Cars with automatic gearboxes are designed so that you don’t need to use a clutch pedal or a regular gear stick like you would in a manual car. Instead, they choose the right gear for how you’re driving by themselves. The best automatic cars make driving much easier because you can just focus on what’s happening on the road.
One of the biggest benefits of automatic cars is when you’re driving slowly in traffic that stops and starts a lot. In those situations, using a clutch in a manual car can get really tiring. Many automatic cars now have paddle shifters on the steering wheel, so you can pick the gear yourself if you want to. But in most cases, it’s better to let the car handle it.
Electric cars don’t need gear changes either, but that’s because they work differently. They don’t use gearboxes at all. Electric motors don’t need gears to move the car forward, which is why they aren’t included in this list—except for one unexpected entry.
Automatic gearboxes have really improved. They used to be slow, annoying, and costly, but now they’re smooth and come as standard in most new cars sold in the UK.
There are lots of types available now, like ones with six, seven, or eight speeds, dual-clutch systems, or ones called continuously variable transmissions (CVT), so it can be confusing to choose.
That’s why the expert reviewers have tested every automatic car for sale in the UK and made a list of the ten best ones you can buy.
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Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is such a great car that it won the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards. It used to be a top pick for people who needed a tough vehicle for off-road driving, but Hyundai has changed it into one of the best family SUVs you can buy.
The self-charging hybrid version is our favorite, even though only the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions come with four-wheel drive. All Santa Fe models have a 1.6-litre petrol engine with electric power to help. You can get the PHEV version with 253hp, and while the self-charging one has 215hp, it’s nicer to drive.
Its design is totally unique with a boxy shape and sharp lines. The LED lights at the front and back, plus the wide wheel arches, make sure no one confuses it with anything else. It’s not quite as large as the BMW X5 or Kia EV9, but it stands out more on the road than either of them.
Thanks to its shape and size, there’s a lot of space inside. It’s a real seven-seater with an impressive amount of room – and there are 17 cupholders across all three rows. Even the back row has its own climate controls.
There’s plenty of space in the front and middle rows, the seats are comfortable, and the design of the cabin mixes big, chunky shapes with a modern screen setup. The materials might not feel as fancy as those in German cars, but the quality is solid, and it comes with lots of standard features for the price.
It’s very comfortable on long drives and handles motorways with ease. Bumps in the road are smoothed out by the soft suspension, and its square shape actually helps you steer it through tight city streets without much trouble. Hyundai has worked hard to make this a top-notch family SUV – and they’ve done a great job.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Even though the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N isn’t really an automatic car in the usual sense, Hyundai’s engineers have created a very realistic feeling simulated gearbox in this powerful electric hatchback.
What makes the Ioniq 5 N stand out is how fun it is to drive. When you switch it into ‘N’ mode, you get fake engine sounds and gear changes that completely change how it feels behind the wheel. The simulated gearbox is the reason it’s included on this list.
The fake ‘gearshifts’ feel very real, and when you use the paddles on the steering wheel, it really feels like you’re driving a high-performance sports car.
Driving it normally feels just like being in the regular Ioniq 5 that’s made for families, but with slightly firmer suspension and a bit more noise from the road. There’s only one powertrain choice, but the 650hp four-wheel drive setup is what makes the Ioniq 5 N so interesting.
With just a few button presses, it can go from feeling like a regular Ioniq 5 to something that feels like a jet fighter. It can go from 0 to 62mph in 3.4 seconds, which is fast enough to push you back in your seat and compete with sports cars that cost much more.
Even though it’s called a hatchback, it’s bigger than it seems – actually bigger than some medium-sized SUVs. Hyundai’s designers did a great job too. The Ioniq 5 N has a sporty black and red body kit that looks bold, but it still keeps the retro charm of the regular version.
Inside, it’s just as useful as the regular Ioniq 5, but with fancier and sportier touches. The front has deep bucket seats that hold you in place, a reworked centre console, and lots of unique N settings in the infotainment screen.
It has a huge amount of power, is still practical, and is way more fun to drive than most electric cars – which is why the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the unexpected choice in this group of automatic cars.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 won the ‘Adventurer’s Choice’ award at the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards, which makes sense, since it’s one of the best automatic cars you can get.
All versions of the X5 use an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and there are lots of engine options. The basic X5 xDrive 30d has a 3.0-litre diesel engine that can do up to 39.2mpg. At the top of the range is the X5 M Competition, with a powerful 625hp twin-turbo V8 engine and a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds.
The best balance comes from the X5 xDrive m50e plug-in hybrid, which can go up to 67 miles on electricity alone. If you have a short drive to work and can charge often, you might rarely need to fill up with fuel.
It’s a good-looking car, with a big shape, sharp lines, and fancy touches in its LED lights. Some BMW designs can divide opinion, but the X5 avoids going too far with the styling.
Inside, the X5 feels very high-end, and even the standard vegan leather feels nice. If you choose a few extra features, you can get real leather and wood trim almost everywhere, along with a stylish dashboard and fast infotainment system.
There’s plenty of space too. Both front and back passengers have lots of room, and there’s a 650-litre boot. You can add a third row of seats that fold out, but you can’t get seven seats with the plug-in hybrid because the battery takes up space.
Twisty roads are fun in the X5, since BMW has managed to make this large, heavy family SUV feel exciting to drive. It’s just as good at handling corners as it is at being smooth and comfy on motorways or in town.
The BMW X5 may be big and pricey, but it’s one of the top automatic cars available today. If it cost less, it might even be the best car you could buy, full stop.
BMW 3 Series
With so many SUVs around, the BMW 3 Series shows that you don’t need a high driving position or four-wheel drive to get comfort, practicality, and safety. It’s probably the most well-known fancy compact saloon, and it’s definitely one of the best.
Every version of the 3 Series has a truly excellent eight-speed automatic gearbox. It changes gears quickly and smoothly, which helps make the 3 Series such an easy car to live with.
It’s a good-looking car, with sharp headlights and kidney grilles that are big, but not as huge as on some other BMWs. The headlights have cool LED ‘eyebrows’ that give it a sporty look, and the back has an angled rear ‘diffuser’ and L-shaped LED taillights.
The inside has had a big update, with two screens joined together in a curved panel on top of a clean and simple dashboard. It looks smart, with some nice touches around the air vents. However, removing the physical buttons for the climate control is a bit annoying, as using the touchscreen can be tricky.
No matter which engine you go for, it stays quiet and smooth whether you’re driving in town or on the motorway. But when you take it on twisty roads, that’s where the 3 Series really beats its rivals. It’s a lot of fun to drive in any version.
Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 won the Pleasure of Driving category at the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards, and it’s not just the expert reviewers who believe it’s the best sports car you can buy. Journalists and car fans have been saying the same thing for nearly 60 years.
The way the 911 looks is maybe the only part people might not agree on, as it keeps many of the same design elements it’s always had. Things like the big round headlights, rear light strip, and curved roofline have been part of Porsche’s style since 1964.
Inside, the 911 has a very fancy and well-put-together cabin. The materials feel high quality, and there are two sleek screens for the infotainment and the driver’s display. There are plenty of customisation choices, though the entry-level Carrera feels a bit plain compared to the more expensive versions.
The back seats are quite tight, but the front seats are very comfortable. The front trunk is a good shape, even though it’s a bit small.
Since the engine is placed at the back, the way the 911 drives is something only Porsche does. It handles corners with amazing grip and balance, but it still stays comfortable on long motorway drives. Even the sportier models meant for regular roads handle bumps and rough spots around town very well. It only feels too stiff in the track-focused special edition versions.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
When it comes to big, fancy saloons, the Mercedes S-Class is probably the most well-known and respected. It’s the top-of-the-line four-door car from Mercedes, filled with high-end features, technology, and luxury.
It looks elegant and stylish, though it might be a bit simple for some. Slim LED headlights sit next to a large grille that is noticeable but not too flashy. Its large size is balanced out by its smooth shape and shiny trim pieces that help break up its long body. Other cars might have more eye-catching designs, but the S-Class looks good in a clean and classy way.
The real highlight is the inside. When you sit in it, you can clearly see and feel all the leather, wood, and metal details around you. Soft lighting adds a nice touch, but the huge control screen is the most attention-grabbing part. It controls the entertainment system and climate settings, and it works very smoothly.
There’s no lack of space inside, with plenty of headroom and legroom no matter where you sit. In fact, the back seats might be even more comfortable than the front ones. The boot has enough space for luggage, too.
Mercedes has done a great job making the S-Class very smooth and relaxing to drive. It handles bumps and rough spots quietly and softly whether you’re in the city or on the motorway, thanks to the standard air suspension. It can go through curvy roads without trouble, though some other cars are more exciting to drive.
Toyota GR Yaris
While the normal Toyota Yaris is one of the smartest small cars you can buy, the GR Yaris is one of the most exciting. It’s a tiny car with a lot of power and clever driving features, all packed into a body that’s easy to park.
You can still see parts of the regular Yaris in the design, but the GR Yaris has only three doors, wide wheel arches, and a much sportier look. It has a big metal grille and rear diffuser that stand out, along with red brake calipers and a more aggressive shape.
Inside, the newer GR Yaris has a dashboard with a bit of a retro feel. There’s a large square-shaped section angled toward the driver with all the buttons and screens. It looks better than before, but there’s still a lot of plastic.
There are two sports seats in the front that hold you firmly when driving fast, but the back seats are very cramped and the boot is even smaller than in the normal Yaris.
The new version comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. While people who love driving might still choose the six-speed manual, the automatic is excellent – it changes gears quickly and makes daily driving easier.
Curvy roads are where the GR Yaris feels best, and many owners even take theirs to track days. Around town, it’s easy to park and see out of, though bumpy roads can make the ride feel rough because of the stiff suspension. It’s more relaxed on motorways, though you can hear some wind noise at higher speeds.
Renault Clio
The Renault Clio is one of the most stylish small cars you can get, with a good-looking outside, a fun interior, and great engine options. It’s useful for daily life too, and it received a special mention in the Smart Spender category at the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
The latest Clio design looks fresh and modern, with slim LED headlights and bright LED accents next to a narrow grille. The front looks sharper than the rest of the car, and the new LED taillights give the back some added style.
Inside, top versions of the Clio come with a tall infotainment screen that stands out. The new climate control buttons feel much nicer than what was in earlier versions. Soft-touch materials are placed in the right spots, which helps the Clio feel more expensive than it really is.
There’s lots of space for people in the front seats, but the back seats are a bit tight, especially for legroom. The boot is very large for such a small car, bigger than any of its rivals, and has a practical shape too.
The hybrid model is the best option, with enough power for daily use and quick reactions for zipping around town. Some rivals are quieter on the motorway, and while the Clio’s firm suspension makes city driving a bit bumpy, it makes the car fun to drive on twisty roads.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
When it comes to fast four-door cars, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a less common choice compared to the usual German brands – but it performs incredibly well and is easy to use every day.
It looks fantastic, with a stylish Italian design and smooth curves instead of sharp edges like its rivals. The bold LED headlights sit next to the classic Alfa triangular grille, and the tight rear design with four exhaust pipes and flower-shaped alloy wheels all look great together.
The inside doesn’t quite match the outside though. For a car that costs as much as this, the interior feels a little behind. The materials don’t match the level of its German competitors, and the infotainment system is slow and not easy to use.
The engine is the star of the show. The powerful V6 sounds amazing and takes off quickly when you press the pedal. The car keeps pulling hard from a stop all the way to the redline, making it a thrill to drive at speed.
It handles fast corners easily, and it feels more like a sports car than a family saloon. At the same time, it’s more comfortable than a BMW M3 and offers a more interesting choice. It’s quiet, smooth, and handles rough roads without any trouble.
Toyota Yaris Cross
While the regular Yaris is calm and sensible, and the GR Yaris is sporty and aggressive, the Yaris Cross is the more grown-up version. It’s bigger, more useful, and so good it won the Urban Living category at the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
It shares some design features with the regular Yaris, but the Yaris Cross is taller, has plastic trim around the body, and a more rugged look thanks to its bold grille and headlights. It’s got a cool style and stands out next to other small SUVs.
The inside isn’t as impressive. While the layout is simple and easy to use, the cabin feels a bit too dark. There are soft materials in many areas, but most of the cabin is covered in dark plastics with not much colour or trim to break it up.
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The front seats can be adjusted in many ways, so it’s easy to get comfortable. The back seats are tight on space, though, but the boot is a decent size at 391 litres.
The Yaris Cross doesn’t pick up speed quickly on motorways, but once you’re cruising, it’s quiet and smooth. In city traffic, the high seating position makes it easier to see around you, and the hybrid engine works best here – quiet and fuel-efficient. It’s more fun to drive on twisty roads than you might expect, too.
