Expert Rating Index

Our award-winning Expert Rating Index compiles and aggregates millions of key data points to bring you the definitive rating of every new car

What is the Expert Rating Index?

I've heard people talking about it, but what is it exactly?

The Car Expert’s award-winning Expert Rating Index compiles and aggregates tens of millions of key data points on every new car (as well as a growing number of near-new used cars), including more than 17,000 new car reviews from more than 30 of the UK’s top motoring websites. We also factor in complete safety data from Euro NCAP, reliability data and five-year running cost information.

As of June 2025, we have more than 600 cars indexed and rated. More cars are added to the Index every week.

All this adds up to the most comprehensive analysis of expert opinion and real-world data found anywhere in the motoring world.

How our Expert Rating scores are calculated

How the Expert Rating Index can help your car buying decisions

Key numbers

How big is the Expert Rating Index?

616

cars rated

17,253

car reviews

car brands

20m

data points

Search for an Expert Rating

Manufacturer

Model

Newest cars

The latest cars added to the Expert Rating Index

BYD Dolphin Surf

Coming soon

The BYD Dolphin Surf is an electric city car launched in 2025. It gets plenty of standard kit and is roomier than you might expect inside.

Cupra Terramar

Coming soon

Sharp exterior looks and handling make the Cupra Terramar stand out from the family SUV crowd, but rivals offer more luggage space.

Audi A5

Expert Rating:

Reviewers agree that the Audi A5 is a great family car choice, but some suggest that its rivals are more comfortable and practical.

Alpine A290

Coming soon

The Alpine A290 takes the retro-styled, all-electric Renault 5 and turns up the performance. We have all the info you need right here.

Skywell BE11

Expert Rating:

Despite its spacious interior and strong warranty, British reviewers agree that the Skywell BE11 SUV is too flawed to recommend.

Mini Cooper Convertible

Expert Rating:

The petrol-powered Mini Cooper Convertible offers serious top-down driving fun, but reviewers have criticised the car's price list.

Tesla Model Y

Expert Rating:

The Tesla Model Y offers similar tech and performance to the popular Model 3 with extra practicality, but the ride quality is disappointing.

Polestar 4

Expert Rating:

The sleek Polestar 4 offers engaging looks with plenty of tech. It doesn't drive as nicely as you might hope, though.

Popular cars

Most popular cars in the Expert Rating Index over the last seven days

Kia Picanto

Expert Rating:

The Kia Picanto has received an unusually broad variation of media review scores, ranging from "Best City Car" awards to "Don't Buy" recommendations.

Citroën ë-C4 X

Expert Rating:

Citroën ë-C4 X is a comfortable electric family car, but it is not the strongest option in its class, particularly when it comes to range.

Cupra Terramar

Coming soon

Sharp exterior looks and handling make the Cupra Terramar stand out from the family SUV crowd, but rivals offer more luggage space.

Ford Kuga

Expert Rating:

The third-generation Ford Kuga has received positive reviews, being considered good to drive although not as spacious as most rivals.

Honda Jazz

Expert Rating:

The Honda Jazz is a practical and economical small car, with more room for passengers and luggage than similarly sized rivals.

How our Expert Rating scores are calculated

Car buying advice

Our award-winning Expert Rating Index has been completely overhauled for 2024. Using millions of data points, The Car Expert brings you definitive ratings on all the most popular new and used cars in the UK.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Expert Rating:

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA crosover range is considered a big improvement over the original model, but it's let down by a high price tag.

SEAT Ibiza

Expert Rating:

The SEAT Ibiza has received very positive media reviews, and is one of the highest-rated superminis on sale in the UK.

Expert Ratings by brand

Every new and used car we've analysed, with more being added every week

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Expert Rating:

The Renault Scenic has returned as a family-sized SUV running on electric power, but reviewers take issue with the car's rear visibility.

Mini Cooper Electric

Expert Rating:

The all-new second-generation Mini Cooper Electric is a massive improvement on its predecessor, and scores well in all areas.

Kia EV3

Expert Rating:

The Kia EV3 is a small electric crossover that has been met with plenty of enthusiasm from the motoring media, particularly for its tech and battery range.

Volkswagen ID.7

Expert Rating:

The Volkswagen ID.7 is a comfortable and tech-laden electric saloon with a great battery range, but some reviewers have found it dull to drive.

See all electric cars

Mini Cooper Electric

Expert Rating:

The all-new second-generation Mini Cooper Electric is a massive improvement on its predecessor, and scores well in all areas.

Renault 5 E-Tech

Expert Rating:

Like the Fiat 500 and Mini Cooper, the Renault 5 plays heavily on its retro-inspired styling. But motoring journalists have rated the driving experience highly, as well as its value for money.

Citroën ë-C3

Expert Rating:

The electric Citroën ë-C3 emphasises value for money rather than technology or luxuries. It's also another way of saying it's a bit austere.

BYD Dolphin

Expert Rating:

The electric BYD Dolphin has the interior comfort and low pricing to turn heads, but its driving dynamics have not fostered much praise.

See all small cars

MG 4

Expert Rating:

Other electric cars are more polished, but reviewers believe the MG 4 is one of the best in its class - its unbeatable pricing is a bonus.

Kia EV6

Expert Rating:

The Kia EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated electric car and a very good one – but it is more expensive than the closely related Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Expert Rating:

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is making waves with its striking design, spacious interior and impressive performance, but its poor ride comfort leaves room for improvement.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Expert Rating:

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a quiet and refined electric saloon with an impressive battery range, but its unique styling might deter some buyers.

See all medium cars

Volkswagen ID.7

Expert Rating:

The Volkswagen ID.7 is a comfortable and tech-laden electric saloon with a great battery range, but some reviewers have found it dull to drive.

BMW i5

Expert Rating:

Reviewers agree that the talented BMW i5 is one of the most well-rounded electric saloons on the market, but rivals offer more battery range.

Skoda Superb

Expert Rating:

UK reviewers find the fourth-generation Skoda Superb easy to recommend, due to its spacious and practical interior with intuitive on-board tech.

BMW 5 Series

Expert Rating:

The eight-generation BMW 5 Series has been praised for its intuitive on-board tech, but high pricing remains and issue for reviewers.

See all large cars

Kia EV3

Expert Rating:

The Kia EV3 is a small electric crossover that has been met with plenty of enthusiasm from the motoring media, particularly for its tech and battery range.

Volvo EX30

Expert Rating:

The critically-acclaimed electric Volvo EX30 is a compelling family car package, but compromised practicality may deter some buyers.

BMW iX1

Expert Rating:

The BMW iX1 is an electric version of the regular X1 SUV. It offers strong performance, an excellent safety score and low running costs.

Smart #3

Expert Rating:

Reviews of the Smart #3 have been mixed. It's spacious, smooth and quiet, but the drive is uninspired and the touchscreen is heavily criticised.

See all small SUVs

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Expert Rating:

The Renault Scenic has returned as a family-sized SUV running on electric power, but reviewers take issue with the car's rear visibility.

Nissan Ariya

Expert Rating:

The Nissan Ariya is a capable all-rounder and a serious EV contender, but rivals have more storage space and it's by no means cheap.

Skoda Enyaq

Expert Rating:

The Skoda Enyaq iV is the Czech brand's first bespoke EV and an SUV attracting a lot of positive vibes from reviewers.

Toyota bZ4X

Expert Rating:

The Toyota bZ4X SUV is a spacious and well-equipped electric all-rounder, but some of awkward design elements hinder its practicality.

See all medium SUVs

Kia EV9

Expert Rating:

The Kia EV9 is a spacious seven-seat electric SUV and an excellent car. It takes the brand into new territory, and does so successfully.

Skoda Kodiaq

Expert Rating:

The Skoda Kodiaq has been commended for its interior space, practicality and refined engines, but it's not that exciting to drive.

Peugeot e-5008

Expert Rating:

The electric Peugeot e-5008 is an impressive seven-seat family SUV, but pricier rivals are a bit more comfortable to drive.

Polestar 3

Expert Rating:

The electric Polestar 3 has been praised for its sharp driving dynamics, outstanding safety score and tech-laden interior, but rivals are more practical.

See all large SUVs

Skoda Enyaq

Expert Rating:

The Skoda Enyaq iV is the Czech brand's first bespoke EV and an SUV attracting a lot of positive vibes from reviewers.

Cupra Tavascan

Expert Rating:

The Cupra Tavascan is an electric coupé-SUV with attractive looks and tech, but those expecting driving thrills will likely be disappointed.

Smart #3

Expert Rating:

Reviews of the Smart #3 have been mixed. It's spacious, smooth and quiet, but the drive is uninspired and the touchscreen is heavily criticised.

Volvo EC40

Expert Rating:

The Volvo EC40 is a coupé-SUV that is both pleasant and potent on the move, but its price tag is too expensive for it to be a sensible choice.

See all coupé SUVs

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Expert Rating:

Blistering speed and entertaining driving dynamics make the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N a proper driver's car, but its pricing is rather high.

Hyundai i20 N

Expert Rating:

Singled out at the Ford Fiesta ST's closest rival to date, the Hyundai i20 N is a very talented small hot hatch that is serious fun to drive.

Honda Civic Type R

Expert Rating:

Like its predecessor, the latest Honda Civic Type R has been earmarked as one of the best hot hatches around, despite its hefty price tag.

MG 4 XPower

Expert Rating:

The high-performance MG 4 XPower has received a mixed bag of review scores, with praise for its pace and criticism for its driving dynamics.

See all hot hatches

Fiat 500 Electric

Expert Rating:

The new Fiat 500 Electric has been praised for its driving dynamics and interior quality, both of which are much better than the old model.

BMW 4 Series Convertible

Expert Rating:

Refined, practical, well-equipped with impressive performance - the BMW 4 Series is considered a soft-top class-leader, despite its polarising looks.

Mazda MX-5

Expert Rating:

The Mazda MX-5 has been universally acclaimed by the UK motoring media, with many outstanding review scores and award wins every year since it was launched.

BMW M4

Expert Rating:

The new 2021 BMW M4 is incredibly powerful but equally flexible, but the front-end styling is dividing opinion among reviewers.

See all convertibles

BMW 4 Series Coupé

Expert Rating:

The BMW 4 Series Coupé is a fine-driving two-door and scores highly with reviewers. You just need to get past that enormous grille.

Rolls-Royce Spectre

Expert Rating:

The Rolls-Royce Spectre is one of the most luxurious electric cars money can buy, but its ride quality is hindered by its heavy weight.

Ferrari 296

Expert Rating:

A supercar that's more eco-friendly but no less ferocious, the Ferrari 296 is a 819hp plug-in hybrid and the Italian brand's first modern V6 model.

BMW 2 Series Coupé

Expert Rating:

Fast, fun and refined inside, reviewers agree that the 2 Series Coupé is a great showcase of BMW’s abilities, though space is limited in the rear.

See all coupés

Porsche Macan Electric

Expert Rating:

The Porsche Macan Electric is an impressive SUV all-rounder, with pace, practicality, agile handling and a competitive battery range.

Tesla Model S

Expert Rating:

The Tesla Model S has been a pioneer for electric cars, single-handedly changing the perception of EVs having poor performance and range.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Expert Rating:

Blistering speed and entertaining driving dynamics make the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N a proper driver's car, but its pricing is rather high.

Hyundai i20 N

Expert Rating:

Singled out at the Ford Fiesta ST's closest rival to date, the Hyundai i20 N is a very talented small hot hatch that is serious fun to drive.

See all performance cars

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Expert Rating:

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is perhaps the most hotly anticipated people carrier ever, and early review scores suggest it's worth the hype.

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

Expert Rating:

A spacious car with a quality interior, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is an interesting SUV alternative, though top-spec models are pricey.

Vauxhall Combo Life Electric

Expert Rating:

The Vauxhall Combo Life Electric is a spacious and versatile compact people carrier, but it is pricier than its Stellantis stablemates.

Ford Tourneo Connect

Expert Rating:

The Ford Tourneo Connect is a safe, roomy, versatile and comfortable people carrier, but its interior leaves room for improvement.

See all MPVs

More new car ratings are being added to the Expert Rating Index every day and we continually update each cars whenever we get new information, so keep checking back regularly for the latest updates. In the meantime, you can check out the latest news or read up on some expert car buying advice.