statement about how successful you are, there is no brand that shouts “I’ve made it!” more emphatically than Rolls-Royce.

If that’s all you want from your car, look no further. The firm has expanded its range in recent years, with the top-of-the-range Phantom saloon being joined by the Cullinan SUV, and other models including the Wraith and Ghost.

Whichever way you go, if you have to ask how much it costs, the chances are you can’t afford it. And, even then, the base price is unlikely to be what you end up spending, such is the list of alluring options on offer.

It’s also a moot point whether the cars themselves – rather than the image they portray – represents the very best way to spend your money. What Car?’s testers rate all of them positively but reckon that – if you’re buying with your head rather than your heart – there are other cars that you should also consider.

ROLLS-ROYCE

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.

It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.

Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.

SMART

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

XPeng

City-Car

Coupe

Estate

Hatchback

Saloon

Sports

2008

3008

5008

A290

ACEMAN

ARIYA

Astra Electric

ATTO 3

AVENGER

BERLINGO

BORN

BZ4X

C4 X

CAPRI

COMBO LIFE

COOPER

CORSA

COUNTRYMAN

CYBERSTER

DOLPHIN

DS 3

e-C3

E NY1

E-TRON GT

EC40

Electrified GV70

ELETRE

ENYAQ

EX30

EX40

EX90

EXPLORER

FORFOUR

FORTWO COUPE

GOLF

GRANDLAND

GV60

HASHTAG 1

HASHTAG 3

HONDA e

I-PACE

ID. BUZZ

ID.3

ID.4

ID.5

ID.7

INSTER

IONIQ 5

IONIQ 5 N

IONIQ 6

JUNIOR

KONA

LEAF

MACAN ELECTRIC ESTATE

MEGANE E-TECH

MIFA 9

MIRAI

MODEL 3

MODEL S

MODEL X

MODEL Y

MOKKA

MUSTANG MACH-E

MX-30

NIRO

Entry-level Advance gives you way more equipment than you’d expect from a small SUV. It even includes highlights such as front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, full LED headlights and adjustable lumbar support.

Advance

You get plenty of equipment as standard, including climate control, adaptive cruise control and LED headlights. The 21in alloys are bespoke to the GT version, as are the front sports seats.

The GTE plug-in hybrid features more aggressive looks than lesser Golfs, plus it's loaded with standard kit. The list includes adaptive suspension, three-zone climate control,  wireless phone-charging, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and blindspot monitoring.

Entry-level SE trim is our chosen version to go for. Why? Well, it keeps costs to a minimum but still comes with standard equipment that includes 17in alloy wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control, automatic LED headlights, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a 10.1in touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, built-in sat-nav and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring. 

SE EV

There’s only one trim level available in the T03, but it’s quite well equipped. It gives you 15in alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, automatic air-conditioning, and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors as standard.

The Cupra Tavascan isn't a cheap private buy&nbsp;–&nbsp;even by <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUV</a> standards –&nbsp;but like all its rivals it attracts a lowly 2% <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/company-car-tax-guide/n9352">BIK tax rating</a>,&nbsp;so is tempting to run as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-company-cars/n22605">company car</a>.

It also comes with a long list of standard equipment; even entry-level V1 trim gives you three-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and start, automatic lights and wipers, and a wireless phone-charger.

That said, we’d be tempted to at least stretch to V2, because this brings the suspension, seating and stereo upgrades already mentioned, plus a panoramic glass sunroof, an augmented reality head-up display and Matrix LED headlights&nbsp;(which can stay on full beam without dazzling other drivers).

As for safety kit, all Tavascans come with blind-spot monitoring, a driver drowsiness warning and can stop you pulling out into the path of an oncoming vehicle.&nbsp;This helped the car achieve a full&nbsp; five-star rating in its 2024&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a>&nbsp;test.

On the other hand, the Tavascan’s 170kW <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/fastest-charging-electric-cars/n26105">maximum charge rate</a> is a bit disappointing compared with the 210kW maximum of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a>, let alone the 258kW rate the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a> is capable of. A 10-80% top-up of the Tavascan takes 28 minutes.

In terms of reliability, Cupra finished a middling 17th out of 31 brands in the 2024 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars/n26137">What Car? Reliability Survey</a> – one place ahead of Volkswagen, but behind Tesla (15th), Skoda (13th), Kia (11th), Hyundai (10th) and Renault (9th).

The Tavascan comes with&nbsp;a&nbsp;five-year warranty (up to 90,000 miles) plus eight years/100,000 miles of battery cover, which guarantees capacity remains at 70% or more.

That's similar to the&nbsp;five-year, unlimited mileage warranty on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/ioniq-5/hatchback/review/n22944">Hyundai Ioniq 5</a> but not as good as the seven-year cover on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a>.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">“Back in 2023, Cupra finished bottom in our annual reliability survey, but when I was analysing the 2024 data, it quickly became clear that it’s suffering fewer problems now and fixing things more quickly.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/claire-evans/n1100">Claire Evans, Consumer Editor</a></h2>

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There are two versions of the Cupra Tavascan: a 282bhp, single motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model and one with 335bhp, two&nbsp;motors and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">all-wheel drive</a>&nbsp;(AWD).

Whichever you choose, you get a 77kWh (usable capacity) battery, but the Tavascan's range depends on how many motors you have. The lighter RWD car managed&nbsp;353 miles in official tests while the more powerful AWD did 324.

For comparison,&nbsp;the rear-wheel-drive version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id5/coupe/review/n24518">VW ID 5</a> managed only 342 miles. However, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a> has an official maximum of 361 miles and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/enyaq/4x4/review/n25742">Skoda Enyaq Coupé</a> 364 miles, while the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/scenic-e-tech/estate/review/n26635">Renault Scenic</a> can both top 370. In other words, the Tavascan’s range is competitive but not outstanding.

So far, we’ve driven an AWD&nbsp;Tavascan and we found that it offers&nbsp;the sort of responsive feel and smooth power delivery we’ve come to expect from <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>. The 0-62mph sprint takes 5.5 seconds –&nbsp;which is <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hot-hatches/n17005">hot-hatch</a>&nbsp;fast –&nbsp;while even the rear-wheel-drive model can do it in a very respectable 6.8 seconds.

As a bonus, you hear very little motor whine&nbsp;and wind noise is kept to a minimum, but the big&nbsp;21in wheels fitted to every Tavascan trim except entry-level V1 generate quite a lot of road noise. The V1's smaller wheel might improve things – we'll let you know when we've driven it.

V1 trim is also alone in missing out on an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/types-of-suspension-adaptive-suspension-explained/n27085">adaptive suspension&nbsp;system</a> called Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which allows you to adjust the softness of the suspension to better suit the road surface you’re on. Unfortunately, none of the settings gives you a particularly plush ride. If&nbsp;that’s your priority, try the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/scenic-e-tech/estate/review/n26635">Renault Scenic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/enyaq/4x4/review/n25742">Skoda Enyaq Coupé</a>.

Does the Tavascan compensate by being sporty? Well, body lean is mostly kept in check, particularly in the firmer suspension settings. Meanwhile,&nbsp;the steering is pleasingly direct, and&nbsp;you can adjust the weight using the driving modes; its&nbsp;super-light in Comfort, making life easy around town,&nbsp;and gains some reassuring heft if you select Performance or Cupra, which improves&nbsp;confidence on faster roads.

The only thing that really counts against the Tavascan’s handling is the&nbsp;weight of the car: it tips the scales at almost 2.3 tonnes, which it can’t completely disguise when you turn in to a corner. As a result, the best petrol <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family SUVs</a> – including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/formentor/4x4/review/n22100">Cupra Formentor</a> – are more agile.

Like most electric cars, the Tavascan uses both regular friction brakes and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-regenerative-braking-and-how-does-it-work/n25212">regenerative braking</a> that puts energy back into the battery. Unfortunately, it doesn’t blend these together very well, which leads to inconsistent pedal response. Sometimes the car will stop more suddenly than you intended, while on other occasions you find yourself having to apply extra pressure at the last minute.

<h2>“I found you can partially mitigate against the Cupra Tavascan's inconsistent brakes by turning the regen up to maximum, but it's still not&nbsp;strong&nbsp;to bring the Tavascan to a complete stop.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/george-hill/n23609">George Hill, Used Cars Writer</a></h2>

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

While we’re still to try this model, its performance looks impressive enough on paper: the 0-62mph sprint takes 6.8 seconds, while the official range between charges is 353 miles.

http://example.com

77kWh RWD 286

210kw

With 335bhp being sent to all four wheels, this version of the Tavascan can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds. However, its official range of 324 miles is slightly down on that of the rear-wheel-drive models.

77kWh AWD 340

250kw

While all Cupra models are named after places in the brand’s Spanish homeland, it’s usually hard to see why the specific location was picked; if we were told someone in the marketing department had simply thrown a dart at a map of the country, we could believe it. However, the new Cupra Tavascan is an exception, because the village of Tavascan is best known for using its lakes to produce green energy.

That was always going to make it a tempting choice when Cupra was deciding what to call its first <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUV</a>&nbsp;(and its second electric model, after the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born</a>). But does the car itself deserve to hold as much appeal for buyers?

After all, there are&nbsp;plenty of alternatives, including the What Car? Award-winning <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a>, the practical and comfortable <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/scenic-e-tech/estate/review/n26635">Renault Scenic</a> and the big-selling <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a>. And that’s before we get to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/enyaq/4x4/review/n25742">Skoda Enyaq Coupé</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id5/coupe/review/n24518">Volkswagen ID 5</a> – two models that the Tavascan is closely related to under the skin.

Read on to find out how we rate the Cupra Tavascan against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">best electric SUVs</a>…

A high window line gives the interior of the Cupra Tavascan a sporty feel. However, it isn’t great for visibility, so it’s just as well that front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera are fitted to all versions, with V2 models and above also getting a 360-degree bird’s eye view camera.

In addition, while the driving position is fundamentally sound (at least in the left-hand-drive Tavascans&nbsp;we’ve tried so far), it’s worth noting that you have to do without electric seat adjustment and adjustable lumbar support unless you upgrade from entry-level V1 trim.

On the other hand, no matter which version of the Tavascan you go for, you get a 15in <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment touchscreen</a>&nbsp;with wireless smartphone integration and built-in <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-sat-nav-apps/n24915">sat-nav</a>. Most of the car’s functions are operated using the touchscreen, which is quick to respond and features sharp graphics, although physical controls would still be less distracting while driving.

Sadly, those are in short supply. Instead, you get touch-sensitive sliders below the screen for the stereo volume and climate control, which are far more fiddly than the rotary knobs in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a> or the proper switches of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/scenic-e-tech/estate/review/n26635">Renault Scenic</a>.

Similarly, the 'buttons'&nbsp;on the Tavascan’s steering wheel are touch-sensitive pads that are too easy to trigger by accident. And while voice control is standard across the range, its ability to understand you is a bit hit and miss.

On the plus side, the interior has a distinctive design, thanks to a large central ‘spine’ that acts as a bridge between the centre console and dashboard.

Okay, the plastics are mostly hard, but they’re nicely textured. Meanwhile,&nbsp;V2 models and above get some added wow factor from ambient interior lighting that glows through perforations in the door panels.

<h2>“I’d be tempted to step up from V1 trim to V2, not least because it upgrades the standard seven-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker Sennheiser premium audio system.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a></h2>

TAVASCAN

The Tavascan is Cupra’s first electric SUV&nbsp;and its second electric car after the hugely impressive Born hatchback

Cupra Tavascan

There’s loads of space in the front of the Cupra Tavascan. Even those well over 6ft tall will have enough head and leg room. Plus, the door bins are a good size, and there are some useful cubbies between the front seats.

Likewise, rear space is good, despite the car’s sleek, coupé-like roofline. And – as in many <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;the floor is flat, which makes life more comfortable for a central rear passenger. The only disappointment comes when there are just two rear passengers in an entry-level V1 model, because that version doesn't get a fold-down central armrest.

As for the Tavascan's boot, it's a useful square shape and has a healthy 540-litre <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791">storage capacity</a>. That beats the 490 litres of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a> and is only fractionally down on the capacities of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/scenic-e-tech/estate/review/n26635">Renault Scenic</a> (545 litres) and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id5/coupe/review/n24518">VW ID 5</a> (543 litres).

On the other hand, the Tavacan misses out on the extra under-bonnet storage of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> – a car that has significantly more <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791">boot space</a>. And while the rear seats of the Model Y and Scenic fold down in a 40/20/40 split, the Tavascan has a less versatile 60/40 arrangement – although it does get a ski hatch so you can slide long items between the outer seats.

<h2 dir="ltr">“I love having a powered tailgate&nbsp;because it means that if I'm shopping in the rain, I don’t have to put my bags on the soggy ground to open the boot. It’s therefore great to see that you get one as standard with&nbsp;the Tavascan.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/darren-moss/n1005">Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor</a></h2>

The Cupra Tavascan offers plenty of kit, a competitive range and an excellent safety score, plus it’s sharper to drive than its Volkswagen ID 5 sister. However, it’s let down by inconsistent brakes, while the best rival electric SUVs are also more comfortable and able to charge faster.

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