Cars can be remarkably easy to drive for various reasons. Some are compact city cars, making them highly manoeuvrable and agile in urban environments.
Others are high-riding vehicles that provide better visibility while driving.
Additionally, many modern cars feature advanced driver-assistance technologies and refined handling, making long journeys stress-free. Here are our top 10 favorite cars that are exceptionally easy to drive.
1. Hyundai i10
City cars are typically small, lightweight, and designed to be as approachable as possible. Among them, the Hyundai i10 stands out as the best option currently available.
It combines stylish design, a smartly crafted interior, and a selection of practical engine options.
What sets the Hyundai i10 apart is its versatility it excels in urban settings but remains impressively refined and comfortable even at higher speeds, making it perfectly capable on motorways.
2. Fiat 500
Electric cars are inherently easy to drive due to their single-speed gearboxes and immediate torque delivery. They feel akin to oversized go-karts in terms of simplicity and responsiveness.
Among city-focused electric cars, the Fiat 500 reigns supreme. It offers a range of up to 199 miles and delivers a smooth, comfortable ride.
Additionally, its iconic 500 charm and stylish design make it a compelling choice for those seeking ease and elegance.
3. Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a household name, and for good reason. Over the decades it has been on the market, countless drivers whether within your family or circle of friends have experienced its appeal.
The latest iteration of the Fiesta continues to embody simplicity in driving. It boasts well-calibrated controls, excellent visibility from all angles, and a chassis that is surprisingly enjoyable to drive.
4. Renault Zoe
Electric cars often come with an array of advanced in-car technology, such as large touchscreen infotainment systems and digital instrument clusters.
While these features are impressive, they can sometimes overwhelm drivers who prefer simplicity.
If you’re looking for a straightforward car that happens to be electric, rather than a complex tech-laden vehicle, the Renault Zoe is a perfect choice.
With various motor outputs and trim levels available, there’s a version of this pragmatic French EV to suit virtually any preference.
5. Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
If you’re in the market for a compact estate car designed for easy loading of large items something more practical than a saloon or hatchback and you also want part-electric power without the need to plug it in, Toyota has you covered.
The company’s long history with series-parallel hybrids ensures reliability and efficiency.
The current Toyota Corolla with the 2.0-litre engine is a fantastic, effortless vehicle to drive, making it an excellent choice for family transportation.
6. Mercedes A-Class
Ever heard of drivers blindly following satnav directions, only to end up in a field or a river? Such scenarios are impossible when you lease a Mercedes A-Class.
This premium hatchback, known for its comfort and luxury, can be equipped with an augmented navigation system.
Using its front-mounted camera, it overlays large blue arrows on a live road feed, clearly guiding you through junctions and roundabouts. It’s an intuitive, foolproof system that makes driving effortless.
The entry-level SE trim offers a good range of essential features, including 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, and keyless start, though the wheels are on the smaller side.
The next step up, the Sport trim, adds more visually appealing 17-inch wheels, more powerful LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and a range of styling upgrades.
The AMG Line trim, which is the highest available, brings sportier details and the option for more powerful engine choices. The Executive package, available on both the Sport and AMG Line trims, includes a larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen, front and rear parking sensors, and heated front seats.
For those looking for a more premium experience, the AMG Line Premium trim includes all of the above features, along with a 10.3-inch instrument cluster, keyless entry, an upgraded stereo system, and ambient lighting for a stylish touch.
The Premium Plus pack takes it a step further with matrix LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, and electrically adjustable front seats with lumbar support.
On the road, the lower-powered petrol and diesel engines give a slight hint of gruffness, especially in the entry-level A180.
However, the overall performance remains quite good across the range. The main downside, however, is the amount of road and wind noise, which is more noticeable than you would expect from a premium hatchback.
7. Nissan Qashqai
Crossovers, which combine the car-like handling of traditional vehicles with the elevated driving position of SUVs and 4x4s, have become a favorite among drivers.
These vehicles offer the advantage of sitting higher than a typical hatchback while maintaining affordable running costs due to their modest engine options.
Among these, the Nissan Qashqai has led the charge, establishing itself as a pioneer in this booming segment.
Now in its outstanding third generation, the Qashqai delivers unparalleled visibility and stress-free driving at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent choice for those seeking practicality and comfort.
8. BMW 3 Series
BMWs are traditionally associated with rear-wheel drive, which might give the impression of challenging handling. However, that perception is outdated.
Modern rear-wheel-drive BMWs are designed to be safe and predictable even in less-than-ideal conditions.
For added reassurance, BMW offers xDrive, an advanced all-wheel-drive system available on key models like the 3 Series.
By combining xDrive’s stability with BMW’s renowned chassis engineering and the intuitive iDrive system the gold standard in human-machine interfaces the 320d xDrive emerges as a premium executive car that’s remarkably easy to drive.
9. Volvo XC40
Volvo presents a premium crossover in the form of the XC40, a vehicle that simplifies driving in every iteration. Most models come with automatic transmissions, and a significant portion of the lineup is electrified.
This includes plug-in hybrids capable of offering up to 30 miles of effortless electric driving and the fully electric XC40 Recharge.
Adding to its appeal, Volvo is renowned for designing the most comfortable seats in the automotive industry.
This focus on comfort makes the XC40 an ideal companion for long journeys, ensuring drivers and passengers arrive at their destination refreshed and fatigue-free.
10. Audi e-tron
Audi has consistently prioritized ease of use in its vehicles, emphasizing exceptional interior ergonomics, smooth powertrains, and its signature quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The Audi e-tron exemplifies this philosophy, combining the simplicity of one-pedal driving inherent to electric vehicles with the elevated seating position of an SUV.
Despite its substantial size and power, the e-tron is incredibly straightforward to drive, making it an appealing choice for those who value comfort and sophistication.
While it carries a premium price tag, its effortless driving experience and high-quality features make it worth every penny.