The Auto Express Driver Power 2026 survey, the UK’s largest car‑owner poll, named the Tesla Model 3 the best car to own, scoring 88.6% overall satisfaction. The electric saloon outperformed 50 rivals, including the BMW 2 Series and Vauxhall Grandland, thanks to top marks for performance, safety and reliability. The poll’s 100,000‑plus respondents provide a robust picture of what British motorists value most in a vehicle.

Tesla Model 3 clinches 88.6% satisfaction in Auto Express Driver Power 2026

The Model 3 earned the highest overall rating of any car in the survey, with an 88.6% satisfaction score. According to Auto Express, the EV also achieved a perfect 100% in the drivetrain‑smoothness category, a distinction no other model matched. Its acceleration rating placed it first, as the Performance version can sprint from 0‑60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.

Engine and gearbox perfromance: why the Model 3 beat the BMW 2 Series

Drivers praised the Model 3’s electric powertrain for delivering instant torque and seamless gear‑less operation, proeplling it ahead of the BMW 2 Series three‑door coupe, which scored 88.19% overall. The BMW’s conventional engine and gearbox were praised but could not match the EV’s instant response, a factor that contributed to the Model 3’s lead in the “engine and gearbox performance” category.

Safety and reliability scores lift the EV ahead of Vauxhall Grandland

In the safety‑features and quality‑and‑reliability sections, the Model 3 topped the Vauxhall Grandland SUV, which posted an 87.8% overall rating.. auto Express noted that the Model 3’s safety suite, including advanced driver‑assist systems, resonated strongly with owners, while its reliability climbed to third place overall—an improvement from previous years when Tesla ranked near the bottom.

Styling and brake concerns: the only areas where the Model 3 lags

Despite its triumphs, the Model 3 placed only 34th for exterior styling and 31st for brake responsiveness, according to the poll data. Critics argue that the minimalist design and the reliance on regenerative braking can feel less engaging to traditional enthusiasts, though these weaknesses did not prevent the car from winning the overall title.

Who still doubts EVs? The unanswered question of consumer hesitation

The survey reveals a lingering gap: many UK drivers remain reluctant to switch to electric, even as satisfaction scores rise. The poll did not capture the motivations of the non‑EV owners, leaving open whether price, charging infrastructure or brand perception will continue to slow broader adoption.