The 2016 Driver Power survey has yielded our 15th Driver Power winner, and it’s got the highest ever overall score. Nearly 50,000 of you filled in our 2016 car customer satisfaction survey, taking the total respondents since Driver Power began in 2001 past half a million.
And this year as always, we’ve got a detailed rundown of your favourite models, from SUVs to MPVs, and from compact family cars to luxury executive models. The best 150 cars in the UK are ranked here, with your scores for categories including reliability, comfort, practicality and performance.
In our table below we reveal the top 150 cars to own in the UK according to the people who already own them. You can also click through our gallery for a more detailed insight into the best performing cars and the winners in each of the key categories or click here to download the Driver Power 2016 results in full.
As always, there were ups and downs for the models covered in the survey, more than a few shocks and a handful of impressive debuts. So, how did your car fare in this year’s Driver Power, and which model was rated the overall best car to own by UK motorists?
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Best cars to own: full results table
How the Driver Power ratings work
• The main chart above shows the car’s overall rating, which we calculate from an average of all its scores in our 10 Driver Power judging categories.
• Use the drop-down box on the chart to see each car's score in more detail, with the figures showing how they ranked in the 2016 top 150.
• Each category score is represented by a bar – and the longer the bar, the better.
• If your model isn’t in the 150-1 countdown, this is because we didn’t get enough responses to include it.
• If you want the full 2016 Driver Power results click the links at the bottom of the table to download the spreadsheet.
Driver Power 2016: Top 10 best cars to own
1. Tesla Model S
Few cars have ever dominated Driver Power in the way that our 2016 winner has. The Tesla Model S’s overall score is a record high, and the all-electric executive saloon takes a staggering seven category wins.
This is the first time the Model S has placed in our poll, and it’s a debut to remember; owners just can’t get enough of their cars. They tell us the huge, tablet-sized touchscreen and autonomous driving modes set the tech benchmark, and that performance also leads the way, with the instant battery-powered acceleration.
Unsurprisingly, the car is ranked at number one for running costs as well, as drivers don’t have to fill up at fuel stations and can instead access Tesla’s growing network of rapid-charging points for free.
One potential area for concern is build quality; you’d expect a car costing £60,000-plus to finish higher than 33rd. Time will tell if this hurts long-term ownership. Still, this isn’t enough to detract from a fantastic overall package. You report that the Model S is easy to drive, comfortable and, with two optional seats in the boot, practical.
Our readers rank it as the ultimate exec and the best car overall to own in 2016. Plus, with the Model X SUV and Model 3 compact exec on the way, could Tesla be set to dominate Driver Power in future?
Tesla Model S owner spotlight: Ryan Hynd Thornaby, North Yorkshire
Taking the plunge on a pricey car from a relatively new brand is a brave move, but for Ryan Hynd from Thornaby, North Yorkshire, it’s paid off.
Ryan has owned his Tesla Model S for nearly 18 months now, and has nothing but praise for the all-electric exec saloon. “It’s quiet and incredibly quick, while Tesla customer service has been absolutely brilliant,” he said.
With a boot in the front and rear, Ryan has taken full advantage of the Model S’s practicality – something that he’s been pleasantly surprised by after previously owning estate cars. On top of this, he never finds himself concerned about running out of power and, to see just how great the range and charging network is, he’s planning a trip to Spain in June. He added: “It’s not going to cost me anything.”
So would Ryan consider buying a petrol or diesel model again? “I’d never go back to a normal car; I’d definitely get another Tesla,” he told us.
2. Renault ZOE
Rounding off a stunning performance for Renault across the board in Driver Power 2016 is the ZOE. Just as the Kadjar led the way among SUVs, the all-electric hatch has taken the supermini class crown, on top of a superb runners-up spot overall.
For the second year in a row, the ZOE also sees off its battery-powered arch rival, the Nissan Leaf. Not surprisingly, owners tells us it majors on running costs, with the electric drivetrain ensuring they don’t have to splash out on fuel, while the car secures an even better second place for ease of driving. Performance is ranked fourth, and that’s most likely down to the sprightly acceleration delivered off the line by the 220Nm of torque. It doesn’t hit the top speeds to rival more powerful cars, but it shines in town.
Fifth for in-car tech reflects the fact that Renault’s R-Link infotainment system comes as standard on the ZOE. The touchscreen includes functionality for apps, Bluetooth and mapping, and owners clearly love it. It all adds up to a three-place climb up the chart, yet the car could have gone one better; question marks remain over reliability and build quality. Still, that clearly hasn’t dampened drivers’ pleasure at electric car ownership with the Renault.
3. Renault Kadjar
The SUV market has boomed over the past few years, and it’s made the class one of the hardest fought in Driver Power. Top of the tree this year is the Renault Kadjar, which has seen off top 10 competition from Lexus, Subaru and Jeep to take the SUV crown.
It’s a great debut for the Kadjar, and it’s largely due to its versatility, with owners scoring it in the top 10 in three categories. Ride quality is where the car shines, but its lowest score – 50th for performance – isn’t that bad, with strong pace from even the entry-level diesels.
Body roll is limited and road handling is as good as its 11th-place finish suggests. Meanwhile, owners rank in-car technology as the fourth best in the whole of Driver Power, and that’s in part down to the fact that even mid-spec models come loaded with standard equipment like Bluetooth, sat-nav, a central touchscreen and climate control.
The driving position and well weighted steering are praised, too, while 20th place for practicality is a reflection of the Kadjar’s large boot capacity. So it’s a brilliant debut year for the Renault, although the brand will have to work hard to keep the SUV crown in 12 months’ time – and even harder if it has designs on the overall Driver Power top spot.
4. Lexus IS Mk3
Despite being knocked off the Driver Power throne this year, the latest Lexus IS continues to impress in virtually every category, and even takes two podium places. Owners still like the compact exec’s reliability and build quality, which are brand trademarks and key attributes for fleet buyers. Equally important are low running costs – something Lexus’s hybrid powertrain contributes to, with good economy and low tax bills. The Mk3 uses a revised version of the previous chassis, and owners rate it highly for ease of driving and comfort.
These factors are important for long motorway trips – the home ground for many compact execs. Driving dynamics and performance receive similar praise, with the IS outscoring many of its class competitors for overall handling and fun. Even the fiddly joystick-operated infotainment system doesn’t seem to have hampered owners’ views of the in-car technology.
So why has the Lexus fallen by three places in this year’s chart? Well, 91st for practicality explains a lot. Although the petrol version matches rivals from Audi and BMW for boot space, the hybrid system takes up 30 litres of capacity. The challenge Lexus now faces is to reverse this trend next year. However, as 2016’s results show, the competition is getting tougher...
5. Lexus GS Mk4
After a superb debut last year the GS has gone from strength to strength, with five category scores inside the top 10 and none below 66th. It benefits from great build quality and reliability, while owners enjoy the high-spec cabin and generous kit list. Its large touchscreen contributes to seventh for in-car tech. As with Lexus’ RX, running costs let the side down – disappointing for a car that has a hybrid engine promising good economy and low emissions – but a 15-place climb is still not to be sniffed at.
6. Lexus RX Mk3
It’s getting on a bit, but the Lexus RX Mk3 has rolled back the years by shooting 10 places up the table on the back of two Driver Power category wins. And it takes second place in the competitive SUV class. Owners tell us it’s the most reliable car in Britain – impressive as the earliest models are now seven years old – and has the most comfortable seats. As with any Lexus, it’s well built, plus it’s easy to drive. Steep running costs are the only blemish, but given how good the RX is elsewhere, owners are likely to forgive this.
7. Skoda Octavia Mk3
Skoda’s second-generation Octavia is a former Driver Power medallist, and by the looks of things, the latest model is just as good. It’s certainly heading in the right direction, having climbed four places overall, largely on the back of a third-place finish for practicality. This impressive category score comes thanks to huge boot and interior space; the Octavia not only beats rivals like Volkswagen’s Golf in this respect, it nearly matches cars in the class above, such as the Ford Mondeo.
Compact family cars are often bought with a budget in mind, and low running costs and solid reliability matter to owners. Fortunately, the Skoda nets decent rankings in both categories. The diesel and petrol line-up is seen as economical by most, and the strong scores for build quality and reliability suggest owners don’t suffer from too many unexpected repair bills.
With gadgets like DAB radio and a touchscreen system with Bluetooth as standard, a ninth-place finish for in-car technology is wholly justified. The only category that keeps holding the Octavia back is ride quality – 111th shows owners still find the latest model too firm. With improvements here, Skoda would no doubt see the Octavia continue to climb the Driver Power rankings for years to come.
8. Subaru Forester Mk4
The Forester’s rise up the Driver Power rankings this year comes courtesy of top results for both reliability and build quality – strengths for any serious off-roader. The tall driving position offers good visibility, while tonnes of grip from Subaru’s 4x4 set-up meant the Forester was also rated highly by owners for ride quality and ease of driving. If Subaru wants to keep climbing the rankings, it’ll have to address the car’s poor rating for in-car tech. But the big boot and interior received praise for practicality.
9. Jeep Grand Cherokee Mk4
A 2014 facelift has helped Jeep’s Mk4 Grand Cherokee climb 26 places from last year’s poll, as the big American off-roader continues to score well in most categories. Owners like the performance from the powerful V6 diesel, even though running costs are high, and they rate the Grand Cherokee fun and comfortable to drive. Jeep’s big worry will be the poor reliability ranking. Still, practicality matters for most SUV owners, and the car scored well here due to its large boot and roomy interior.
10. Lexus RX Mk2
The 12-year-old Lexus RX Mk2 hides its age better than any other car here. You tell us it has the second best build quality in Driver Power 2016, plus the survey’s third most comfortable seats. The SUV scores strongly for ride quality and ease of driving, too, but the soft suspension and numb steering mean owners mark it down for road handling. Plus, running costs are poor despite the hybrid option. An in-car tech ranking of 40th is most surprising for a car replaced in 2009 – the RX beat many newer rivals in this category.
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Best cars to own: places 11 to 20...
So you've seen the top 10. Below are the 10 cars that just missed out this time...
11. Skoda Citigo - 91.94%
12. Nissan Leaf - 91.90%
13. Dacia Logan MCV - 91.82%
14. Jaguar XF Mk1 - 91.61%
15. BMW 4 Series - 91.59%
16. Skoda Yeti - 91.58%
17. Lexus NX - 91.58%
18. Renault Captur - 91.56%
19. Renault Scenic/Grand Scenic Mk3 - 91.53%
20. Skoda Superb Mk2 - 91.46%
Driver power 2015: the winners by category
Below are the highest-rated cars in each category of Driver Power 2016. Click the links to read the full review of each car…
Overall
- 1. Tesla Model S Mk1
- 2. Renault Zoe Mk1
- 3. Renault Kadjar Mk1
Most reliable cars
- 1. Lexus RX Mk3
- 2. Lexus IS Mk3
- 3. Toyota Land Cruiser Mk7
Best for build quality
Best for running costs
- 1. Tesla Model S Mk1
- 2. Nissan Leaf Mk1
- 3. Renault Zoe Mk1
Best for performance
- 1. Tesla Model S Mk1
- 2. Lexus GS Mk3
- 3. Porsche 911 997
Best for road handling
- 1. Tesla Model S Mk1
- 2. MG MG6 Mk1
- 3. Mazda MX-5 Mk4
Best ride quality
- 1. Tesla Model S Mk1
- 2. Land Rover Discovery Mk4
- 3. Lexus IS Mk3
Easiest to drive
- 1. Tesla Model S Mk1
- 2. Renault Zoe Mk1
- 3. Lexus IS Mk3
Comfiest seats
Best for practicality
- 1. Tesla Model S Mk1
- 2. Land Rover Discovery Mk4
- 3. Skoda Octavia Mk3
Best for in-car tech
- 1. Tesla Model S Mk1
- 2. Lexus GS Mk3
- 3. SEAT Leon Mk3
Have you ever owned any of the top cars in our 2016 Driver Power survey? Let us know what you thought of them in the comments section below...