Overview
- Auto Express published its Driver Power results on Saturday, June 20, 2026, and the Mk3 Toyota Aygo X scored highest for reliability with a 94.09% Driver Power reliability score.
- The Mazda CX-30 was voted the most reliable family car with a 93.37% score, while the Tesla Model 3 Mk1 and Mk3 BMW 1 Series scored 92.28% and 91.79% respectively.
- Driver Power is an owner-readership survey that measures real owners' experience across reliability and ownership factors, and Auto Express noted that Japanese brands often dominate these lists but this year Mazda led the family-car class.
- Industry context from Tempcover shows four in 10 motorists have reduced the number of cars they run, with those who downsized reporting average savings of about £1,500, a trend that may raise the importance of long-term running costs for buyers.
- AA Cars and other industry voices urge inspections for used and nearly-new purchases, and the survey highlights trade-offs buyers must weigh such as interior space, fuel use and other running costs when choosing a reliable car.