.png){kind=logo}
Ford Puma tops UK charts with over 46,000 units sold in 2025.
Compact SUVs dominate as electrification gradually gains traction.
Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai lead the hybrid SUV trend.
The current UK car market paints a clear picture of shifting preferences. SUVs, hybrids, and electrics are gaining prominence. Preliminary data from the SMMT indicated approximately 1.72 million new cars registered up until October 2025, a rise of 3.9% from 2024. Here’s how those top models shaped this evolving landscape, along with what they cost on the road.
Ford Puma wins its crown again as the UK’s best-selling car of 2025 with nearly 46,000 units sold to date. Once a sporty offshoot of the Fiesta, the Puma has grown up into Ford’s most successful compact SUV: it is practical, stylish, and fun to drive.
The mild-hybrid powertrain is incredibly efficient, and with a spacious boot, it’s agile on British roads.
Ex-showroom price (approx.): £25,500
On-road price (OTR): £26,245 onwards for the Titanium variant
Top variant OTR: Circa £31,000
The forthcoming Puma Gen-E, in all-electric form, confirms Ford’s drive for electrification but strong mainstream appeal.
Kia Sportage, in second place with over 38,000 units sold, is the perfect example of a family SUV: big enough for those family trips, compact enough for city life.
Strong build quality, modern interior, and a seven-year warranty are just a few reasons why Kia is a smart, long-term buy.
Ex-showroom price (approx.): £25,900
On-road price (OTR): £26,745 onwards for the base ‘2’ 1.6 T-GDi model
Hybrid and PHEV versions: from £33,000 to £41,000 OTR
Its hybrid and plug-in hybrid have broadened the Sportage’s appeal to assist Kia in continuing a premium image without the premium price.
Nissan Qashqai, the model that created the crossover segment, also remains strong in 2025, with more than 32,000 units registered so far.
A Sunderland-built model, it has huge local loyalty and consistently features among the most trusted cars in the United Kingdom. The e-Power version’s hybrid system drives like an EV, but doesn’t require charging, is a big draw for cautious buyers.
Ex-showroom price (approx.): £29,800
Price (OTR): £30,615 onwards for the base 1.3 DIG-T 140 PS Mild Hybrid
e-Power hybrid: from £34,860 OTR
It’s a go-to choice for families who value comfort, dependability, and British-built quality.
Proving that small hatchbacks still have a place even amid the SUV craze, Vauxhall Corsa has risen to be the best-selling non-SUV in the UK, with nearly 29,000 examples sold. It’s affordable and compact, making it perfect for first-time buyers and those living in the city.
Ex-showroom price (approx.): £18,500
On-road price (OTR): £19,625 onwards for the petrol version
Corsa Electric: Around £27,500 OTR
Corsa comes in both a petrol and an electric variant, and the nameplate remains timeless, successfully adapting to modern needs.
Rounding off the top five is Nissan Juke, still going strong with some 28,000 units sold. Its avant-garde appearance, compact dimensions, and youthful vibe mean it’s a favorite among metropolitan buyers.
The addition of hybrid powertrains and upgraded interiors has expanded its circle of devotees well beyond the fashionistas.
Ex-showroom price (approx.): £22,500
OTR: £23,800 onwards (base model)
Hybrid variants: Up to £29,000 OTR
But Jukes proves that fashion and function can come together.
Also Read: Top New Electric Cars Launching in Australia in 2026
Absolutely, four of the top five best-sellers are SUVs or crossovers, confirming Britain’s love affair with high-riding, practical vehicles. The traditional hatchback is shrinking in popularity, though models like Corsa show that value and efficiency can still win buyers.
The transition is gathering pace, but it’s not complete. Battery-electric vehicles now comprise 22.4% of new registrations, a UK record, but the best sellers are still largely petrol or mild-hybrid. Consumers are warming to electrification, but high costs and limited charging networks are still deterrents.
Also Read: Best Electric Cars for Families in 2025
UK car buyers in 2025 face a market at a crossroads: between offering more value for money and innovating. While reliability, comfort, and efficiency remain key priorities among buyers, electrified options are making long strides. With Ford, Kia, and Nissan committed to unveiling new EVs across their respective UV lineups, it is going to be an interesting few years.
In a nutshell, 2025’s best-seller shows that Britain’s love for compact SUVs remains unshaken, while the engines powering them are quietly evolving. The road ahead is electric, just not all at once.
1. What is the most sold car in the UK in 2025?
The Ford Puma is the best-seller of 2025 with a sales volume of approximately 46,000 units, which gives it a great position in the compact SUV segment.
2. Will electric cars be among the top sellers in the UK in 2025?
Not yet. The majority of the best-selling cars are petrol or hybrid, while the market for fully electric cars is only about 22%.
3. Which SUV is the winner in terms of value for families?
The Kia Sportage with hybrid options, spacious interiors, and a seven-year warranty is the best value for the long run for families.
4. Is the Vauxhall Corsa still a favorite in 2025?
The Corsa is still the best-selling hatchback in the UK; it is affordable and available in both petrol and electric versions.
5. What is the cost range of the top-selling cars in 2025?
The top models vary from £19,000 to £35,000 depending on variant and powertrain, which could be petrol, hybrid, or electric.
