Volkswagen. The name itself means 'people's car', and for decades, the German brand has built its reputation on delivering just that: high-quality, dependable cars for the masses. From the iconic Golf that defined the family hatchback to the perennially popular Polo, VW has a knack for creating cars that just work for British drivers. But the world is changing, and so is Volkswagen.
Today, the line-up is more diverse than ever. Alongside those familiar favourites, you'll find a growing family of 'ID' electric cars, from the compact ID.3 to the super-stylish ID. Buzz. There's also a whole host of SUVs, from the small and funky T-Cross to the seven-seat Tayron. With so much choice, picking the right one can be tricky. That's where we come in.
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.
The Best Volkswagen Cars and SUVs 2026
- 2026 Volkswagen Polo
- 2026 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
- 2026 Volkswagen Golf
- 2026 Volkswagen Passat
- 2026 Volkswagen ID.3
- 2026 Volkswagen T-Cross
- 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2026 Volkswagen ID.7
- 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc
- 2026 Volkswagen Tayron
1. 2026 Volkswagen Polo
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High quality interior | Not a cheap option |
| Impressive practicality | A Ford Fiesta is more fun |
| Sophisticated driving experience | GTI version isn’t very exciting to drive |
The Volkswagen Polo has long been the benchmark for anyone seeking a premium-feeling small car, and this latest version continues that tradition. Its desirability comes from the prestigious VW badge and the sheer quality of the product. The interior feels a cut above most rivals, giving it a genuinely upmarket ambience. Practicality is also a strong suit, with enough space for four adults to sit comfortably and one of the largest boots in its class. At 351 litres, it offers plenty of carrying capacity, though it's just shy of the space found in a Renault Clio.
The Polo is also an impressively civilised and grown-up car to drive. It delivers a really smooth ride that cossets occupants at all speeds, while excellent refinement keeps wind and road noise to a minimum on the motorway. The engines are generally smooth and quiet, and the controls are all consistently weighted and responsive, making it an easy and relaxing car to live with. While a Ford Fiesta offers a bit more fun in the corners, the Polo is still extremely capable, secure, and predictable, striking a brilliant balance for everyday driving.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Previous Polos have always been something of a benchmark in the supermini class, and this sixth-generation car is no different. There’s not a single area in which the standard car struggles, and in several of them, it sets the standard outright." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volkswagen Polo review
2. 2026 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 26.1% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good to drive | Hugely expensive |
| Beautifully finished interior | Charging cables cost extra |
| Fantastic retro styling | There’s still no official camper version |
The ID. Buzz is hugely practical, and its versatility is what makes it one of Volkswagen's best cars. While the retro styling will attract potential buyers, it’s the interior space that will seal the deal. The standard-wheelbase model offers a van-like 1,121 litres of boot space with the rear seats up, which can be expanded to a colossal 2,205 litres. The sliding rear bench adds flexibility, and there’s more legroom and headroom than in a VW ID.4 or Tesla Model Y. Access is brilliant too, thanks to sliding doors on both sides, making it a breeze to get kids in and out in tight car parks.
The high-set driving position gives a commanding view of the road, and its light steering and tight 11.1-metre turning circle make it surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in town. The standard 282bhp rear-mounted motor provides more than enough performance for family duties, getting up to speed briskly and quietly. It’s this combination of effortless driving manners, immense practicality, and undeniably cool, cheerful styling that transforms what is essentially an MPV into one of the most desirable family vehicles on the market.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Yes, a Tesla Model Y will go further on a charge, a Hyundai Ioniq 5 is more affordable, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E is more fun to drive. But the ID. Buzz is unique in what it offers, and its balance of common-sense, versatility and ice-cold coolness is unmatched by anything else." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Volkswagen ID. Buzz review
3. 2026 Volkswagen Golf
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Desirable image | Fiddly infotainment system |
| Great to drive | Rivals offer more interior space |
| Comfortable ride | Not significantly better than a Mk7 Golf |
The Volkswagen Golf has been a benchmark family hatchback for decades, and this eighth-generation model continues to offer a superb all-round package. It delivers an excellent blend of ride comfort and refinement, making it a relaxing car for long journeys, but it also has crisp handling and good body control for when the road gets twisty. There’s a strong range of engines, but the 1.5-litre petrol with 148bhp is a real highlight, providing smooth performance and the potential for 50mpg. While rivals like the Ford Focus and Seat Leon have closed the gap, the Golf remains one of the very best cars in its class.
Inside, the Golf has a clean, minimalist dashboard dominated by two 10-inch screens as standard. While it looks modern, the reliance on touch-sensitive sliders and screen menus for functions like the heating can be fiddly to use on the move. Practicality is still a strong suit, with enough room for four adults and a decent 381-litre boot. While the Golf Estate offers a much larger 611-litre boot, this has been discontinued.
The CarGurus Verdict: "When all’s said and done, the Golf is still one of the best family hatchbacks you can buy. The difference is that rivals are much closer than they once were." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Volkswagen Golf review
4. 2024-present Volkswagen Passat
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 24.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Posh-feeling interior | Infotainment system is difficult to navigate |
| Generous standard equipment | A few strange ergonomic issues |
| Lots of space for people and luggage | Doesn’t come cheap |
The Volkswagen Passat is a nameplate with a history even longer than the Golf, and this ninth-generation model proves why it remains a cornerstone of the VW range. Responding to market trends, the latest Passat is now exclusively an estate, a move that doubles down on its core strength: practicality. It’s significantly larger than its predecessor, which translates directly into more space for passengers and luggage. True to its heritage, it wraps this immense utility in smart, conservative styling and an interior that feels a cut above mainstream rivals, making it a grown-up and sensible choice for families seeking a premium-feeling Volkswagen.
The practicality is where the Passat truly excels. The boot is simply vast, offering a class-leading 690 litres of space (510 litres in the plug-in hybrid version) that will effortlessly accommodate everything a family can throw at it. The longer wheelbase also provides limo-like legroom in the back, ensuring even tall passengers can stretch out in comfort on long journeys. Volkswagen has also focused on ease of use; a powered tailgate and an electric load cover are standard across the range, adding a touch of convenience that reinforces the Passat’s position as a thoughtfully designed and highly capable family car within the Volkswagen lineup.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The tastes of the car-buying public have changed in recent years, and that means there aren’t many mainstream family estates left any more. Of those that remain, the Passat is one of the best." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volkswagen Passat review
5. 2026 Volkswagen ID.3
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Futuristic looks meet family-friendly space | Not as energy-efficient as some rivals |
| Good range of battery and engine options | Not quite as premium-feeling as you'd hope |
| Well equipped | Infotainment system glitchy and flawed |
The Volkswagen ID.3 is pitched as the electric evolution of the iconic Golf and Beetle – a true 'people's car' for the modern era. As a practical family hatchback, it uses a dedicated electric platform to maximise interior space, offering more rear legroom than a Golf and a useful 385-litre boot. This clever packaging makes it a strong contender against rivals like the Kia Niro EV and MG4. While most models seat five, it's worth noting that the long-range 79kWh 'Tour' version sacrifices the middle rear seat for extra battery capacity, making it a four-seater.
On the road, the ID.3 is calm, comfortable, and easy to drive. The standard 201bhp electric motor powers the rear wheels, providing brisk, silent acceleration that’s perfect for city driving and motorway cruising. A tight turning circle adds to its urban agility, while the smooth ride quality soaks up bumps effectively. Following a 2023 facelift, buyers can choose between a 59kWh battery for up to 269 miles of range or a 79kWh version that can officially cover up to 371 miles, ensuring there’s an ID.3 to suit most daily driving needs.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Volkswagen ID.3 is a well-rounded family car. It’s comfortable, spacious and feels well built, even if there are some cheaper-feeling plastics lower down in the cabin." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Volkswagen ID.3 review
6. 2026 Volkswagen T-Cross
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to drive | Many rival compact crossovers are cheaper to buy |
| Funky SUV styling | VW's new-car warranty is no match for Kia or Hyundai |
| Practical cabin | Disappointing interior quality on early examples |
The T-Cross stands out in Volkswagen’s crowded SUV lineup thanks to some clever practical features. Its most useful trick is a sliding rear bench seat, which allows you to prioritise either rear legroom or boot space. With the seats pushed back, the boot offers a respectable 385 litres, but slide them forward and this expands to an impressive 455 litres, giving it more luggage capacity than a VW Golf. While early models were criticised for their hard interior plastics, a 2024 facelift introduced plusher materials, giving the cabin the high-quality feel. This update also brought a redesigned dashboard, though some may find the new touch-sensitive climate controls a step back from the pre-facelift car's physical dials.
Based on the Polo supermini, the T-Cross is similarly easy to drive. The ride is absorbent and body movements are well-controlled, making it a relaxing car for both town and motorway journeys. The engine range is straightforward, with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol being the most popular choice. We’d recommend the version with 113bhp, as it provides a good balance of performance and economy, feeling livelier than you might expect. For those wanting more power, a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol is also available. While it’s not as fun to drive as a Ford Puma, the T-Cross handles neatly and securely, making it a safe and confidence-inspiring choice.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Volkswagen T-Cross is one of the better cars in the small SUV class. It looks smart, it’s good to drive, it’s well equipped, it has reasonable cabin space and it has a really flexible and versatile cabin." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volkswagen T-Cross review
7. 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 24.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brilliant for practicality and versatility | Infotainment system is way too complex |
| Nicely trimmed interior | Firm ride on larger alloy wheels |
| Good looks and desirable image | Many versions look rather expensive |
The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s best-selling car worldwide, so this third-generation model is hugely important for the brand. It continues the successful formula with smart, conservative styling that gives it a classless appeal, sitting comfortably alongside mainstream rivals like the Kia Sportage and premium alternatives from Audi and BMW. The interior quality also feels like a cut above many competitors, reinforcing the Tiguan’s position as a sophisticated and desirable family SUV, making it a standout choice in Volkswagen's extensive lineup.
Where the Tiguan really shines is its practicality. It offers an impressive amount of interior space, with generous headroom and legroom for passengers in the back, who also benefit from a sliding and reclining rear bench. The boot is vast, offering a huge 652 litres of space (or a still-very-useful 490 litres in the plug-in hybrid eHybrid model). The engine range is broad, from efficient 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrols with up to 148bhp to a tax-friendly eHybrid that can cover up to 75 miles on electric power alone. The driving experience is refined and composed, making it an easy and comfortable car to live with every day.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Family car buyers will love the Tiguan for its generous interior space, big boot, and cleverly designed rear seats. With a posh-feeling cabin and a wide range of powertrains, it's a smart, stylish, and desirable choice." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volkswagen Tiguan review
8. 2026 Volkswagen ID.7
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 41.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers lots of space for the money | The BMW i4 is more exciting to drive |
| Extremely quiet and refined to drive | Heat pump is a cost option |
| Improved infotainment system compared with other ID models | Some touchscreen controls are still fiddly to use |
The Volkswagen ID.7 serves as the brand’s electric flagship, a large executive car that cleverly offers the interior space of a Tesla Model S for the price of a smaller Tesla Model 3. Its sleek, aerodynamic design is key to an impressive official range of up to 433 miles from the larger 86kWh battery. Inside, the practicality is outstanding, with limo-like legroom in the back and a vast 532-litre boot accessed via a practical hatchback opening. For those needing even more cargo capacity, the ID.7 Tourer estate version expands the boot to a huge 605 litres, making it one of the most spacious electric family cars on the market.
The standard 282bhp rear-wheel-drive model is whisper-quiet and delivers brisk, smooth acceleration, reaching 62mph in just 6.5 seconds. The cabin represents a significant step up in quality and design compared to other VW ID models, feeling genuinely upmarket. A highlight is the new 15.0-inch infotainment screen, which is larger, faster, and more user-friendly than previous VW systems. While some fiddly touch-sensitive controls remain, the overall tech package, combined with the plush interior and serene driving manners, makes the ID.7 a compelling choice for a premium electric Volkswagen.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The VW ID.7 is a real sophisticate, from the way it looks to the way it feels on the road and the tech it delivers. It’s well equipped, competitively priced and feels every inch the consummate long-distance executive." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volkswagen ID.7 review
9. 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.1 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Roomy boot on front-wheel-drive models | Lacklustre interior quality on pre-facelift cars |
| Comfortable ride | Rear seats lack flexibility |
| Engaging handling | Reduced boot space in 4Motion models |
The Volkswagen T-Roc sits in the heart of the brand's popular SUV range, offering a stylish, Golf-sized crossover that's bigger than the T-Cross but more compact than the Tiguan. One of its standout qualities is a comfortable ride that soaks up lumpy roads with ease, making it a great companion for UK driving. The engine range is strong, with even the entry-level 1.0-litre petrol (with 114bhp) feeling surprisingly lively. However, our pick is the 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol, which provides a welcome extra dose of performance without a significant penalty in running costs.
Inside, the T-Roc offers a roomy cabin with a great driving position and plenty of adjustment. The boot is also a practical size, offering 445 litres of space in front-wheel-drive models, which is more than you get in a Golf. It's worth noting that early, pre-2022 facelift models were criticised for some hard, unappealing plastics, a point VW addressed with a welcome quality upgrade. While rear passenger space is good, the T-Roc lacks the clever sliding rear seats found in its smaller T-Cross sibling, which slightly limits its ultimate versatility.
The CarGurus Verdict: "As an all-rounder, the T-Roc is close to the top of the small SUV class." - David Motton, contributor
Read our full Volkswagen T-Roc review
10. 2026 Volkswagen Tayron
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 41.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.0 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Generous equipment levels | PHEVs only get five seats |
| Impressive electric range of around 70 miles on plug-in hybrid versions | Not particularly exciting to drive |
| Third-row seating is tight for taller passengers |
The Tayron is Volkswagen's entry into the fiercely competitive large SUV market, effectively replacing the outgoing Tiguan Allspace. Slotting in between the popular Tiguan and the premium Touareg, it offers a compelling blend of space and value, sharing its underpinnings with the equally practical Skoda Kodiaq. It's available with a wide range of powertrains to suit different buyers. Options include efficient 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines, a 2.0-litre diesel, and advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models that boast an impressive electric-only range of up to 74 miles.
Practicality is where the Tayron truly shines, especially for growing families. Petrol and diesel models come with seven seats as standard and a simply vast 850-litre boot with the third row folded down. Even with all seven seats in use, there's a very usable 345 litres of space. The five-seat plug-in hybrid versions are hardly compromised, offering a cavernous 705-litre boot. The middle row of seats slides and reclines for maximum passenger comfort, while up front, the cabin feels well-built and thoughtfully designed. In a welcome move for usability, Volkswagen has returned to physical buttons on the steering wheel, a practical touch that drivers will appreciate every day.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Volkswagen Tayron delivers exactly what you'd expect from a VW Group family SUV: practicality, comfort, and solid build quality all wrapped in a smart design. Its standout features include the enormous boot, composed ride, and impressive electric range on plug-in hybrid models." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Volkswagen Tayron review
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable Volkswagen?
Volkswagen has a strong reputation for build quality, and models like the Polo and Golf consistently perform well in owner satisfaction and reliability surveys. Petrol engines, particularly the non-turbocharged versions found in some older models, are often cited as being very dependable. However, reliability can vary by model year and specific engine, so it's always wise to check the history of any used car you're considering.
What is the best Volkswagen for a family?
This depends on the size of your family and what you need. For smaller families, the Golf hatchback and T-Roc SUV offer a great blend of practicality and compact dimensions. If you need more space, the Tiguan is a superb five-seat SUV, while the new Tayron and the retro-cool ID. Buzz offer seven-seat and MPV versatility, respectively. For those who prefer an estate, the huge boot in the Passat is hard to beat.
Are Volkswagens expensive to maintain?
As a mainstream brand, Volkswagen servicing and parts costs are generally more affordable than premium brands like Audi or BMW. They sit in the middle of the market, so you can expect them to be slightly more expensive to maintain than a Ford or Vauxhall, but not excessively so. Many owners use independent VW specialists to save money, and Volkswagen itself offers fixed-price servicing plans to help manage costs.
What is the cheapest new Volkswagen?
The Volkswagen Up! city car used to be the entry point to the range, but it has now been discontinued. Today, the cheapest new Volkswagen you can buy is typically the Polo supermini. It offers a premium feel for a small car and holds its value well, making it a smart buy.
What's the difference between the VW T-Cross, T-Roc, and Tiguan?
It's all about size. Think of them as small, medium, and large. The T-Cross is the smallest SUV in the range, based on the Polo supermini. The T-Roc is a bit larger, sharing its underpinnings with the Golf. The Tiguan is the next step up, a proper family-sized SUV designed to compete with cars like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage.
Which VWs are electric?
Volkswagen's electric car range is branded 'ID'. The main models available in the UK are the ID.3 (a Golf-sized hatchback), the ID.4 and ID.5 (family SUVs, with the ID.5 having a coupe-style roofline), the ID.7 (a large executive saloon and estate), and the ID. Buzz (an electric MPV inspired by the classic VW camper).
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.
