The Most Comfortable Cars and SUVs to Drive in the UK 2026
Britain's roads aren't getting any smoother, so a car that soaks up potholes and keeps the outside world at bay makes every journey more relaxing. Here are the most comfortable cars to drive in the UK, from a soft-riding supermini to a Rolls-Royce, plus a dedicated round-up of the comfiest SUVs.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 22 October 2026 | 12 mins read
The most comfortable cars are usually also the most luxurious, from range-topping models by premium brands such as Mercedes-Benz to entire line-ups from truly exclusive names like Rolls-Royce. We've tried to carefully steer this list so it's not just the best of the best of such luxury motors. Of course, there are a number of these cars (rightly) on this list, but we've also included what we think is the most comfortable supermini, family car and electric car, along with a separate section on the most comfortable SUVs in the UK.
So what actually makes a car comfortable? It comes down to three things: a ride that smooths out bumps and potholes rather than passing them on to you, seats that still feel supportive after a few hours at the wheel, and a quiet cabin with little wind, road or engine noise. Every car below gets at least two of those right, and you'll find all of them on sale used at Cazoo. So please, read on to see our pick of the most comfortable cars to drive in the UK.
1. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a leading car in the luxury saloon department. It's also a class leader when it comes to comfort. In fact, it's near impossible to find a vehicle that competes without turning to the really exclusive marques like Rolls-Royce and Bentley, and even then the S-Class stands its ground (at a lower price too).
Inside, soft leather seats are accompanied by generous levels of leg and headroom in both the front and in the back. It's as much a car to be driven in as it is to drive, especially with optional extras like a rear seat entertainment system, to really ramp up the home comforts. But that's not all. Every version of the current S-Class, which arrived in 2020, rides on air suspension that glides over all but the very worst British B-roads, while optional rear-wheel steering makes this big limousine surprisingly easy to thread through town. On older cars built before 2020, look out for Mercedes' Magic Body Control, a very clever option that uses a camera to scan the road ahead and prepares the suspension for bumps before you reach them.
Most used examples are S 350 d diesels with 282bhp, which are smooth, quiet and surprisingly economical on a long motorway run. If you mostly drive shorter distances, the S 580 e plug-in hybrid can cover more than 60 miles on electric power alone, according to official figures, making it near-silent around town.
2. BMW 7 Series
Focusing on the driver's experience and interior refinement in equal measures, the BMW 7 Series is enjoyable to drive with a fabulous cabin that is lined with soft Nappa leather (or optional Merino). Highly comfortable, the 7 Series is especially impressive when it comes to the rear cabin space, where it's easily a class leader, offering a very generous amount of leg and head room.
It also comes with lots of equipment as standard too, and a wealth of options to increase the comfort and luxury. As a passenger, you couldn't ask for more. On the latest version, launched in 2022, the Executive Lounge option adds a rear seat that reclines to 42.5 degrees with a footrest, while the optional 31.3-inch Theatre Screen folds down from the roof so you can stream films on the move. It's perfect for those who like to be chauffeured in style.
Every current 7 Series rides on self-levelling air suspension, and the engine choice includes a 483bhp 750e plug-in hybrid and the all-electric i7. The i7 is the quietest of the lot and can officially cover up to 387 miles on a charge, so long trips are relaxing rather than a hunt for chargers.
3. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
If an S-Class is out of reach, the E-Class gives you much of the same calm, cosseting feel for a lot less money. The latest version arrived in 2023, and while most UK cars do without the air suspension offered elsewhere, it still rides beautifully, floating over motorway expansion joints and soaking up bumps that would jolt lesser cars.
The cabin is hushed, the seats stay supportive on long drives and there's plenty of rear legroom. The E 300 e plug-in hybrid is a particularly relaxing choice, as it can officially cover up to 71 miles on electric power, so many everyday journeys can be virtually silent. The previous E-Class, sold from 2016 to 2023, is also very comfortable and a cheaper way in.
4. Volkswagen ID.7
Electric cars have a natural head start when it comes to comfort, because there's no engine noise or gearchanges to disturb the peace. The Volkswagen ID.7 makes the most of it. This big electric hatchback, which is also available as an estate called the ID.7 Tourer, has a soft, relaxed ride, a huge amount of rear legroom and front seats with a massage function as standard.
Its long range adds to the laid-back feel. Most versions have around 280bhp, and the Pro S with the larger 86kWh battery can officially cover up to 435 miles on a charge, while the standard 77kWh car manages up to 382 miles. Adaptive dampers are available on some versions, letting you soften the ride even further. As with any used electric car, check the battery's health before you buy, our guide on how to check battery health shows you how).
5. Skoda Superb
Another car with a huge amount of interior space, the Skoda Superb is a large family vehicle that offers more in most departments. It's very practical and, being so spacious, it's very comfortable too, particularly with soft, supportive seats and a smooth, quiet ride experience. It's pleasurable to drive, cheap to run, and it enjoys an affordable starting price and still offers a good level of luxury in its design, styling, and cabin.
It is, quite simply, outstanding value for money and it lives up to its namesake in every way, proving superb in most domains, especially considering its bargain price tag. Whilst there are undoubtedly more premium cars available, the Skoda Superb still holds its own against them and at a much reduced cost at that.
The latest Superb arrived in 2024, and it's even comfier than before. The front seats have an extendable cushion and adjustable lumbar support, many versions add a massage function, and optional adaptive dampers give an even softer ride in Comfort mode. Most cars have a 148bhp petrol or diesel engine, the boot holds 645 litres in the hatchback and 690 litres in the estate, and the plug-in hybrid estate can cover more than 60 miles on electric power. The previous Superb (2015 to 2023) is a great buy if your budget is tighter. Take a look at our listings.
6. Citroen C3
The Citroen C3 may seem a bit of an odd one out on this list at first, but it's actually a class leader in comfort in the supermini domain. Where most cars of its class opt for a more sporty approach in exterior and interior styling, largely to appeal to a younger demographic, the Citroen C3 takes a different stance focusing on space, practicality, and comfort.
And it delivers on all three counts, enjoying a spacious cabin with lots of headroom, thanks to a taller build, as well as offering a large squared off boot, with useful cubbies and storage spaces, and a soft set-up for a smooth, relaxed ride.
The latest C3, which arrived in 2024, takes comfort even further. Every version gets Citroen's Advanced Comfort suspension, which uses hydraulic bump stops to cushion the bigger hits, along with Advanced Comfort front seats made with thick, high-density foam. You can choose a 99bhp petrol, a 108bhp hybrid or the electric ë-C3, which has 111bhp and an official range of up to 199 miles. It has performed well for comfort in independent tests, although there's a little more wind noise at motorway speeds than in bigger cars on this list. There are plenty to choose from in our listings.
7. Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost
The last place in our main list is a joint affair with two luxury behemoths by Rolls-Royce: the Phantom and the Ghost. Both are undeniably two of the most comfortable cars on the market to drive (or be driven in). However, with the exclusive asking price they carry, we've placed them at the end, because at those prices you could enjoy a number of cars off our list and a rather comfortable all-inclusive holiday too.
But if you can afford one of these lavish vehicles, then go ahead and put them at the top of our comfortable category. Both cars offer an ultra-smooth and quiet ride like nothing else, with a cabin that is the very definition of luxury and opulence. Quite simply, no other car comes close to the levels of comfort provided by the Rolls-Royce Phantom or the Ghost. Of the two cars, the Phantom is the top of the Rolls-Royce range, but the Ghost is no slouch, proving the only real competitor to the Phantom's impressively high levels of refinement.
The secret is in the suspension. On the Phantom from 2017 and the Ghost from 2020, cameras read the road ahead and prepare the air suspension before you reach a bump, which is how Rolls-Royce delivers its famous 'magic carpet ride'. The Phantom also has more than 130kg of sound-deadening material, even inside the tyres. Both cars use a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12, with 563bhp in the Phantom. The current Phantom launched in 2017 and was updated in 2022, while the latest Ghost arrived in 2020 and was refreshed in 2024.
The most comfortable SUVs in the UK
SUVs are hugely popular in the UK, and a raised driving position, easy access and plenty of space all add to their appeal. But a taller, heavier body can make it harder to deliver a soft ride without lots of body lean, so some SUVs are much comfier than others. If you're not sure whether an SUV is right for you, our guide on what is an SUV explains the pros and cons. Otherwise, here are the most comfortable SUVs in the UK, from an affordable family car to a full-blown luxury model.
1. Citroen C5 Aircross
If you want a comfortable family SUV without spending a fortune, the C5 Aircross is hard to beat. Like the C3, it uses Citroen's hydraulic bump stops and Advanced Comfort seats, so it soaks up potholes and speed bumps better than most family SUVs, although it does lean more in corners as a result.
The original version, sold from 2019, has three individual sliding rear seats and a boot of up to 720 litres. If you're looking at a 1.2-litre petrol model, it uses a timing belt that runs in oil, and our guide what is a wet belt explains what to check. The all-new second-generation car, launched in 2025, adds an electric version with an official range of up to 423 miles, a 651-litre boot, rear seatbacks that recline, and front seats with heating, ventilation and massage on higher trims.
2. Volvo XC40
Proof that you don't need a big car to be comfortable, the Volvo XC40 is a small premium SUV that has performed well for comfort in independent tests and owner surveys alike. Its front seats are among the best you'll find at this price, offering plenty of support on long drives, and the cabin stays calm and quiet at motorway speeds.
The XC40 arrived in 2018. Current versions use 161bhp B3 or 194bhp B4 mild-hybrid petrol engines, while the electric version, which was originally sold as the XC40 Recharge, is now called the EX40. For the softest ride, choose a car with smaller alloy wheels, as the bigger wheels on top trims make it a little firmer. The boot holds 443 litres, which is fine for most small families. Find an XC40 in our listings, or see our pick of the best small SUVs for more ideas.
3. Kia EV9
Need seven seats? The Kia EV9 is a big electric SUV that's as relaxing for passengers as it is for the driver. The electric motors are near-silent, and on the six-seat GT-Line S, the two middle-row chairs are heated and cooled and can even swivel round. The ride deals well with potholes, although it can feel a little busy on some rougher surfaces.
Every EV9 has a 99.8kWh battery. The single-motor car has 201bhp and an official range of up to 349 miles, while the dual-motor version has around 380bhp and up to 313 miles. The boot holds 333 litres with all seven seats in place. The EV9 arrived in the UK in 2023, so Kia's seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty, which transfers to the next owner, means a used car still has plenty of cover left. You'll find them in our listings, or browse all seven-seaters if you need the extra space.
4. Land Rover Range Rover
Land Rover's Range Rover has one of the smoothest rides of any SUV. It's also supremely quiet inside the cabin and incredibly comfortable, with lots of space and high levels of practicality. It should come as no surprise then, that the Range Rover is a favourite amongst the British royal family. And no doubt that's because of its high levels of comfort and its outstanding 4×4 performance on and off the road.
Again, it's another class leader in this category. Like the S-Class, it's also a car well-suited for drivers and being driven in alike, reinforced by optional extras like executive seating with even wider and deeper cushioning (on top of the already comfortable seats) and two LCD screens in the rear for entertainment.
The current Range Rover, launched in 2022, has air suspension as standard, along with a clever system that keeps the body flat in corners and four-wheel steering that turns the rear wheels by up to 7 degrees, making parking easier. The long-wheelbase version offers more than a metre of rear legroom, and the P460e and P550e plug-in hybrids can officially cover up to 75 miles on electric power. Air suspension can be costly to fix as these cars age, so an older example is a good candidate for an independent check, which our guide on pre-purchase inspections explains. Browse used examples in our listings.
5. Bentley Bentayga
Of course, when it comes to the most luxurious and comfortable SUV, the Bentley Bentayga is in a league of its own. The super-SUV is sensational with an incredibly lavish cabin lined in the finest of materials and packed to the brim with state-of-the-art technology. Driving along the road, adaptive air suspension glides over the tarmac for a smooth, relaxing, and very refined ride experience. Paired with acoustic glass, it's supremely quiet too.
Furthermore, Bentley provides an extensive list of options for you to personalise the interior to match your tastes and to increase the impeccably high levels of comfort, with a range of leathers and veneers. Four- and five-seat layouts are available, and some earlier cars were offered with seven seats.
For the ultimate in comfort, look for the Bentayga EWB, launched in 2022. Its wheelbase is 180mm longer for extra rear legroom, and the optional Airline Seat Specification gives rear passengers a 22-way adjustable seat that reclines to 40 degrees, with a footrest. It even senses your temperature and makes tiny adjustments to your posture as you travel. Power comes from a 542bhp twin-turbo V8.
Comfort is personal, so the best test is always your own. Try to take a test drive on roads you know well, ideally including a bumpy stretch and a motorway, and spend a few minutes setting up the seat and steering wheel properly. If you've got a bad back or do lots of long journeys, adjustable lumbar support is worth looking out for.
Wheel size makes a big difference too. Bigger alloys look great, but the thinner tyres that come with them pass more bumps into the cabin, so the same car can feel noticeably softer on smaller wheels. If you're looking at an older luxury car with air suspension, make sure it sits level, and check its MOT history on GOV.UK for any suspension advisories. Our used car viewing checklist covers the other things to look out for, and once you've found the one, our essential checks before a long car journey will help you get the most out of it on your first big trip.
Most comfortable cars: frequently asked questions
What is the most comfortable car in the UK?
If money is no object, the Rolls-Royce Phantom is the most comfortable car you can buy, thanks to its camera-controlled air suspension and incredibly quiet cabin. For a more realistic budget, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and E-Class, Skoda Superb and Citroen C3 are some of the most comfortable cars in their classes.
What is the most comfortable SUV in the UK?
The Bentley Bentayga and Range Rover are the most comfortable SUVs on sale in the UK. If you're on a tighter budget, the Citroen C5 Aircross is one of the comfiest family SUVs, and the Volvo XC40 is a great choice if you want something smaller.
Are electric cars more comfortable?
They can be. With no engine noise, vibration or gearchanges, electric cars like the Volkswagen ID.7 and Kia EV9 are very relaxing to travel in. However, their heavy batteries mean some have a firmer ride than an equivalent petrol car, so it's always worth a test drive.
Is air suspension worth having on a used car?
Air suspension gives a wonderfully smooth ride, but it can be expensive to repair once a car is older or has covered a high mileage. If you're buying a car that has it, check it sits level and doesn't sag overnight, look for a full service history and consider an independent inspection before you buy.
Searching for a comfortable ride in your next used car? We've got plenty for you to choose from at Cazoo
Whether you're after a soft-riding supermini, a whisper-quiet electric car or a full-size luxury SUV, you'll find thousands of used cars from trusted dealers across the UK in our listings. If you want something really special, our luxury cars page is a great place to start, or head to our SUV landing page to see every used SUV we have on sale.