Many drivers in Britain might be reluctant to make the switch to an electric car, but it could make you happier.That's according to a massive survey of UK drivers, in which the Tesla Model 3 has been voted the best model to own.The EV saloon from Elon Musk's brand beat 50 other cars to be awarded the highest overall satisfaction rating by motorists in the nation's largest automotive satisfaction poll.The Model 3 - which costs between £37,990 and £59,990 new - took the top spot, having topped three of the Auto Express Driver Power 2026 survey categories: engine and gearbox performance; safety features; and quality and reliability.The poll garnered responses from more than 100,000 drivers this year, making it the biggest of its kind in Britain. Respondents are asked about their car's dependability, interior space, protective features, value for money and driving experience to measure and compare owner satisfaction levels.Thanks to its positive ranking by drivers, the electric Tesla placed ahead of the BMW 2 Series three-door coupe and Vauxhall Grandland SUV, proving that an EV might just be the most pleasing option for many motorists.Here's a rundown of the cars that received the highest ratings from their owners. The best car to own: The Tesla Model 3 was awarded 88.6% by drivers making it the number 1 car to own in the UK's largest car ownership survey1. Tesla Model 3Satisfaction score: 88.6%The Model 3 was the only car to be rated 100 per cent in a category, gaining full marks for drivetrain smoothness.It was also awarded first place for acceleration, thanks to its electric drive and instant response. The Performance Model 3 can sprint from 0 to 60mph in a rapid 2.9 seconds.These two combined saw the Model 3 ranked second overall for driving pleasure.Its range - which officially varies from 332 miles to 466 miles depending on the version you choose - impressed owners, helping it score the highest of any EV in the survey, although it could only manage 14th place for overall efficiency when other fuel types were included.Sarah Perks from Auto Express said: 'Owners love almost everything about their Model 3s, especially now quality has improved.'Even the 'screen-first' policy, which puts most functions onto the touchscreen, doesn't seem to worry owners who live with the car daily. Their scores for the balance between physical and digital controls put the Model 3 in third place for this category.'The biggest improvement in the Model 3's scores over previous years has been in quality. The Tesla has previously been last in this category, but it is now built well enough to achieve fifth place, and third for reliability.'The Model 3's worst scores are for exterior styling, with a 34th position, and brake responsiveness, at 31st in the chart, but neither could take the shine off the 3's victory.' The BMW 2 Series is the second best car to own according to drivers. It scored 88.19% overall2. BMW 2 SeriesScore: 88.2%The 2 Series jumped from 10th in 2025's rankings to second in this year's survey - quite the climb.It managed to earn seven category wins, including key areas such as interior quality, driving pleasure and engine sound.The 2 Series' infotainment system - a combined sweep of a 12.3-inch driver's display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen - is the car's standout feature, allowing it to rank first in the infotainment category.The sporty coupe also tops the charts for user-friendliness of the controls and climate control, and places second for smartphone connectivity, satellite navigation, audio system and touchscreen operation.Perks says: 'BMW's 2 Series misses out on first place by a whisker.'The quality of the interior finish and materials is highly rated, with a score of 89.95 per cent, putting it just ahead of the 5 Series. Even though it's a coupé, visibility is still considered strong enough to secure second place. As a sportier car, the 2 Series is praised for its driving dynamics, with owners rating it third-best for powertrain performance and placing ride and handling second overall.'However, practicality is a weaker point, with the car ranking 28th for child-friendly features. Owners also felt the exterior styling could be improved, with it only managing 33rd place in the chart.' The Vauxhall Grandland is the first Vauxhall model to place in the top 5 best cars to own. It scores 87.8% 3. Vauxhall GrandlandScore: 87.8%The Vauxhall Grandland didn't secure any top spot in individual categories but gained a high overall score thanks to strong performances across the board.Owners like the way the affordable SUV looks - it costs from £35,095 - which places it in sixth place for exterior styling. Drivers have also praised its interior, with it ranking second overall for both interior quality and practicality.Its 550-litre boot helped it to fourth place in that category.Perks says: 'The Grandland is no stranger to the Driver Power top 10, and even though it has slipped a place since last year, this is still a great result for Vauxhall.'While the load area is big, owners told us the bills are kept small. The Grandland was placed second overall for running costs, with low servicing prices singled out for particular praise. A sixth place for overall value suggests customers are happy with purchase and leasing costs, too, while fuel consumption is a reasonable 12th.'There is a concern for electric Grandland owners, though, with many saying the range they were achieving is disappointing compared with official claims. The only other blot on the Grandland's copybook is a lowly 33rd place for acceleration.'Join the discussionDoes YOUR car make you happy?What's your view? Fourth place for Ford: The Kuga SUV was awarded 87.3% by car owners with only four areas where owners rated below the Kuga below average score4. Ford KugaScore: 87.3% The Ford Kuga is a plug-in hybrid SUV that costs from £33,335 new.It took fourth place thanks to a strong spread of scores across the board, including many top 10 rankings.There are only four areas where owners rated the Kuga below average.Perks says: 'The Kuga maintains its fourth place from 2025, with a strong set of scores across the board. In fact, there are only four areas where owners rate it below average: exterior styling, where it ranks 27th; interior quality at 34th; and running costs such as insurance and VED, where it's also placed 27th.'While ride quality might not be to all owners' tastes, with a 33rd-place finish, they seem happy with the rest of the driving experience, with third-place rankings for steering response and driving pleasure.' The Vauxhall Frontera is the fifth best car to own according to drivers with it scoring 86.9% in the Auto Express 2026 survey5. Vauxhall Frontera Score: 86.9%Vauxhall's updated line-up is proving popular with owners, with a second model entering the top five - no mean feat.The Frontera has a collection of top 10 scores in key areas.Its biggest strength is the interior, particularly its 460-litre boot. Owners gave it a 91.49 per cent score for boot space - second only to the much larger Tesla Model Y.Perks says: 'It's an impressive debut for Vauxhall's fresh-faced family car, entering straight into the top five with strong scores in crucial areas. However, some concerns likely prevented it from reaching the podium.'There are pleasant surprises in the way the Frontera drives, too - it was rated first in the entire survey for steering responsiveness and sixth for handling. Fourth place for economy and running costs will also please Vauxhall, but the overall score was pulled down by some weaknesses.'These include 42nd place for quality and 40th for the audio system. Most concerning is reliability, where it ranks 48th.' Top 10 best cars to own according to UK drivers 1. Tesla 3: 88.6%2. BMW 2 Series: 88.2%3. Vauxhall Grandland: 87.8%4. Ford Kuga: 87.3%5. Vauxhall Frontera: 86.9%6. BMW 1 Series: 86.6%7. Peugeot 2008: 86.4%8. Vauxhall Mokka: 86.3%9. Hyundai Tucson: 86.1%10. Peugeot 3008: 86.1%Source: Auto Express Driver Power 2026 survey