The best automatic cars 2026
Take a look at our top picks for the best automatic cars that you can buy used in the UK
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There are plenty of reasons why you might be searching for the best automatic car options.
Sick of changing gear by yourself, or simply find it easier to let the car do all the work on your stop-start traffic commute? An automatic car might be a good choice.
Not only do they save your left leg from pressing the clutch all the time, but they also benefit people who simply want to get in and go and those who aren’t fussed about changing gear manually.
Here are 10 of the best automatic cars you can buy in 2025:
Mercedes C-Class
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Golf
Tesla Model 3
Škoda Octavia
BMW 3 Series
Nissan LEAF
Range Rover Evoque
Honda Jazz
Toyota RAV4
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Mercedes C-Class
 "Mercedes C-Class Coupé")
The Mercedes C-Class has been around since the early 1990s and since then it has been improved upon every year.
Even back then you could pick up a brand-new 1994 C-Class with an automatic transmission. Granted, it wasn’t as good as the automatic models are today, but it was still luxurious.
The modern C-Class, however, is superb at everything it does. There's plenty of boot space (460 litres in the estate or 455 litres in the saloon) and great hybrid powertrains.
The petrol variants can get up to 44.1mpg, while the plug-in hybrid claims up to 565mpg.
It's easily one of the best automatic cars on the UK market.
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Toyota Corolla
 "Toyota Corolla front")
For a long time, the Toyota Corolla was the world’s best-selling car, and it isn’t hard to see why.
Most new models available are hybrid-only and come with automatic gearboxes for that extra ease of use around towns and cities.
Inside, it’s got everything you’d expect to find including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 313-litre boot.
It's one of the most reliable automatic cars that money can buy, with that impressive Toyota reputation.
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Volkswagen Golf
 "VW Golf Mk8.5 driving")
It doesn’t get more familiar than the Golf.
The automatic gearbox it comes with is a DSG ‘box that's reliable, sharp and hard-wearing.
You wouldn’t be disappointed in any scenario, whether that’s on longer motorway drives or bumper-to-bumper traffic at rush hour.
It’s available with a petrol, diesel, hybrid or an all-electric powertrain – and there are plenty of used Volkswagen options for lower prices.
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Tesla Model 3
 "Tesla Model 3 front three quarters")
All electric cars are automatic because the batteries are set up with usually just one gear, so living with one is a breeze.
Tesla models are easy to drive, but the Model 3 is favoured in the UK because of how small it is for an electric car.
No matter which variant you choose, you won’t be short of zip because all models are powerful – especially the range-topping Performance model, which produces more than 460hp and provides up to 328 miles of range.
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Škoda Octavia
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The Octavia is the go-to family car for the masses and one of the best automatic cars you can buy. It’s available in both saloon and estate form, making it a practical car for active families.
Thr automatic gearbox is very advanced, and the latest Octavia models are the first Škodas to use shift-by-wire technology for operating the DSG, which electronically transmits the driver's gear selection to the transmission.
This is a very advanced system, but that’s just the beginning of how impressive this car is.
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BMW 3 Series
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Like its Octavia rival, the BMW 3 Series is one of the best saloons/estates money can buy. It’s practical, great for long drives, and comfortable.
But what separates it from the Skoda is its ability to drive like a sports car, thanks to a combination of sharp gear changes from its automatic gearbox and its impressive handling.
There are a wide range of engines on offer too, from a 3.0-litre powerful petrol engine to a smaller plug-in hybrid, to a diesel.
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Nissan LEAF
 "Nissan Leaf front")
The Nissan LEAF stands out as one of the best EVs you can buy, returning up to 239 miles from a single charge.
Because it’s been around for so long, Nissan has really mastered the formula for making a small and cheap electric car that has all the tech you could ever want, while looking good in the process.
Used prices are cheap and running costs are low as well, making it one of the best automatic cars for good value.
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Range Rover Evoque
 "Range Rover Evoque")
Popular among wealthy new drivers and families in the countryside, the Range Rover Evoque is a perfect option for anyone wanting an automatic car that towers over most other vehicles on the road.
It’s not a massive car in comparison to most SUVs, but this crossover is still a decent size with a big boot and plenty of passenger space.
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, said: "The Range Rover Evoque is one of those rare cars with a popularity base comparable to its major rivals.
"That’s because it looks equally at home on the high street, outside the local school, or at the far end of a farm track."
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Honda Jazz
 "Honda Jazz front close-up")
No matter how old you are, you’ve probably considered buying a Honda Jazz. You see new drivers learning in this small Honda and elderly drivers cruising around in them – they attract a very diverse range of buyers.
The reason they’re so popular is that they’re incredibly reliable, fuel-efficient, well built and come with an optional automatic gearbox that won’t let you down.
All models get over 60mpg, meaning you can't go wrong for fuel efficiency either.
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Toyota RAV4
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While it doesn’t rival the Evoque, the Toyota RAV4 is the only other SUV on this list but offers more space for less money.
It’s tricky to make an impact in the SUV market, but what the RAV4 did for the sector is very impressive. The most sought-after model variant is the plug-in hybrid, which comes with a reliable V-Matic automatic transmission that won’t disappoint.
No matter which year you opt for, you’ll be greeted with lots of great technology, plenty of comfort, and attractive bodywork.
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The best automatic cars for 2025
While these are some of our favourite picks for the best automatic car of 2025, there was still some worthy alternatives that are worth considering.
Electric cars in particular are a good place to start. These are quiet, modern and easy to live with - plus don't include gears at all.
Take a look at our full range of used automatic cars.