Whether it's a lightweight roadster that makes every B-road feel like a rally stage, a hot hatch that puts a grin on your face on the school run, or even a pickup truck that defies all expectations, the best cars to drive are the ones that make you want to take the long way home. Fun behind the wheel isn't just about horsepower figures and 0-62mph times: it's about that connection between you, the car, and the surface beneath you.
That's exactly what this list is all about. We've rounded up the most entertaining cars you can buy right now, spanning everything from affordable sports cars to electric performance machines and even a go-anywhere off-roader. Some are obvious choices, others might surprise you, but every single one has earned its place by delivering genuine driving thrills. So buckle up: here are the most fun cars to drive in 2026.
About this guide
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 Most Fun Cars to Drive 2026
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Feels like the rally car it is undderneath |
The ride is on the firm side |
| Sizzling performance |
Not the most practical of hatchbacks |
| Looks very cool |
Not cheap to buy or run |
While the standard Yaris hybrid couldn't be more sensible if it were wearing spectacle and comfortable shoes, its fire-breathing GR Yaris relation is borderline unhinged. And it's a more distant relation than the name suggests. This isn't just a Yaris with a few go-faster stripes; it's a completely different beast, engineered from the ground up as a rally car for the road. Known as a 'homologation special', it features a bespoke three-door body and packs the world's most powerful three-cylinder engine, a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol unit punting out a mighty 257bhp.
That immense power, combined with a low weight of just 1,300kg and a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, results in dazzling performance and handling. The GR Yaris can rocket from 0-62mph in a blistering 5.5 seconds, and it attacks corners with a level of grip and agility that few cars can match, regardless of price. For those wanting the ultimate experience, the optional Circuit Pack adds an even stiffer suspension and a limited-slip differential, turning this already thrilling hot hatch into a true B-road hero.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It's no exaggeration to say that the Toyota GR Yaris one of the most exciting, engaging and entertaining hot hatches money can buy." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Toyota Yaris review
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 38.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Very spacious and practical interior |
Some will find the ride rather firm |
| Packed with safety equipment and technology |
Relatively cheap-looking inside |
| Sensational to drive |
Not as reliable as the related Kia EV6 |
While the standard Ioniq 5 is a serene and comfortable family cruiser, it's the high-performance Ioniq 5 N that earns a spot on our list of most fun cars to drive. This isn't just a faster version; it's a completely different animal. With bespoke suspension, steering, and a fully variable all-wheel-drive system, the N is a proper performance machine. It packs a staggering 641bhp, launching it from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds, putting it squarely in contention with legends like the BMW M3. It even mimics an eight-speed gearbox and the sound of a petrol engine to deliver truly old-school thrills.
Get behind the wheel, and the Ioniq 5 N proves it's more than just numbers on a page. The car feels playful and engaging, with taut suspension that's still comfortable enough for daily use. It's a spectacular performance car that delivers genuine fun, thanks to its aggressive power, sharp handling, and a choice of brilliant soundtracks that make you forget you're in an EV. It has redefined what we expect from electric performance cars, delivering a driving experience that's as entertaining as any of its petrol-powered rivals, all while retaining the practicality of a spacious family car.
The CarGurus Verdict: "While the Ioniq 5 N has to be considered a totally different entity, it's just as recommendable. It's easily the best enthusiast's electric car on sale, short of the vastly more expensive Porsche Taycan." - CarGurus Editorial Team
Read our full Hyundai Ioniq 5 review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Car-like build quality and levels of equipment |
Not cheap, especially for a pickup truck |
| More enjoyable to drive than a pickup should be |
Expensive to run, too |
| Huge portrait-style touchscreen |
UK-spec Raptor is limited to 288bhp (US version gets 400bhp) |
You might not expect a pickup truck to feature on a list of fun cars, but the Ford Ranger Raptor is no ordinary pickup truck. Yes, it has a large loadbay and four-wheel drive, making it capable of performing workhorse duties anywhere and everywhere, but that's not the focus of this truck. No, the focus here is firmly on fun.
Central to that is the 288bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, providing sledgehammer torque. A 0-62mph sprint time of 7.9 seconds may not sound all that fast, but in a pickup truck, it's plenty. It'd be even quicker if it were allowed to have the 400-odd-horsepower over here that it's allowed to have in the USA. The four-wheel-drive with various modes and locking differentials is complemented by a bespoke suspension with clever Fox dampers and chunky BF Goodrich tyres, making this a truck that goes around bends better than you'd expect. And once the bends are dispatched, it has the ability to turn off the road completely, find the nearest sand dune, scurry up it, and launch itself off the other side.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It is less sophisticated to drive than a regular family SUV, but it's not as far off as you might think. Great fun." - CarGurus Editorial Team, CarGurus UK
Read our full Ford Ranger review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Fun to drive |
Rather firm ride |
| Effortlessly stylish |
Infotainment can be confusing to use |
| Properly desirable |
Limited practicality |
The MINI has always been about fun, and this new electric version is no different. It absolutely delivers on that trademark 'go-kart' feel, with heavy, responsive steering that makes it feel eager and keen to dive into corners, even if you're just zipping around a roundabout. The entry-level Cooper E model comes with a 181bhp motor, while the Cooper SE ups the ante to 215bhp, but both feel sporty and enthusiastic. Some might find that the front wheels struggle to handle all that instant electric torque, causing the steering wheel to squirm in your hands under hard acceleration, but others will see this as part of its scrappy, engaging character.
That focus on fun does mean a few compromises, namely the firm ride that can feel a bit bouncy on the UK's less-than-perfect roads. Inside, the cabin is dominated by a huge, circular OLED screen that looks fantastic and is packed with big-car tech, reinforcing the premium-yet-playful vibe. Practicality isn't the car's strongest suit; the boot offers just 210 litres of space, and the rear seats are best reserved for kids or short trips. But let's be honest, you don't buy a three-door MINI for its load-lugging ability; you buy it for the smile it puts on your face, and in that regard, it delivers in spades.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The electric MINI Cooper is a fun, likeable small car that blends a premium finish, smart retro looks, and scrappy, engaging handling. It's not the most sensible option at the price, but that's kind of the whole point of the MINI, which is very much a 'want one' car." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full MINI Cooper Electric review
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CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 25.5%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Hugely enjoyable to drive |
Expensive to fuel |
| Easy to live with everyday |
High insurance costs |
| Breadth of choice that rivals can't match |
Some purists complain that most of the engine range is now turbocharged |
There's a reason the Porsche 911 has been the benchmark sports car for six decades, and it all comes down to the way it drives. With its unique rear-engined layout and howling flat-six motors, the 911 delivers a feeling that nothing else on the road can match. Even the entry-level Carrera offers supercar-like pace, with quick, precise steering that's full of feedback. It feels so poised and balanced through corners that you'll find yourself taking the long way home just for the heck of it.
The sheer variety in the 911 range means there's a flavour of fun for everyone. While most models come with Porsche's lightning-fast PDK automatic gearbox, a seven-speed manual is available for those who crave maximum engagement. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, the GT3 is in a class of its own. With its track-honed responses and sensational naturally aspirated 4.0-litre engine, it's a genuine race car for the road, delivering an unfiltered, high-octane driving experience.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 911 might have an unusual technical specification, but Porsche's engineering has honed it brilliantly. It's the car by which all other sports cars and supercars are judged, and for good reason." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Porsche 911 review
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Irresistibly fun to drive |
A bit cramped for tall drivers |
| Extremely reliable |
Early cars have less safety kit than later models |
| Affordable to buy and run for a sports car |
The boot is small |
The Mazda MX-5 has traditionally been the world's best-selling roadster for a reason, and it boils down to one thing: pure, unadulterated fun. Its lightweight design and rear-wheel-drive layout are a classic recipe for driving enjoyment. You don't need a massive engine here; the spirited 1.5-litre with 129bhp is eager and loves to be revved, while the more potent 2.0-litre (updated to 181bhp in 2018) adds serious punch. Whichever you choose, the slick six-speed manual gearbox is a joy to use, making every gear change an event in itself.
This focus on fun continues in the corners. The MX-5 has crisp, accurate steering and an incredibly agile feel that makes it dance down a British B-road. Yes, there's a bit of body roll, but you quickly learn to use it to your advantage, feeling exactly what the car is doing. It's a car that's as entertaining at sensible speeds as it is when you're pressing on, proving you don't need supercar power and pace to have a huge smile on your face. It's a proper sports car experience, just more accessible and affordable.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Point-to-point, the MX-5 is far faster than its specification suggests it should be, and it can be equally entertaining at low speeds as it is at high ones." - Brett Fraser, contributor
Read our full Mazda MX-5 review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Combines utility and luxury |
The three-door 90 has a tiny boot |
| Sophisticated and comfortable on the road |
Expensive to buy and run |
| Superb to drive if you venture off-road |
Land Rover's poor reputation for reliability might make you think twice |
While it might look a bit like the rugged off-roader it replaced, the modern-day Defender is surprisingly good on the public highway. It's comfortable on long journeys and quiet on the motorway, but show it a flowing B-road and the handling and steering precision are good enough that you can clip along in a secure and sophisticated manner. Engine options are plentiful, from the strong-but-sensible to the downright screwy. At the latter end of the scale, the full-fat 5.0-litre supercharged V8 is a riot, while the flagship Octa, powered by a 4.4-litre V8 mild-hybrid engine producing a massive 626bhp, delivers genuinely rapid straight-line performance.
Of course, a huge part of the Defender's fun-factor is its go-anywhere ability. Land Rover says this is its most competent model away from the tarmac. With features like air suspension to vary the ride height, locking differentials, and a whole suite of off-road driving modes within the Terrain Response system, the Defender can tackle wading, rocky terrain, wet mud, and sand with ease. It's this blend of on-road poise and unstoppable off-road prowess that makes the Defender a uniquely fun and characterful machine.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The modern Defender remains one of the most distinctive and desirable vehicles on sale, combining unmistakable character with a breadth of ability that few rivals can match. It's as happy covering long motorway miles as it is tackling serious off-road terrain." - CarGurus Editorial Team
Read our full Land Rover Defender review
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CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 0.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Fantastic pace and handling |
Steering could use more weight and feel |
| Calm and civilised ride |
Rear seats are rather small |
| Upmarket interior |
Some optional kit should be standard |
The heart of the M2's thrilling character is a modified version of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine found in its bigger M3 and M4 siblings. Sending a mighty 473bhp to the rear wheels, it's an absolute powerhouse, capable of launching the car from 0-62mph in a blistering 4.0 seconds with the automatic gearbox. Yet for all its savage potential, which is unleashed with a sensory treat of an exhaust note as you chase the 7,200rpm redline, it remains remarkably docile when pottering around town. For those who crave maximum involvement, a six-speed manual gearbox is also offered, adding an extra layer of engagement that many rivals lack.
It's not all about straight-line speed, though; the M2 is aalso great in the corners. Adaptive suspension and a host of configurable driving modes allow you to tailor the car's behaviour, but its true genius is its dual personality. It's surprisingly civilised for the daily grind, but show it a challenging road and it comes alive with epic grip, incredibly sharp turn-in, and the beautiful balance that only a rear-wheel-drive layout can provide. The brakes are immense and the throttle response is instantaneous, creating a devastatingly quick and thrilling point-to-point machine. For the ultimate experience, the M2 CS model turns everything up another notch with 523bhp and even more focused dynamics.
The CarGurus Verdict: "All things considered, the M2 is a hugely impressive car, both in terms of its engineering and its general dynamic ability. Grabbed by the scruff of the neck, it has the capacity to dazzle with its searing pace, deft handling ability and instantaneous responses." - CarGurus Editorial Team
Read our full BMW M2 review
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 0.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 23.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Tremendous balance of ride and handling |
Sparse dealer network |
| Surprising fuel efficiency for such a quick car |
Most rivals are more practical |
| The A110S is a great track day car |
Plasticky interior |
The Alpine A110 is a true driver's car, a compact, lightweight French sports car that delivers its kicks from agility rather than outright power. This mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive coupe uses a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine with up to 288bhp, which doesn't sound like that much, but it's plenty in a car that weighs around 1,100kg (it's substantially lighter than a Porsche 718 Cayman). It's a focused machine, but one that proves you don't need a monstrous engine to have a monstrous amount of fun.
That focus on lightness is what dictates the A110's sublime driving experience. The car steers with a precision and crispness that's rare in modern cars, and it feels wonderfully balanced through corners, with approachable limits that let you explore its talents without needing a racetrack. And yet, it combines its darty, flyweight feel with a surprisingly composed ride, thanks to supple suspension. With a 0-62mph time as low as 4.4 seconds and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with paddle shifters, it has all the performance you need to complement its brilliant handling.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There is a purity about the A110's engineering: aluminium construction is expensive and double-wishbone suspension tricky to package, but both of those things make the car better to drive. The A110 won't be for everyone, but for a small number of people – people who care about driving above all else – it'll be everything." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Alpine A110 review
FAQ
What is the most fun car to drive on a budget?
The Mazda MX-5 is widely regarded as the most fun car you can buy without breaking the bank. Its lightweight design, rear-wheel-drive layout, and slick manual gearbox deliver a genuinely thrilling driving experience, and it's one of the most affordable sports cars on the market to both buy and run. Used examples offer even better value, making it accessible to a wide range of budgets.
Are electric cars fun to drive?
Absolutely. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and MINI Cooper Electric both prove that EVs can deliver serious driving thrills. The Ioniq 5 N, in particular, has redefined expectations with its 641bhp output, simulated gearshifts, and playful handling, while the MINI Cooper Electric retains the brand's trademark go-kart feel. Instant torque from electric motors means rapid acceleration is a given, adding to the fun factor.
Do you need a lot of horsepower for a car to be fun?
Not at all. Some of the most entertaining cars on this list prove that lightweight design and sharp handling matter far more than outright power. The Alpine A110 and Mazda MX-5 are perfect examples: neither has a huge engine, but both deliver an incredibly engaging driving experience because they're light, responsive, and brilliantly balanced.
Can an SUV or pickup truck be fun to drive?
Yes, and this list proves it. The Land Rover Defender surprises with its on-road capability and offers a unique kind of fun with its unstoppable off-road capability, while the Ford Ranger Raptor delivers a level of performance and driving enjoyment that most people simply wouldn't expect from a pickup truck.
What makes a car 'fun to drive'?
It's a combination of factors rather than any single thing. Responsive steering, a well-sorted chassis, good power delivery, and a sense of connection between the driver and the road all contribute. Weight plays a huge role, too: lighter cars tend to feel more agile and responsive. Ultimately, a fun car is one that makes you want to drive it, even when you don't strictly need to.
Is the Toyota GR Yaris a good daily driver?
The GR Yaris can certainly be used as a daily driver, though there are a few compromises to be aware of. Its firm ride can feel harsh on rough roads, and the three-door body means rear-seat access isn't the easiest. However, it's reasonably practical for a hot hatch, comes with Toyota's reputation for reliability, and its four-wheel-drive system means it's confident in all weather conditions, making it a more usable performance car than many rivals.
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 March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
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