RAC reveals shortlist for inaugural New Car Awards

The RAC has announced the shortlist for its first-ever RAC New Car Awards, recognising the very best new models available to UK drivers.

A total of 27 vehicles have been shortlisted across nine market categories, covering all the major segments from small cars to large SUVs, as well as three classes of electric vehicle. The winners will be revealed in September.

The awards are designed to reflect the needs of everyday motorists, with categories aligned to the types of cars consumers are most likely to consider when buying new.

To be eligible for inclusion, all vehicles must have been on sale and available in UK showrooms by the time of shortlisting on 30 June. Models that were not available for testing in right-hand-drive form were therefore excluded.

Each shortlisted car has been independently tested and assessed by the RAC’s in-house editorial team, which brings together more than 35 years of combined automotive experience.

Vehicles were evaluated against their direct rivals using a 10-point scoring system across seven key criteria: value, running costs, safety, practicality, ride and handling, interior and technology, and performance.

The judging process for selecting the overall RAC Car of the Year 2026 will be carried out at a final testing session at the RAC’s office in Bristol, involving a team of RAC experts including RAC Patrol of the Year Ross Templeman and RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year Jack Halstead.

To ensure the overall RAC New Car of the Year 2026 title is relevant to as many UK drivers as possible, ultra luxury and high-end supercars have been excluded from contention for the top award.

RAC Drive editor Dan Powell said: “The RAC New Car Awards are all about helping drivers make confident, informed choices about one of the biggest purchases they’re ever likely to make. With more models – and indeed manufacturers – on the market than ever before, it’s vital consumers have clear, trusted guidance on which cars really stand out.

“Every vehicle on our shortlist has been put through its paces by our experienced team and assessed against the factors that matter most to drivers – from safety and practicality through to running costs and overall value.

“Importantly, we’ve focused on cars that are readily available in UK showrooms and suited to everyday needs. That means the winners will genuinely reflect the very best options for people looking to buy a new car today.”

For more details on the RAC New Car Awards, visit https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/new-car-awards/shortlist/

Notes to Editors

Shortlisted vehicles in each category:

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About the RAC

The RAC is an iconic British driving services brand and has been championing drivers since 1897. Today it is one of the UK’s most trusted names, providing complete peace of mind to over 15m drivers across breakdown cover, insurance, and mobile servicing and repairs.

Its nationwide patrol force attends more than two million breakdowns every year, while its position as the UK’s leading independent insurance broker helps drivers find the right cover with confidence. The RAC has also reshaped the service, maintenance and repair market with its Mobile Mechanics, who carry out servicing and repairs at drivers’ homes or workplaces.

Committed to innovation, the RAC is fully electric‑ready with mobile EV charging technology for stranded drivers, and a suite of digital and data‑led solutions that make motoring easier and more affordable for consumers and fleets. These services come together in myRAC – the all‑in‑one app for vehicle maintenance, cheaper fuel finding and breakdown assistance.

Visit the RAC website or read our latest stories on RAC media centre.

About RAC Drive

RAC Drive is one of the UK’s leading automotive websites with 25m visits per year*. It was launched in 2016, replacing the RAC’s long-running online magazine. It provides free advice, news, reviews, travel guides and general information to help drivers make informed decisions about their vehicles.

*Semrush organic traffic data (January – December 2025)

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