What are the best automatic cars of 2024?

Nearly time for a new car? If you’re interested in an automatic car, then look no further. We’ve highlighted five of the best new automatic cars and five of the best second-hand automatic cars of 2024 to ensure we have a recommendation for everyone!

Best used automatic cars - our top picks

1. Best automatic city car - used Ford Fiesta

   

   A used Ford Fiesta is one of the best automatic city cars available in 2024. It’s a practical, affordable and reliable model which has been on the market since 1976. There are plenty of second-hand Mk7 Ford Fiesta cars still available in the used market, although the model has now been discontinued.

   As far as automatic city cars go, the Fiesta has everything you need. Navigating tight city streets and narrow parking spaces won’t be an issue in this model. By choosing an automatic Fiesta, it also makes for a more convenient and stress-free driving experience; a great option if you are a first-time driver.

   An automatic used Fiesta is available in a range of trims, from the entry-level Trend trim to the flagship ST versions. The model is also available in a range of bold and beguiling colours. We guarantee you’ll find an automatic Fiesta suited to your budget, lifestyle and preferences.

   
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2. Best automatic 4x4 car - used Škoda Kodiaq

   

   Interested in the best automatic 4x4 cars? Look no further than a used Škoda Kodiaq. This model offers style and sophistication on the roads. Only introduced to the market in 2016, the Kodiaq hasn’t been around for long but has certainly proved popular with car buyers. You can find both 5-seat and 7-seat iterations on the used market.

   The Kodiaq has a range of different engine options with various power outputs. Choose the 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine for impressive fuel economy for a car this size. This iteration of the Kodiaq offers 145bhp and can achieve up to 40.0mpg on longer drives. Choosing the automatic transmission also makes those long drives less intensive; with no gears to move through, every journey feels seamless and effortless.

   The model is available in a range of trims. The entry-level variation takes the form of the Škoda Kodiaq SE Drive which is still packed with handy features and equipment like parking cameras. The flagship trim is the Laurin & Klement; named after the company’s founders, it offers luxury ventilated leather seats and a CANTON sound system.

   
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3. Best automatic estate car - used BMW 3 Series Touring

   

   A used BMW 3 Series Touring is one of the best automatic estate cars on the market. The 3 Series is the German manufacturer’s best-selling model since its launch in the 1970s. The estate version is the same, but gives you more space. If you’re doing a lot of driving, the automatic 3 Series Touring is the one to choose due to its smooth handling. You’ll also be less at risk of driver’s fatigue with no gear changes.

   The model is sporty, sleek and speedy, and it’s as comfortable handling the daily commute as it is taking the family on road trips and adventures. Most 3 Series models come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox paired to a powerful engine. Opt for a 3 Series Touring with XDrive, BMW’s all-wheel drive system, for enhanced driving performance in all road and weather conditions.

   The model is available in a range of different trims. You can even choose the flagship performance model, the BMW M3 Touring, for staggering performance, pace and power out on the roads. Who said estate cars had to be boring? We believe that the BMW 3 Series Touring is a contender for one of the best automatic estate cars of all time.

   
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4. Best automatic petrol car - used Peugeot 2008

   

   A used Peugeot 2008 is a great option if you’re looking for the best automatic petrol cars currently available on the market. The model is classed as a crossover SUV, sitting within the ever-competitive B-segment. It was released in the UK in 2013 and has become an increasingly popular model with British motorists ever since.

   Most of the petrol engines available are 1.2-litre PureTech engines with two different power outputs. The 1.2-litre PureTech engine capable of 100bhp goes from 0-62mph in around 12.2 seconds, while the 129bhp engine does 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds. Both achieve up to 52.6mpg*. The smooth switching automatic gearbox also ensures a steady and satisfying ride on every journey.

   On Mk2 variations, the entry-level trim is the Active which is still wonderfully equipped and pleasing on the eye. The flagship GT trim adds additional driver convenience and safety technology and a panoramic sunroof, which is a great addition for sunny summer days! Peugeot’s eye-catching exterior design also helps it to stand out from the crowd.

   
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5. Best automatic diesel car - used Mercedes-Benz A-Class

   

   Interested in the best automatic diesel cars? Look no further than a used Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Mk4 iteration of the model is classed as a subcompact executive hatchback. It offers plenty of space for cargo and passengers, with 38 -litres of boot space on offer and a spacious and comfortable cabin.

   The diesel option comes in the form of a 1.5-litre engine, capable of going from 0-62mph in around 9.2 seconds. The best thing about the diesel A-Class is how frugal it is at the pumps because it returns up to 74.0mpg* depending on driving style and road conditions. As newer cars are often said to be more fuel-efficient with an automatic gearbox, choosing the automatic A-Class can enhance your fuel economy even more!

   Choose the entry-level SE trim and you’ll still find it comes equipped with lots of handy driver convenience features and technology like a reversing camera and multifunctional leather steering wheel. On the exterior, the SE variation oozes kerb appeal with 16-inch alloy wheels and iconic diamond radiator grille.

   
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Best new automatic cars - our top picks

1. Best hybrid automatic car - the new Renault Clio

   

   For the best hybrid automatic cars of 2024, we chose the new Renault Clio. Our pick is the petrol hybrid engine version, which can achieve up to 67.3mpg*. It’s classed as a supermini hatchback. The model recently underwent a facelift, receiving a striking new grille design and updated Renault emblem. It’s fresh yet familiar, fast and faithful.

   As a self-charging hybrid, there’s no need to plug in. It’s an extremely efficient and low-polluting model when driving at lower speeds. The powertrain comes in the form of an intelligent multimodal six-speed automatic gearbox. The Clio can deliver up to 145bhp. The automatic gearbox delivers an effortlessly smooth power delivery, with no delay between gear switches.

   There are three trims to choose from on the new Renault Clio: Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine. The Evolution is the entry-level variant, Techno is mid-tier and Esprit Alpine is flagship. Whichever variant you choose is kitted out with innovative technology, a stylish cabin and offers a satisfying driving experience on every journey.

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2. Best automatic convertible car - the new MINI Convertible

   

   The new MINI Convertible is a great example of the best automatic convertible cars currently available on the market. The MINI Convertible is a cool, capable and captivating car which is based on the MINI three-door hatch.

   You have the choice of three petrol engines: A 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an output of 176bhp or anther 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an output 228bh. The latter refers to the John Cooper Works hot hatch version, pictured above. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox allows for quick and smooth gear changes.

   The entry-level variant of the MINI Convertible is the Cooper. The flagship variant is the John Cooper Works hot hatch. No matter the trim you choose, you will be greeted by a sophisticated and stylish interior packed with innovative tech and features. And yes, the iconic retro-themed dashboard is still a mainstay of the new models!

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3. Best automatic SUV car - the new Kia Sportage

   

   If you’re interested in the best automatic SUV cars, then the new Kia Sportage could be the one for you. Classed as a compact SUV, this modern model provides drivers with comfort and convenience on every drive. The new Sportage is also easy on the eye, with razor LED taillights and a stylish rear roof spoiler.

   Choose from mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines. The mild-hybrid Sportage can come with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol or diesel engine, they are both mated to seven-speed automatic gearboxes. The full hybrid and PHEV versions come with 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines with six-speed automatic gearboxes. All offer a smooth and seamless driving experience.

   The new Kia Sportage is available in four different variations: the Sportage 2, Sportage 3, GT-Line and GT-Line S. The Sportage 2 is the entry-level trim which comes equipped with an eight-inch infotainment display and parking sensors. The flag-ship GT-Line S adds a smart powered tailgate, 360-degree parking monitor, suede leather upholstery and ventilated front seats.

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4. Best 7-seater automatic cars - the new Volvo XC90

   

   In terms of the best 7-seater automatic cars, we had to choose the new Volvo XC90. It’s safe, sophisticated and stylish. The Swedish manufacturer first launched the model in 2002 and it has been a firm favourite in the UK’s large SUV segment ever since.

   Choose the 2.0-litre B5P petrol four-cylinder AWD engine for up to 32.4mpg*. This version has an eight-speed semi-automatic gearbox. With 250bhp output, it does 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds. Despite the XC90’s large size, it’s quick off the mark, packing a punch when it comes to performance. The gearbox also allows for effortless gear changes and enhanced efficiency.

   The newest model is available with three trims: Core, Plus and Ultimate. Pictured above is the Plus trim. It’s kitted out with an electric tailgate, a front-view camera and automated high-beam assist among other handy driver convenience tech. Although this is the mid-tier trim, you can still expect luxury throughout the cabin with leather seat upholstery, ambient lighting and a heated steering wheel. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with a Volvo.

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5. Best automatic hathback car - the new MG4

   

   Last, but by no means least, is MG’s new MG4. It’s the Chinese brand’s first electric hatchback and we are most certainly impressed. The model has been extremely well-received for its value for money, with Carwow awarding the MG4 a highly commended spot in the ‘Outstanding EV’ category at their Car of the Year Awards.

   As an example of the best automatic hatchback cars, we think this all-electric hatchback is one to look out for. There are a range of different battery sizes with different power outputs for you to choose from. For example, the 51kWh battery achieves an output of 170bhp and 250Nm of torque, going from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds. However, if you want something that can put down the pace, then the 64kWh (pictured above) delivers an eyewatering 435bhp and 600Nm of torque. Because the model is electric, the transmission also allows for instant torque to be delivered straight to the wheels.

   The new MG4 has two available trims, the SE Standard Range, SE Long Range and Trophy Extended/Long Range. The trims mainly relate to the electric range. However, you will find more driver convenience technology, kit and equipment in the Trophy Extended Range variation. It’s super slick, futuristic and an exceptionally fun car to drive.

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