10 Best Selling Cars in the UK (2025 Update)

According to the SMMT data, there has been a significant increase in sales of vehicles since the 2021 Covid lockdown, with around 312,891 new cars registered this year till September 2025. This year, PHEV has more sales than in the previous year, with a 56.4% increase. More than half (50.8%) of all new vehicles registered during the 75-plate month were electrified. In this blog, we have listed the 10 best selling cars and why people love buying these cars. 

2025 Year-to-Date New Registrations in the UK

Rank	Car Model	Registrations (YTD 2025)	Price Range (GBP)
1	Ford Puma	41,531	£22,000 – £28,000
2	Kia Sportage	38,734	£25,000 – £32,000
3	Nissan Qashqai	32,789	£23,500 – £31,000
4	Vauxhall Corsa	29,327	£17,500 – £24,000
5	Nissan Juke	27,894	£20,000 – £27,500
6	Volkswagen Golf	25,163	£24,000 – £33,000
7	MG HS	24,104	£25,000 – £32,500
8	Hyundai Tucson	23,730	£26,000 – £35,000
9	Volkswagen Tiguan	23,730	£28,000 – £38,000
10	Volvo XC40	22,941	£32,000 – £43,000

10 Best-Selling Cars in the UK

1. Ford Puma

Registrations (YTD): 41,531

Ford is the UK’s most prominent car manufacturer, and the Ford Puma has dominated the sales.  It’s a compact crossover with a stylish design and efficient mild hybrid technology. It is known for its MegaBox with a unique, deep 80-litre underfloor boot compartment. 

The Puma’s success comes from its low running costs, efficient mild-hybrid engine, and reliability.

Key Specs

• Fuel type: Petrol / Mild Hybrid
• Body type: Crossover SUV
• Seating: 5
• Insurance group: 16–18

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Practical, fuel-efficient, easy to park, mild-hybrid options
• Cons: Rear seats slightly cramped, infotainment system can be basic

2. Kia Sportage

Registrations (YTD): 38,734

It is the UK’s best-selling SUV and is considered as king of family SUVs. It is known for its modern styling, efficient engines, and a seven-year warranty. Sportage is perfectly aligned with what the modern family buyer demands. 

Due to its 7-year warranty, buyers are always at peace of mind, and it significantly boosts the car’s resale value.

Key Specs

• Fuel type: MHEV, HEV, PHEV
• Body type: Compact SUV
• Seating: 5
• Insurance group: 17–20

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Spacious, comfortable, efficient engines, long warranty
• Cons: Handling not as sharp as some rivals, infotainment can lag

3. Nissan Qashqai

Registrations (YTD): 32,789

Next up, we have the Nissan Qashqai, which has long been a UK favourite in the compact SUV segment. It maintains its position as being a reliable, practical and comfortable car. Qashqai’s updated design and modern tech keep it competitive and appealing. 

The Qashqai directly competes in the highly competitive compact SUV (crossover) segment, like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Nonetheless, it received notably positive feedback from Qashqai users.

Key Specs

• Fuel type: Petrol, Diesel, Mild Hybrid
• Body type: Compact SUV
• Seating: 5
• Insurance group: 17–19

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Comfortable ride, good interior space, strong resale, modern tech
• Cons: Slightly higher running costs than rivals, conservative styling 

4. Vauxhall Corsa

Registrations (YTD): 29,327

The Vauxhall Corsa is the UK’s most popular small car and consistently positioned among the top-selling cars. It is known for its affordable running costs, compact size, and city-friendly practicality. 

Its attractive starting price and typically low operating and insurance expenses position it as a smart financial option. The latest generation features make it more attractive and appeal to different age groups.

Key Specs:

• Fuel type: Petrol, Diesel, Electric (e-Corsa)
• Body type: Hatchback
• Seating: 5
• Insurance group: 9–14

 Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Affordable, easy to park, low running costs, electric option available
• Cons: Rear seats and boot smaller than rivals, infotainment can feel basic

5. Nissan Juke

Registrations (YTD): 26,995

The British-built Nissan Juke continues its run as one of the UK’s favourite compact SUVs. The Juke is known for its bold style, efficient engine and easy manoeuvrability. It is equipped with Intelligent Emergency Braking and a comprehensive suite of safety systems. Its impressive safety features have contributed to achieving a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

Key Specs:

• Fuel type: Petrol, Mild Hybrid
• Body type: Compact SUV
• Seating: 5
• Insurance group: 16–18

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Unique design, compact yet practical, fuel-efficient engines
• Cons: Rear seat space is limited, infotainment can feel dated

6. Volkswagen Golf

Registrations (YTD): 25,163

Next we have the Volkswagen Golf, which continues its legacy as a top-selling family hatchback in the UK. It is known for its high-quality interior materials, solid build, and refined driving experience. 

However, the line-up offers a great choice of powertrains, including efficient turbocharged petrol (TSI) and mild-hybrid (eTSI) options. 

Key Specs:

• Fuel type: Petrol, Diesel, Mild Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
• Body type: Hatchback
• Seating: 5
• Insurance group: 15–18

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Premium feel, practical, efficient engines, strong resale value
• Cons: Higher starting price than some rivals, infotainment system can be complex

7. MG HS

Registrations (YTD): 24,104

The MG HS has quickly made its position in the UK car market and has become a popular choice in the family SUV segment. It is equipped with advanced features, which make it an exceptional value for money. 

However, its success is often attributed to it significantly undercutting rivals in price, like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. 

Key Specs:

• Fuel type: Petrol, Plug-in Hybrid
• Body type: Mid-size SUV
• Seating: 5
• Insurance group: 17–20

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Spacious interior, good specification, affordable, hybrid option
• Cons: Less established brand than competitors, depreciation slightly higher

8. Hyundai Tucson

Registrations (YTD): 23,730

The Hyundai Tucson is consistently the UK’s favourite car. It is known for its reliability, spacious interior and modern technology.  It provides a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty, which offers buyers peace of mind and enhances its resale value.

 Key Specs:

• Fuel type: Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
• Body type: Mid-size SUV
• Seating: 5
• Insurance group: 17–20

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Spacious and practical, reliable, efficient hybrid options, long warranty
• Cons: Styling is conservative, driving dynamics not as sporty as rivals

9. Volkswagen Tiguan

Registrations (YTD): 23,730

Second last one, with 23,730 sales, we have the Volkswagen Tiguan, which has been praised as a great all-rounder in the family SUV class. Its practicality, comfortable ride, and strong build quality make it ideal for families. Furthermore, it maintains a strong resale value. 

Key Specs:

• Fuel type: Petrol, Diesel, Mild Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
• Body type: Mid-size SUV
• Seating: 5
• Insurance group: 18–22

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Spacious and comfortable, efficient engines, premium feel, good resale value
• Cons: Higher starting price than rivals, infotainment can be complex

10. Volvo XC40

Registrations (YTD): 22,941

The Vovlo XC40 stands out as a highly popular premium compact SUV in the UK. The success is due to a blend of Swedish design, advanced safety features and practicality. It is stylish and chunky, which offers a premium, high-quality interior cabin.

Key Specs:

• Fuel type: Petrol, Diesel, Mild Hybrid, Fully Electric (Recharge)
• Body type: Compact SUV
• Seating: 5
• Insurance group: 18–21

 Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Premium feel, safe and reliable, efficient engines including EV, stylish design
• Cons: Higher purchase price, rear space slightly limited compared to rivals

Conclusion: Best-Selling Car in the UK

The year 2025 has been the best for the UK car market since the 2021 Covid lockdown. There has been a 13.7% increase in sales from last year. There has been a rapid rise in MPHEV demand of more than 50% from last year. The data shows that there will be more sales in the coming year. From the sporty Ford Puma to the premium Volvo XC40, these top 10 models combine popularity with strong resale value and are equipped with modern tech.

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