For decades, Toyota has been the motorists' sensible choice. If you wanted a car that was guaranteed to start every morning, wouldn’t cost a fortune to run, and would hold its value better than most, you bought a Toyota. The brand built its formidable reputation on reliability and by pioneering hybrid technology long before it was fashionable, making cars that were rational, dependable, and, let's be honest, often a little bit dull.
But things have changed. While that legendary reliability remains the bedrock of the brand (check out its 10-year warrranty if you don't believe us), Toyota’s designers have been let off the leash. The current line-up is packed with cars that are not only smart but also stylish, desirable, and in some cases, outrageously fun. From funky city crossovers and ultra-efficient family SUVs to a born-again sports car and a Prius that looks like it’s driven straight off a motor show stand, there’s a Toyota to suit almost every taste and need.
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy.
Best Toyota cars and SUVs
- Toyota Yaris
- Toyota C-HR
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Yaris Cross
- Toyota Prius
- Toyota Aygo X
- Toyota GR86
- Toyota bZ4X
- Toyota Urban Cruiser
1. 2025 Toyota Yaris
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very economical, especially around town | The ride is on the firm side |
| Fantastic GR Yaris hot hatch | Not as practical as a Honda Jazz |
| Plenty of safety kit as standard | No satnav on pre-facelift models |
The Toyota Yaris excels as an efficient and stylish supermini, thanks largely to its clever hybrid powertrain. Combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, it’s particularly at home in town, where it can frequently run on silent electric power and return an impressive 60-65mpg. The standard 114bhp version provides nippy performance, while post-2024 top-spec models get a boost to 128bhp. While the ride can feel a little firm on broken UK roads, its light steering and agile handling make it easy and enjoyable to drive in the city.
While the standard Yaris is a sensible choice, its practicality is only average for the class, with a 286-litre boot that’s smaller than what you’ll find in a Honda Jazz. However, the Yaris range has a wild side in the form of the incredible GR Yaris. While no longer on sale, it’s a completely different beast; this rally-bred homologation special packs a 257bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system into a bespoke three-door body, creating one of the most exciting hot hatches on the market and a true hero car for the Toyota brand.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Yaris is a sound and sensible supermini with a welcome dose of style that means it should appeal to the heart as well as the head." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Toyota Yaris review
2. 2025 Toyota C-HR
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 44.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low running costs | Expensive compared with rivals |
| Distinctive styling | Safety systems can be overly intrusive |
| Good to drive | Lots of random beeps and bongs |
The Toyota C-HR carves out a niche in the crowded compact SUV market with its dramatic, concept-car-like styling. As one of Toyota's core models, it's offered exclusively with hybrid power, giving buyers the choice of a 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre self-charging system, or a more powerful plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with an all-electric range of 41 miles. While its design is a key selling point, practicality is still respectable. The 1.8-litre hybrid offers a 388-litre boot, which is competitive with family hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf, though this reduces slightly to 364 litres in the 2.0-litre model and 310 litres in the PHEV. It’s a compelling package for those who want efficiency and reliability without sacrificing head-turning looks.
On the road, the C-HR impresses with a well-judged balance of comfort and control. The suspension smooths over most road imperfections, making for a settled ride in town and on the motorway, while the steering feels reassuringly weighted. The self-charging hybrid system is at its best at lower speeds, where it runs smoothly and quietly. For more energetic driving, the 194bhp 2.0-litre hybrid is a worthwhile upgrade over the standard 138bhp 1.8-litre unit, feeling noticeably more muscular. Inside, most models feature a modern dashboard with twin 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and driver information, a significant step up from older Toyota systems and a clear sign of the C-HR's premium aspirations.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It’s hard not to admire the bold styling, and while the seemingly random beeps and bongs that the car emits can be annoying, they don't detract too much from what is a really good all-rounder." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Toyota C-HR review
3. 2025 Toyota Corolla
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 41.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very well equipped | The 2.0-litre is much pricier than the 1.8 |
| The Touring Sport estate is roomy | Surprisingly cramped rear seats and boot in the hatchback |
| Efficient and economical hybrid powertrains |
The Toyota Corolla is a household name for a reason, representing the sensible, reliable, and efficient choice in the family car class. Available as a hatchback or the hugely practical Touring Sports estate, it caters to a wide range of needs. All models use a 'self-charging' hybrid system, pairing a petrol engine with an electric motor for excellent fuel economy, particularly around town. A 2023 facelift brought updated tech and more power, with the choice of a 138bhp 1.8-litre or a punchier 176bhp 2.0-litre engine. Whichever you choose, the Corolla is pleasant and reassuring to drive, with a comfortable ride and light, precise steering that makes it an easy companion for daily life.
Practicality is a tale of two Corollas. The hatchback model is adequate, but rear passenger space is tighter than in key rivals, and the 352-litre boot is on the small side for a family car. For those needing serious space, the Touring Sports estate is the undisputed champion of the range. It offers significantly more rear legroom and a vast 596-litre boot (581 litres in the 2.0-litre version) that easily handles luggage, buggies, and the weekly shop. Inside, all Corollas are very well equipped, and the comfortable, supportive driving position with standard electric lumbar support makes long journeys a breeze.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a sweet middle-ground for anybody after an efficient family car who’s keen to avoid diesel and plug-in motoring. It’s pleasant to drive, comfortable to sit in, and feels fresh and modern in a way that the Auris it replaces never did." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Toyota Corolla review
4. 2025 Toyota RAV4
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 25.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and easy to drive | Pricier than many petrol and diesel alternatives |
| Hybrid power makes the RAV4 efficient and economical | Only available with five seats when some rivals have seven |
| Reliable, and comes with a long warranty | Wind and road noise at speed |
The Toyota RAV4 has cemented its place as one of the best family SUVs by focusing on what matters most to buyers: reliability, low running costs, and practicality. While there’s a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version due in dealerships in 2026, this fifth-generation model is available exclusively as a petrol-electric hybrid, putting it in direct competition with the Honda CR-V and Nissan Qashqai. Inside, there's space for five adults to sit comfortably, and the boot is a generous 580 litres, which is plenty for buggies and luggage. It's worth noting that the plug-in hybrid model sacrifices 90 litres of that space, and unlike a Skoda Kodiaq, there's no seven-seat option.
On the road, the RAV4 is comfortable and easy to drive, with safe and secure handling that inspires confidence. The standard powertrain is a 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid with 215bhp in front-wheel-drive form, which is smooth and relaxed in normal driving. While the CVT automatic gearbox can cause the engine to become noisy under hard acceleration, it’s more than quick enough for daily duties. Even the entry-level Icon model is very well equipped, featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and a reversing camera, though buyers of early used models should check that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been enabled, as this was only added in 2020.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Toyota RAV4 is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a hybrid SUV with low running costs, excellent equipment levels and a comfortable cabin." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
Read our full Toyota RAV4 review
5. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 25.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The hybrid sips fuel, especially around town | Quite cramped in the back |
| Promises the first-rate reliability you'd expect of Toyota | The 4x4 version has less luggage room |
| Lots of boot space for a small car | Not as much fun to drive as a Ford Puma |
As its name suggests, the Yaris Cross is a taller, more rugged version of the popular Yaris hatchback, designed to compete in the crowded small SUV market. It comes exclusively with a 'self-charging' hybrid powertrain, pairing a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. The standard setup produces 114bhp, which is ample for town driving and relaxed cruising. The system is at its best in urban environments, where it can frequently run on silent electric power, helping it achieve impressive real-world fuel economy of between 55 and 60mpg. It’s an ideal choice for drivers looking for the low running costs of a hybrid in a practical SUV body.
Inside, the Yaris Cross shares its well-built and user-friendly dashboard with the standard Yaris. While rear passenger space is a little tight, practicality is boosted by a generous 350-litre boot, which is competitive for the class and even features a clever split-level floor on higher-spec models. This makes it a versatile load-carrier for its size, easily swallowing shopping or a pushchair. Combined with Toyota's legendary reputation for reliability and a long warranty, the Yaris Cross makes a strong case for itself as a sensible, stylish, and exceptionally efficient small family SUV.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If the idea of a compact SUV appeals to you, and reliability is key, then it's hard to beat the Toyota Yaris Cross. If, however, driving involvement, versatility or ride comfort are important priorities, then it doesn’t fare quite as well as some of the other options in this burgeoning part of the market." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Toyota Yaris Cross review
6. 2025 Toyota Prius
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent driving dynamics with responsive steering and composed handling | Limited 284-litre boot capacity, roughly half the size of the Corolla Touring Sports |
| Strong 220bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain with 6.8-second 0-62mph time | Shorter electric range than some rivals affects company car tax competitiveness |
| 10-year warranty when serviced with Toyota, and legendary brand reliability | Sloped roofline compromises rear headroom despite decent legroom |
The latest Toyota Prius has undergone a dramatic transformation, evolving from a sensible hybrid into a genuinely striking plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Its sleek, coupe-like styling is a world away from its predecessors, and it now has the performance to match its looks. The 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor combine to produce a healthy 220bhp, resulting in a brisk 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds. As a PHEV, it also offers a very useful official electric-only range of up to 53 miles, making zero-emission commuting a reality for many. However, this focus on style and performance comes at the cost of practicality; the 284-litre boot is significantly smaller than you’ll find in a Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, making it less suitable for families with lots of luggage.
Beyond its surprising pace, the new Prius is also remarkably good to drive. The chassis feels composed and solid, delivering a comfortable ride that doesn’t come at the expense of sharp, responsive handling. It’s a genuinely enjoyable car on a twisty road, which is something we never thought we’d say about a Prius. The cabin is another highlight, with a high-quality feel and a modern layout dominated by a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. All models are well-equipped, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, a digital driver’s display, and Toyota’s comprehensive suite of safety systems, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for value and reliability.
The CarGurus Verdict: "For the first time in its history, the Prius has become a car you buy because you want to, not just because it makes rational sense." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Toyota Prius review
7. 2025 Toyota Aygo X
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 44.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lots of standard equipment | A little short of power |
| Impressive fuel economy | Quite pricey |
| Decent space given its compact dimensions | Not that much fun to drive |
The Aygo X (pronounced 'Cross') transforms Toyota's smallest car from a traditional city hatchback into a funky, pint-sized crossover. While its rugged looks might suggest off-road ambitions, it remains a front-wheel-drive car designed for urban adventures. It comes with a single engine choice: an efficient 114bhp 1.5-litre mild-hybrid offering up to 74.3mpg. This positions it as a stylish and characterful alternative to rivals like the Hyundai i10, but its main appeal lies in its generous standard equipment and distinctive SUV-inspired design.
For a car that's only 3.7 metres long, the Aygo X is surprisingly practical. Its 231-litre boot is a 60-litre improvement over the old Aygo and proves genuinely useful for weekly shops or a weekend away. Fold the rear seats down, and this expands to an impressive 829 litres. While it's officially a four-seater, and adults will find the back a bit of a squeeze for long journeys, the space is perfectly adequate for occasional use or for children. Up front, the cabin feels modern and is packed with tech, making the Aygo X feel like a high-value package in the city car class.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Aygo X is a car that’s brimming with character, and it scores big points for its impressive fuel economy, and even more for the amount of big-car technology it packs into a model in a class where that sort of thing is very much the exception rather than the rule." - Matt Rigby, contributor
Read our full Toyota Aygo X review
8. 2022-2023 Toyota GR86
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: NA Overall CarGurus rating: 3.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brilliant fun to drive | Very difficult to get hold of |
| Much improved powertrain over predecessor | Interior feels very basic |
| Affordable to buy and run | Refinement could be better |
The Toyota GR86 is simply brilliant to drive. It follows a classic sports car recipe: a lightweight body (just 1,276kg), a rev-happy 2.4-litre boxer engine sending 231bhp to the rear wheels, and a standard limited-slip differential for maximum traction. The result is a car that feels incredibly agile and keyed-in to the road, offering predictable, playful handling that’s a thrill without being scary. With a 0-62mph time of 6.3 seconds, it’s quick enough to be exciting, but its modest power means you can enjoy its full performance on UK roads without reaching silly speeds.
For a focused sports car, the GR86 is surprisingly usable. It’s a 2+2 coupe, and while the rear seats are tight for adults, they’re perfect for short trips, children, or just as extra storage for bags and coats. The boot offers a reasonable 226 litres of space, enough for daily errands or a weekend away. Inside, the cabin prioritises function over flair, with durable materials and simple, easy-to-use controls. The low-slung driving position is excellent, with plenty of adjustment and more room for taller drivers than you’ll find in a Mazda MX-5, making it a comfortable place to be for longer journeys.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Toyota GR86 feels like one of the best expressions of a simple, uncomplicated, affordable sports car that has become almost extinct. It’s an absolute gem, and if you have the opportunity and means to buy one, don’t hesitate to do it." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Toyota GR86 review
9. 2025 Toyota bZ4X
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: NA Overall CarGurus rating: 3.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Roomy rear seats | Boot is small by class standards |
| Comfortable ride | Questions over real-world range in cold weather |
| Incredible warranty packages and reliability | Not a cheap option |
The bZ4X marks Toyota's first foray into the mainstream all-electric SUV market, a natural step for a brand that has long championed hybrid technology. As a mid-sized family crossover, it competes against a tough field including the Skoda Enyaq and Hyundai Ioniq 5. In basic trim it comes with a 165bhp motor and 57.7kWh battery good for 275 miles. Move up the range and the battery size increases to 73.1kWh with two choices of motor: either a 221bhp front-wheel-drive setup or a 338bhp all-wheel-drive system. Official figures suggest a range of up to 352 miles for the front-wheel-drive model, making it a practical choice for many families. Its distinctive styling, complete with rugged black plastic cladding, gives it a modern and robust look that helps it stand out.
Inside, the bZ4X excels with its incredibly spacious rear seats, offering first-class legroom that’s a real highlight in the Toyota lineup. However, practicality takes a slight hit in the boot, where its 452-litre capacity is useful but smaller than you will find in key rivals like the Tesla Model Y. On the road, the bZ4X is one of the most relaxing and cohesive cars in its class to drive. It blends a smooth, comfortable ride with light, confident handling, making it feel surprisingly agile for its size. The electric powertrain delivers the seamless, quiet acceleration you’d expect, making both town driving and longer journeys a calm and pleasant experience.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Toyota bZ4X is a consummate family car; quiet, comfortable, spacious and well equipped. A market-leading battery and vehicle warranty will also deliver peace of mind even if the brand’s long-lived reputation for reliability isn’t enough on its own." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Toyota bZ4X review
10. 2025 Toyota Urban Cruiser
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: NA Overall CarGurus rating: 3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable ride | Slow charging speeds |
| Long warranty | Very small boot |
| Clever sliding rear seats | Disappointing range |
Toyota is having another go at the electric car market with the Urban Cruiser, a compact crossover that’s smaller and more city-focused than the bZ4X. Developed with Suzuki, it’s designed to be a flexible, family-friendly option, taking on a whole host of rivals from the Kia EV3 to the Ford Puma Gen-E. Toyota hopes features like sliding rear seats will give it an edge in the practicality stakes, appealing to buyers who need a versatile small SUV.
You get a choice of two batteries: a 49kWh version with a 142bhp motor and a 213-mile range, or a larger 61kWh pack with a more sprightly 172bhp motor and a 265-mile range. On the road, it’s a pleasant place to be, with a smooth ride that feels stable and composed on the motorway. The big catch, however, is the boot. Even with the rear seats slid fully forward, you only get 306 litres of space, which shrinks to a tiny 238 litres with them back. That’s less than you’ll find in a Toyota Yaris Cross, which is a major drawback for a car aimed at families.
The CarGurus Verdict: "This is a smooth and sophisticated car to drive, which isn’t always the case in its class, and it packs in a decent amount of space for passengers. However, its achingly slow charging speeds, so-so range, and tiny boot make it hard to recommend for its primary role as a family-friendly electric SUV." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Toyota Urban Cruiser review
FAQs
Which Toyota is the most reliable?
All Toyotas are famous for their exceptional reliability, and the brand consistently scores at the top of ownership satisfaction and dependability surveys. Models like the Corolla, RAV4 and Prius are often highlighted as being particularly bulletproof, but you can buy any car in the range with a high degree of confidence.
What is Toyota's warranty in the UK?
Toyota offers a standard three-year/60,000-mile manufacturer warranty. However, this can be extended with the Toyota Relax programme. As long as you get your car serviced at an official Toyota dealer each year, the warranty is extended for another 12 months, up to a total of 10 years or 100,000 miles, giving owners fantastic long-term peace of mind.
Are Toyota hybrids worth it?
Yes, especially if you do a lot of driving in town or in stop-start traffic. Toyota's 'self-charging' hybrid system is brilliant at saving fuel by running on electric power at low speeds. It operates seamlessly without you having to plug anything in, making it a simple and effective way to lower your running costs and emissions.
What is the best Toyota for a family?
This depends on the size of your family and your needs. For those who want a traditional estate car, the Corolla Touring Sports is fantastically practical, with a huge boot. If you'd prefer an SUV, the RAV4 offers generous passenger space and a commanding driving position. For smaller families, the Yaris Cross is a surprisingly versatile and incredibly efficient option.
What does 'self-charging hybrid' mean?
This is Toyota's term for a full hybrid vehicle that you don't need to plug into a power socket. The car's electric battery is charged by recovering energy that would normally be wasted during braking and deceleration, as well as by the petrol engine when it's efficient to do so. This allows the car to run on pure electric power for short distances.
Does Toyota make any fun-to-drive cars?
Absolutely. While Toyota is known for sensible cars, its Gazoo Racing (GR) division produces some of the most exciting performance cars on the market. The GR Yaris is a rally-bred hot hatch, while the GR86 is a brilliantly balanced and affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. Even standard models like the new Prius and C-HR are now genuinely enjoyable to drive.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in December 2025. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
