Best automatic cars in 2025

    white renault clio

    When looking for an automatic car to buy in 2024, it’s all about balance. It’s about finding the right combination of lovely comfort, snazzy technology, and a smooth driving experience.

    The best automatic cars offer seamless gear changes, responsive handling, and plenty of advanced features to make driving a breeze. Whether you’re cruising through city traffic or enjoying long road trips, these cars take the stress out of shifting gears. From eco-friendly hybrids to performance-packed models, there’s something for everyone.

    Tempted? Motorway can help you sell your car to buy an automatic. Get a free, instant valuation. 84% of customers get more money.

    Now let’s dive into the top automatic picks of the year!

    The best automatic cars for sale in the UK

    Ford Puma – ‘The‘bootyful one’

    green ford kuga

    Price

    RRP £26,350 – £31,350

    Pros

    👍 Head-turning looks

    👍 Stacked with kit

    👍 Large, versatile boot 

    Cons

    👎 Not much space in the back

    👎 Comfort is lacking somewhat

    Summary

    The Ford Puma is a brilliant blend of performance and economy. Its punchy 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and smooth 7-speed automatic gearbox offer a fun driving experience.

    It’s great for zipping around town while still being fuel-efficient. Plus, its compact SUV design makes it both practical and stylish. Up there for automatic of the year.

    Mercedes-Benz C-Class – ‘The stylish one’

    blue mercedes benz

    Price

    RRP £45,120 – £58,860

    Pros

    👍 Gorgeous design inside

    👍 Extremely comfortable to drive

    👍 Oodles of kit 

    Cons

    👎 Smallish boot compared to rivals

    👎 Touch-sensitive controls a bit fiddly

    Summary

    If you want a smooth, luxurious drive, then the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is for you. Its refined automatic gearbox and plush interior make every journey feel special.

    Packed with tech and comfort features, it’s perfect for those who want a little pampering on the road. A stylish saloon that’s both elegant and dreamy to drive.

    Hyundai Ioniq 5 – ‘The futuristic one’

    Hyundai Ioniq 5

    Price

    RRP £39,900 – £57,945

    Pros

    👍 Big on space inside

    👍 Feels a bit posh

    👍 Great retro-futuristic styling

    Cons

    👎 Competitors have greater range

    👎 Boot could be bigger

    Summary

    The Hyundai Ioniq 5 certainly turns heads with its futuristic design and spacious, tech-filled interior. Its laid-back, comfortable driving style makes it feel like a luxury SUV, while the electric range of over 300 miles (with the larger battery) adds practicality.

    Perfect for those who love modern tech and easy cruising. Definitely one to think about.

    BMW 5 Series – ‘The comfortable one’

    blue BMW series 5

    Price

    RRP £51,015 – £87,905

    Pros

    👍 Lush interior

    👍 Comfortable, especially on motorways

    👍 Agile handling

    Cons

    👎 Jerky gearbox

    👎 Not as fun to drive as it should be

    Summary

    Every drive in the BMW 5 Series is a first-class experience. The interior is stuffed with soft-touch materials and the latest tech, while the automatic gearbox is smooth and responsive, ensuring a comfortable, relaxed ride. It’s ideal for long journeys or daily commutes.

    The refined choice for the automatic car of 2024.

    Tesla Model 3

    white tesla model 3

    Price

    RRP £39,990 – £59,990

    Pros

    👍 Lightning fast

    👍 Masses of tech

    👍 Plenty of range

    Cons

    👎 Awkward having to use for everything

    👎 Fiddly controls

    Summary

    The Tesla Model 3 perfectly mixes impressive range with cutting-edge technology, making it a top shout for electric car fans. Its automatic driving features offer a seamless experience, while the minimalist interior is both stylish and functional.

    With quick acceleration and a fun-to-drive nature, it’s a serious contender for the best automatic car of 2024.

    Toyota Corolla Hybrid – ‘The ‘won’t-hurt-your-wallet’ one’

    grey toyota corolla hybrid

    Price

    RRP £30,505 – £36,945

    Pros

    👍 Inexpensive to run

    👍 Nice interior quality

    👍 Lovely experience to drive

    Cons

    👎 Bit tight for adults in the back

    👎 Bit pricey compared to rivals

    Summary

    The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is not only efficient but also surprisingly fun to drive! Its hybrid system seamlessly switches between electric and petrol power, providing a smooth and quiet ride.

    The hybrid’s well-built interior and enjoyable handling make it perfect for those who want eco-friendliness without sacrificing driving pleasure. An all-round nice option.

    Skoda Kodiaq – ‘The spacious one’

    orange skoda kodiaq

    Price

    RRP £36,645 – £48,725

    Pros

    👍 Comfortable drive

    👍 Roomy inside

    👍 Nice interior

    Cons

    👎 Suspension picks out bumps in the road

    👎 Getting more expensive

    Summary

    The Skoda Kodiaq has a spacious and versatile interior, perfect for families or adventurers needing extra room. Its automatic gearbox ensures a smooth drive, while the cabin is nicely finished with quality materials and thoughtful touches.

    Practical, comfortable, and with a touch of elegance, the Kodiaq easily handles everyday driving. A solid option.

    Volkswagen ID.4 – ‘The easy-charging one’

    yellow VW ID4

    Price

    RRP £38,720 – £54,205

    Pros

    👍 Modern interior

    👍 Loads of space in the back

    👍 Easy to charge

    Cons

    👎 Gets pricey at the top end

    👎 Acceleration could be better

    Summary

    The Volkswagen ID.4 is a stellar choice for 2024. This electric SUV boasts a sleek design, spacious interior, and eco-friendly performance. Its smooth and comfortable drive makes it stand out, perfect for long journeys.

    If you’re eco-conscious and have a bit of an adventurous side, then the ID.4 could be for you.

    Porsche 718 Cayman – ‘The ‘puts-a-smile-on-your-face’ one’

    white porsche cayman

    Price

    RRP £55,505 – £128,300

    Pros

    👍 Unbelievably fun to drive

    👍 Quick, very quick

    👍 Surprising practicality

    Cons

    👎 Options get expensive

    👎 Not the most efficient engine

    Summary

    The Porsche 718 Cayman is a thrilling mix of power and precision. Its mid-engine layout ensures agile handling, while the quick-shifting automatic transmission makes driving effortless.

    With a sporty design and a lively turbocharged engine, it’s as fun on twisty roads as on the motorway. It’s bound to put a smile on your face!

    Mercedes-Benz S-Class – ‘The stylish and safe one’

    white mercedes benz c class

    Price

    RRP £93,955 – £247,245

    Pros

    👍 Incredibly luxurious

    👍 Amazing safety features

    👍 Great comfort

    Cons

    👎 Fiddly touchscreen controls

    👎 Newer models lack originality

    Summary

    The Mercedes-Benz S-Class redefines luxury with its plush interiors and cutting-edge technology. Its smooth automatic transmission delivers a serene driving experience, effortlessly gliding on the road.

    With features like advanced driver assistance and top-notch comfort, this car is perfect for those who appreciate elegance and refinement in every journey. A classy option.

    FAQs

    Which brand has the best automatic cars?

    When it comes to the best automatic cars, several brands stand out for their exceptional automatic transmissions. Brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz are well-known for producing high-quality automatic cars with smooth and responsive transmissions. However, it ultimately depends on you and what you want! So it’s best to test-drive different brands to find the perfect automatic car for you.

    Do automatic cars last long?

    Yes. With the proper maintenance and care, automatic cars can last just as long as manual cars. The key is following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and promptly addressing any issues. With regular servicing and responsible driving, automatic cars can provide many years of reliable service.

    Is it time to sell your car?

    Ready to learn more about valuing, maintaining, and selling your car? Check out our other guides here, covering everything from hybrid and electric car depreciation to converting your vehicle to dual-LPG fuel.