10 Best Top Gear U.K. Episodes of All Time
If you’re into cars, chances are you’ve not only heard of Top Gear but also watched at least a few episodes of it—it’s the most popular TV show about cars and driving in the world, after all. However, even if you’re not particularly into cars, there’s plenty to enjoy, as the oddball trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May horse around with pretty much anything that moves under its own power—or doesn’t. The arrival of 25 seasons of Top Gear on the streaming platform means fans can now indulge in over 240 hours of automotive entertainment.
Even if you’ve seen every episode of Top Gear U.K. or you’re completely new to the series, the huge collection of content is reason to celebrate. Here are the 10 highest-rated episodes according to viewer rankings on IMDb, organized by season and episode number.
1. Vietnam Special
With just eight days to traverse 1,000 miles of Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay on motorcycles, this episode highlights the characters of Hammond’s Minsk, May’s Honda Super Cub, and Clarkson’s Piaggio Vespa, making it a memorable escapade.
2. Bolivia Special
Once again, Hammond, May, and Clarkson face a 1,000-mile trek through the Amazon rainforest, over the Andes, and to the Chilean coast, driving used off-roaders purchased for less than $5,000. Their adventures with these vehicles lead to surprising results.
3. Cheap High-Mileage SUV Challenge
This episode centers on the challenge of finding a worthy classic car at an affordable price. The trio faces various trials, and the competition between their chosen vehicles results in plenty of humor and insightful moments.
4. Africa Special Part 1
In this two-part special, the gang travels to the source of the Nile, tackling challenges in sub-$2,000 cars as they explore landscapes in Uganda and Tanzania, providing both entertainment and education about geography and culture.
5. Burma Special Part 2
This episode sees Clarkson, Hammond, and May faced with the challenge of building a bridge capable of supporting their trucks, all while traversing the scenic yet perilous landscapes of Thailand.
6. Botswana Special
This episode captures the essence of the boys’ love for their vehicles, showcasing some breathtaking cinematography as they drive through Botswana’s stunning terrain, all while dealing with comical mishaps.
7. Middle East Special
In this episode, the trio sets out to replicate a biblical journey across modern-day Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Jordan, navigating through stunning landscapes and unexpected events.
8. The Boys Build Their Own Motorhomes
This episode showcases the trio’s ludicrous designs for motorhomes, creating some of the most outrageous automotive modifications seen on the show, ultimately leading to spectacular failures.
9. Volkswagen Touareg vs. Swedish Snowmobiles
While the episode features a remarkable showdown between a Volkswagen Touareg and Swedish snowmobiles, the highlight is May’s jaw-dropping speed test with the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, pushing the limits of automotive performance.
10. The Boys and the Stig Race Across St. Petersburg
This thrilling race in St. Petersburg sees the trio competing against The Stig in a variety of vehicles, proving that the fun never stops on Top Gear.
Honorable Mention: U.S. Roadtrip Special
This episode delves into the trio’s comedic escapades as they journey across America in cars that fuel their wild adventures, offering lots of laughs and memorable moments.
Explore Top Gear U.K.
The ultimate Top Gear U.K. collection is available for car enthusiasts and comedy lovers alike, providing endless entertainment filled with hilarious moments, thrilling adventures, and insightful automotive exploration.
