The UK's top electric, petrol and hybrid cars

When it comes to long-distance driving, not all cars measure up, according to new research from temporary car insurance experts Uswitch.

To assess long-haul suitability, the UK’s most popular car models, based on registrations, were scored from 1 to 100 across three key criteria: reliability and performance, fuel economy, and safety^[1].The data comes as drivers are predicted to cover an average of 367 miles while travelling across the UK for their holidays this summer^[2].

Tesla, Audi and Kia make the top three EV models for long-distance journeys

Tesla Model 3 – 84/100

As the most affordable of Tesla’s models, the Model 3 came out as the best choice for eco-conscious drivers looking for the most comfortable, safe and reliable long-distance journey^[1]. The Model 3 comes equipped with Tesla’s Autopilot driver assistance system, which earned the model’s spot as the safest option in the ranking^[3].

Audi e-tron – 81/100

Coming in second with a score of 81 out of 100 overall is the Audi e-tron. Despite being discontinued earlier this year^[4], the model, which features dual electric motors with All Wheel Drive, also comes with both AC and DC fast charging^[5]. As the first Audi model in the ranking, it also scored highest overall for reliability and performance^[1].

Kia Niro – 72/100

Finalising the top three is Kira Niro. The compact crossover SUV incorporates eco-friendly features in the car’s interiors as well as advanced driver assistance systems, including forward collision avoidance assist and smart cruise control^[6].

Rank	EV Model	Reliability and Performance Score (/100)	Fuel Economy Score (/100)	Safety Score (/100)	Average Score (/100)
1	Tesla Model 3	65	86	100	84
2	Audi e-tron	93	93	58	81
3	Kia Niro	86	79	51	72
4	Jaguar I-Pace	58	65	86	69
5	Hyundai Kona	93	72	36	67
6	Audi Q4	65	58	58	60
7=	Hyundai Ioniq	36	100	22	53
7=	Nissan Leaf	79	36	43	53
9	Mini Cooper	8	43	79	43
10	Porsche Taycan	29	1	93	41

Source: Uswitch.com [The “=” symbol denotes a tie in the rankings].

The Renault Clio tops the petrol and diesel ranking for long-distance drives

Renault Clio – 84/100

Scoring higher than any other petrol or diesel counterparts, the most recent 5th generation option of the Renault Clio has the best fuel economy in the ranking^[1], with a 58.4 mpg on average^[7]. Since its most recent update in 2023, the French-designed supermini boasts a boot capacity of 391 litres – perfect for long trips with plenty of luggage^[8].

Vauxhall Corsa and Mercedes A-Class – 73/100

Coming in second for petrol and diesel cars is another popular supermini, the Vauxhall Corsa^[1]. With a five-speed manual gearbox as standard on the 74bhp petrol variant has a smaller boot space of 309 litres; however, strong visibility and supportive front seats help make this a solid choice for long-distance driving^[9].

The Mercedes A-Class also ranked second, scoring 73 out of a total 100 overall^[1]. With one of the highest safety ratings in the top ten, this small family car scored top marks for its speed assistance features in Euro NCAP ratings; however, lane support only scored a two out of four, giving it a marginal ranking^[10]. With one of the best infotainment systems on the market, boasting a 10.25-inch media screen, the fourth-generation A-Class has only a 0.25 drag coefficient, which makes it sleek and comfortable for motorway driving^[11].

Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra – 66/100

In joint third is a staple of the British car market: the Ford Focus^[1]. First launched in the 1990s, it has been a popular choice for families ever since^[12]. Now only available in petrol power, drivers wishing to opt for diesel variants can invest in secondhand models. The Focus is named one of the best in class for comfort according to Parkers, with its supportive seating and roomy backseats^[13].

The Vauxhall Astra also made its way into the top three^[1]. With 422 litres of boot space^[14], the Astra scored four stars in Euro NCAP’s safety testing with useful safety features for long drives, such as Vauxhall’s IntelliLux matric LED headlights to help avoid dazzling oncoming drivers^[15].

Rank	Petrol/Diesel Model	Reliability and Performance Score (/100)	Fuel Economy Score (/100)	Safety Score (/100)	Average Score (/100)
1	Renault Clio	96	100	55	84
2=	Vauxhall Corsa	59	96	63	73
2=	Mercedes A-Class	92	42	84	73
4=	Ford Focus	51	84	63	66
4=	Vauxhall Astra	13	92	92	66
6	Ford Fiesta	75	79	38	64
7	Toyota Aygo	84	88	13	62
8=	Kia Sportage	67	22	92	60
8=	Mercedes C Class	55	38	88	60
8=	Volkswagen Golf	42	75	63	60

Source: Uswitch.com [The “=” symbol denotes a tie in the rankings].

The Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris share the top spot for more reliable hybrid models for road trips

Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris – 80/100

In joint first place is the Honda Jazz, another supermini which offers a fair balance of performance and economy^[1]. With reduced-thickness pillars, the Honda Jazz boasts a field of view of 90 degrees, giving drivers plenty of visibility on long drives^[16]. The Jazz scored highly when it comes to reliability, with a score of 9.4/10 on Motoreasy’s Reliability Index^[17].

Alongside the Jazz sits the Toyota Yaris^[1]. Winning the 2022 Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year^[18], the Yaris, while small in size, has a five-star Euro NCAP rating^[19] and offers top speeds of 108 mph^[20]. Reviews reveal that the Yaris may be more at home in urban environments than on motorways; however, with a reliability score of 9.2/10, this supermini has earned its place as a dependable option^[21].

Volvo XC60 – 76/100

Following behind is the Volvo XC60, which scored highest in the fuel efficiency rankings^[1] for its impressive average mpg of 88.2^[22]. The medium-size SUV is a premium family car available in mild-hybrid petrol and two plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as offering petrol and diesel variants^[23]. The XC60 features ergonomic seating for all passengers and plenty of driver adjustments to make long drives as comfortable as possible^[23].

Toyota C-HR – 72/100

As the second Toyota model in the top three hybrid ranking^[1], the C-HR has one of the highest reliability ratings in the ranking at 9.7/10, matched only by the Kira Niro^[21]. The small 5-door SUV has a five-star Euro NCAP rating to put drivers at ease^[24]. With light, responsive steering, the C-HR is well equipped for city driving; however, it can handle itself on motorways with road and wind noise well managed^[25].

Rank	Hybrid Model	Reliability and Performance Score (/100)	Fuel Economy Score (/100)	Safety Score (/100)	Average Score (/100)
1=	Honda Jazz	86	72	81	80
1=	Toyota Yaris	81	81	76	80
3	Volvo XC60	67	100	62	76
4	Toyota C-HR	95	62	58	72
5	Kia Niro	95	86	29	70
6	Toyota Prius	91	91	25	69
7	Toyota Corolla	76	67	34	59
8	Ford Puma	43	34	95	58
9	Nissan Qashqai	10	58	100	56
10	Kia Sportage	43	34	81	53

Source: Uswitch.com [The “=” symbol denotes a tie in the rankings].

Felicity Ferguson, temporary car insuranceexpert at Uswitch, shares guidance to drivers looking to enjoy long-distance journeys safely and in comfort.

“Check your vehicle: Before setting out on long journeys across the UK or further afield, ensure your car is in good working order. Check tyre pressure and tread, windscreen washer fluid, oil and coolant levels, and top up if necessary.
“Plan your route and factor in breaks: The Highway Code recommends a minimum break of 12 minutes for every two hours of driving^[26]. Factor this into your route and pre-plan stops along the way to break up the journey and avoid fatigue, which could put you, your passengers and fellow road users at risk.
“Be aware of the weather: UK summer time doesn’t always mean glorious sunshine. Check the forecast before setting off to ensure you’re always prepared for heavy rain and fog. According to the Road Vehicles Regulations 1986, wipers and washers must be maintained and in efficient working order, so be sure to check your wipers and washer fluid and replace them ahead of the journey if necessary^[27].
“Share the journey with temporary insurance: To help reduce the chances of fatigue, consider temporary car insurance so you can split the journey with other drivers on your trip without the need for long breaks.”

For more advice on making your long journey comfortable and safe, visit Uswitch.

[1] Data methodology: To identify the best cars for long-distance UK travel, we began with a seed list of 20 vehicles per fuel type, based on most-registered models from Gov.uk. Each model was ranked using equal-weighted scores across three key categories: comfort, fuel efficiency, and safety.

1. Comfort & Reliability

This category combines reliability data from Motoreasy’s Car Reliability Index and expert performance ratings from Auto Express. Scores were averaged to reflect overall comfort and dependability.

2. Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy figures were sourced from Parkers for the latest version of each model. Electric vehicles were ranked using electric range instead of mpg.

3. Safety Features

We analysed advanced safety technology using Euro NCAPcrash test ratings, focusing on systems such as lane assist, driver monitoring, and speed assistance.

All vehicles were scored on a normalised 1–100 scale to ensure fair comparison. Full data available upon request.

Caveats

All vehicles selected were the latest versions with available data across all three ranking sources: Parkers, Auto Express, and Euro NCAP.
Some discontinued models were included where a recently reviewed variant still exists.
Caveats will be noted in the press release for discontinued models or where petrol and hybrid versions exist.
The Mini Cooper was excluded as the latest petrol version does not yet have a Euro NCAP rating.

[2] Holidaymakers driving statistics: https://www.kwik-fit.com/press/summer-holidays-2024

[3] Tesla Model 3: https://www.tesla.com/model3

[4] Audi e-tron discontinued: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/q8-e-tron/365383/last-orders-please-audi-q8-e-tron-set-be-axed-early-2025

[5] Audi e-tron: https://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-e-tron

[6] Kia Niro Spec: https://www.kia.com/uk/new-cars/niro/specification

[7] Renault Clio MPG: https://www.parkers.co.uk/renault/clio/review/mpg-running-costs/

[8] Renault Clio boot capacity: https://heycar.com/uk/reviews/renault/clio

[9] Renault Clio: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/vauxhall/corsa

[10] Mercedes-Benz A Class: https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/mercedes-benz/a-class/33728

[11]: Mercedes-Benz A Class review: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/a-class

[12] Ford Focus review: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ford/focus

[13] Ford Focus review: https://www.parkers.co.uk/ford/focus/review/interior/