The Tesla Model Y was named Auto Trader’s New Car of the Year 2024, following a consumer vote that captured the opinions of over 200,000 car owners.
Reflecting heightened climate concerns and a shift in public preference, EVs took centre stage, with an electric car winning the top award for the fifth consecutive year.
This year, 11 electric models were honoured across 23 different categories – the highest number since the awards began in 2017.
Erin Baker, Auto Trader’s editorial director, noted the significance of consumer involvement in these awards: “The huge number of consumer votes not only makes the Awards a genuine and accurate reflection of car owner sentiments, but it also marks the largest automotive vote of its kind. It’s a true testament to how electric vehicles are capturing the hearts of drivers everywhere.”
The Tesla Model Y’s triumph was accompanied by several other significant wins for electric vehicles:
- Best Car for Families: Kia EV6
- Best Car for City Drivers: MINI Electric
- Most Fun to Drive: CUPRA Born
- Best Car for Dog Owners: Kia EV6
- Best Value Electric Car: BYD Atto 3
Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, highlighted the growing influence of EVs: “With climate concerns high on the world stage and in the public’s consciousness, electric vehicles dominated the Awards once again in 2024. This is a clear indication of the direction the automotive industry is heading.”
Unlike other car awards, the Auto Trader New Car Awards rely primarily on the opinions of car owners rather than automotive journalists or industry experts.
This year, more than 200,000 UK car owners participated in an online survey, providing real-world insights that determined the winners for 20 of the 23 award categories.
Electric models also claimed the prestigious Erin Baker Award. This year’s standout car was the Renault Scenic E-Tech. Erin Baker praised the choice: “The Renault Scenic E-Tech represents the perfect blend of innovation, design, and environmental consciousness. It’s a well-deserved winner.”
Even Rory Reid, Auto Trader’s YouTube director known for his love of traditional V8s, acknowledged the appeal of electric vehicles by selecting the Hyundai IONIQ 5N for the Rory Reid Award. “Despite my usual preference for classic engines, the Hyundai IONIQ 5N’s performance and design are simply undeniable,” said Reid.
The 2024 Auto Trader New Car Awards underscore the rapid transformation in the automotive industry, with electric vehicles increasingly becoming the preferred choice among consumers.
The winners for the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2024 are:
- New Car of the Year – Tesla Model Y electric vehicle
- Best Car for Families – Kia EV6 electric vehicle
- Best Car for City Drivers – MINI Electric electric vehicle
- Best Value New Car – Dacia Sandero Stepway
- Best Car for Long Distances – Nissan ARIYA electric vehicle
- Most Fun to Drive – CUPRA Born electric vehicle
- Best Car for New Drivers – Audi A1
- Best Car for Dog Owners – Kia EV6 electric vehicle
- Best 7-Seater Car – Volvo XC90
- Best Car for Towing – Land Rover Range Rover Sport
- Most Loved Car – Porsche Macan
- Best Hybrid – Lexus NX 350h
- Best Value Electric Car – BYD Atto 3 electric vehicle
- Best Premium Electric Car – Audi e-tron GT electric vehicle
- Best Luxury Car – Land Rover Range Rover
- Most Loved Brand – Alfa Romeo
- Most Reliable Brand – Lexus
- Car brand with the best tech – Tesla electric vehicle
- Best Value Brand – Dacia
- The Erin Baker Award – Renault Scenic E-Tech electric vehicle
- The Rory Reid Award – Hyundai IONIQ 5N electric vehicle
- Sustainability Initiative Award – Bentley
- Best Home Charger – Easee
Erin Baker said: “Since our last New Car Awards there’s been a huge amount of change in the new car market. Supply returned at pace, the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars was delayed until 2035, new regulatory targets came into effect, and sales grew consecutively, albeit fuelled primarily by fleet and leasing.
“These last 12 months have also seen a dazzling array of impressive new models released from established and well-known brands, as well as from less familiar new entrants to the market. With so much choice, finding the right car to match your needs isn’t easy, which is where our Awards can really help. With over 200,000 owners telling us exactly how they feel about their new car, it’s the most accurate insight into genuine ‘real-world’ owning experiences, not just how it feels to drive.“
Pictured is Mark Bludell from BYD which clinched Best Value Electric Car for its Atto 3