Best Japanese Cars to Buy in the UK in 2025

Japan has always been at the forefront of high-performance cars and innovative tech. Over time, Japanese performance cars have gone from being rare imports to dominating UK roads.

What started with a few JDM models soon earned Japanese cars a great reputation for mixing smart tech with everyday practicality. If you’re after something reliable, eco-friendly, or just more fun to drive, Japan has a car for you. In this list, we’ll check out some of the best Japanese cars available, from everyday rides to luxury SUVs.

Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 is one of those cars that make driving fun. It’s long been a favourite of anyone who wants an affordable, two-seater sports car — small, lightweight, and built for winding roads.

There’s no over-complication here. A naturally aspirated small engine sits up front, power goes to the rear wheels, and the balance feels just right. Turbocharged hatchbacks might be faster, but they don’t deliver the same engaging driving experience.

It doesn’t have the roomiest interior, so you’ll need to pack light, but the boot is fine for a weekend away or a quick shopping trip.

Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition

The Toyota GR86 gets everything right. It’s balanced, exciting, and designed to make every drive feel special. With more engine power than the GT86, it’s just as fun in a straight line as it is in the corners. And when it comes to corners, the GR86 delivers an exciting, tail-happy experience.

The Trueno Edition brings a touch of nostalgia and pays homage to the iconic AE86. It features black details on the bonnet, retro-inspired graphics, a sleek ducktail spoiler, and lightweight black wheels for a classic look. For those who want even more, there’s a Performance Package with Sachs dampers and Brembo brakes.

Nissan Z Coupe Nismo

Nissan has taken its latest Z car to the next level with the Nismo-tuned Nissan Z Coupe Nismo. It has more power and looks much fiercer than the standard version.

The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 now puts out 420hp and 521Nm, with an extra 20hp and 46Nm added to the mix. It’s fast — 0-62mph should take under four seconds — and it feels like it’s built to own every curve in the road.

Also, the Nismo has strengthened the chassis, upgraded the suspension with stiffer springs and new dampers, and added 19-inch Rays alloy wheels wrapped in grippy Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres.

Honda Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R has earned its place as one of the top hot hatchbacks. The latest model, the FL5, is ready to take on its newer 300hp-plus rivals, but it sticks to what it knows best — front-wheel drive, a manual gearbox, and VTEC power.

This new version builds on the much-loved FK8 and offers a more powerful engine that pushes out 329hp and updates to the suspension and chassis for more grip. The interior also gets a much-needed refresh.

It’s a bit pricier than the previous Type R, but with all the upgrades and that signature driving experience, it’s well worth it.

Lexus LC

In a market dominated by European ideas of luxury, the Lexus LC is a unique, refined choice. After years of following Western design trends, the LC brings something distinctly Japanese to the market.

The hybrid model ties in with Toyota’s focus on eco-friendly technology, but if we had to choose, the LC500 V8 is the one. Its engine is just as unique as its design. It may have a small boot, tight back seats, and be pricey, but none of that matters once you see the Lexus LC. The interior is crafted to a high standard.

Prodrive P25

Built by Prodrive, the P25 is a car for anyone who grew up in the 1990s, when the sound of a Subaru flat-four engine was common background noise. Many could only dream of owning a rally car back then, but now, if you’ve got the money, the P25 lets you live that dream. At £500,000 each and with only 25 ever made, it’s a serious investment, but for those lucky enough to buy one, it’s well worth it.

If you can afford it, the P25 is one of the best road-going rally cars you can get. It has a carbon-fibre body and a 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four engine that produces 446hp.

Toyota GR Yaris

The 1.8-litre supercharged Toyota Yaris GRMN didn’t quite hit the mark in the hot hatch market. However, Toyota’s second try, the GR Yaris, is a whole different story. Originally, it was developed as a WRC car for Toyota’s rally team, but they decided to turn the GR Yaris into a road car anyway.

Despite being a small three-door hatchback, the GR Yaris is full of impressive features. It has a four-wheel-drive system powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces up to 272hp.

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla, a close rival to the iconic Honda Civic, was made for a similar purpose. Like the Civic, the original Corolla quickly became popular for being an affordable and reliable family vehicle. The 12th-generation model still targets the same audience.

Under the hood, the Corolla features Toyota’s self-charging hybrid powertrain, which the brand has been refining since the ‘90s. It can return up to 64mpg. The combination of electric driving at lower speeds and a smooth CVT gearbox makes it easy to drive around the city, but it’s also surprisingly fun to take along a twisty B-road.

Toyota Land Cruiser

While the Land Rover Defender represents Britain, and Germany has the Mercedes G-Class, Japan’s got the Toyota Land Cruiser — a tough, go-anywhere 4x4 that’s been around since 1951.

The latest model is the most capable yet. It sticks to its rugged roots with a traditional ladder-frame chassis and a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, but it’s more refined than before.

The Land Cruiser has always been known for its reliability, and now the latest model includes modern updates like an interior with infotainment screens and hybrid engines. It’s built for tough off-roading with all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, a low-range gearbox, locking differentials, and removable anti-roll bars.

Mitsuoka Buddy

Mitsuoka’s cars are always a sight to behold. There’s something uniquely Japanese about their miniaturised versions of classic British cars, but they’re also known for transforming iconic American cars into their own quirky designs.

Take the Rock Star, for instance — built on the MX-5, it has the look of a Corvette Stingray. Their latest creation is the Buddy, their first SUV. Based on the Toyota RAV4, it gets a boxy redesign that’s a tribute to the ‘80s Chevrolet Blazer, and it’s complete with BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres and steel wheels.

Lexus RX

If you’re after something a little different in the luxury SUV market, consider the Lexus RX. It has a sleek design and offers a less common yet equally luxurious Japanese alternative to its German rivals. As Lexus’ largest model, it shows off the brand’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship.

The RX isn’t quite as sporty as the other models on the list, but that’s not its goal. Lexus designed it to prioritise comfort. If you go for the self-charging hybrid or the more powerful plug-in version, you’ll have plenty of power for a smooth drive. Plus, with the option of four-wheel steering, it’s surprisingly easy to handle in tight spots.

Conclusion

Japanese cars have built a reputation for being reliable. They’re packed with smart tech and excellent interior materials, and they’re a blast to drive. In this article, we’ve taken a look at a variety of models that really capture what makes them so special, no matter what you’re after. These are the best Japanese cars, and they’re a great example of how Japanese design stands the test of time.

And if you’re considering buying or leasing, Carplus makes the process easier. We’ll help you compare deals and find the best offers in the UK so you can drive away with a car that fits your lifestyle perfectly.