Honest John Guides

Best-selling cars in the UK 2025

British car buyers' appetite for SUVs continues in 2025 with eight of them making the top 10 best-sellers list for the first nine months of the year, headed overall by the Ford Puma.

Last year's best-selling car, the Ford Puma, has retained its position at the top of the sales charts so far in 2025 according to the latest official registration figures supplied by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Although the Kia Sportage ran it very close during 2024, the Puma remains the current year-to-date best-seller. It chalked-up a further 8310 registrations in September 2025 but that was only enough for the month's second place, with the Sportage topping the first 30 days of 75-plate registrations with 9455.

That eight of 2025's 10 best-sellers so far are SUVs should surprise nobody given how in-demand these high-rise models have been for years. Car buyers appreciate their elevated seating positions and additional practicality — whether there's an additional belief that they're more adept at dealing with the nation's pot-holed roads is surely worthy of an academic study.

For the first nine months of 2025 1,578,172 cars have been registered, representing a positive 4.2% increase over 2024's tally of 1,514,094 over the corresponding period.

While the overall 2025 sales picture is bright, September's figures were boosted by being the first full month  of sales where a growing number of EVs were discounted thanks to the government's Electric Car Grant (ECG), as well as the aforementioned registration change.

Petrol-engined cars continue to dominate with 47.5% of 2025's sales although the 749,794 total represents a significant 8.2% decline over 2024's equivalent figures.

Electric cars now have a 22.1% market share so far in 2025 with 349,414 sales representing an enormous 29.4% increase compared with the same period in 2024. The chances of the UK maintaining its status as Europe's largest market for pure EVs looks increasingly likely but at a significant cost — the SMMT's figures indicate that car manufacturers have spent over £6.5billion incentivising electric models in order to meet the government mandates they're presently still falling short of.

Self-charging hybrids have captured a 14.1% slice of the market with 222,669 registrations — an 8.6% rise over the same months in 2024.

Plug-in hybrids represent the largest market growth in 2025, enjoying a 38.2% increase over 2024 so far, totting-up 172,639 sales for a 10.9% stake of the market.

Diesel's decline continues in the UK with an 14.3% fall in sales compared with 2024, taking just 5.3% of 2025's registrations so far. That still represents 83,656 cars making diesels worthwhile for those manufacturers which continue to offer such models.

Read on to find out more about 2025's best-selling UK cars — and how we rate them.

1. Ford Puma

41,531 registered

After a disappointing start to 2025's sales campaign, the Ford Puma seized the top spot in March with a very strong showing for the first full month of 25-plate registrations, flip-flopping between first and second positions each month since. With good reason, too — it's one of the very best cars on sale full stop, not just among small SUVs. The Ford Puma is blessed with excellent handling and a huge boot, making it both fun to drive and practical for younger families. Its range of mild hybrid 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines perfectly suit the Puma's sportiness, while its comfortable cabin makes it great for urban jaunts and long motorway trips. It's also available in fully electric guise as the Ford Puma Gen-E — will that model's introduction help it remain at the top for the rest of 2025?

Read our full Ford Puma review

2. Kia Sportage

38,734 registered

Kia Sportage facelift

The current Kia Sportage is a distinctive looking, family-sized SUV — although, arguably slightly less bold than the Hyundai Tucson it shares its underpinnings and engines with. It's no longer a budget buy, with a starting price north of £30,000 but you get masses of kit for your money, backed by Kia's seven-year warranty. Mild, self-charging and plug-in petrol hybrids are available but there's no diesel alternative these days. The facelifted Kia Sportage is now on sale — expect to see plenty of those refreshed models on the road in the latter half of 2025 judging by how it grabbed September's top sales position.

Read our full Kia Sportage review

3. Nissan Qashqai

32,789 registered

A mid-life makeover for the 2024's best-selling British-built car has reinvigorated the Nissan Qashqai, keeping it looking fresh-faced in the company of newer rivals — so much so it was June 2025's best-seller. It's an effective family SUV with a comfortable, good quality interior peppered with practical touches and complemented by an enormous boot. There's no diesel option as the range consists of mild hybrids and the self-charging variety — the latter, badged e-Power, operates in a way that maximises its its electric drive potential, making it a cost-effective plug-in hybrid alternative. 

Read our full Nissan Qashqai review

4. Vauxhall Corsa

29,327 registered

Getting off to a strong start in 2025 is the Vauxhall Corsa, aided and abetted by very attractive deals on its Yes specification models. These have seen a surge of buyers tempted to go battery-powered as the Yes-grade versions of the Vauxhall Corsa Electric are great value for money. Despite several manufacturers abandoning the small hatchback market, many customers still want new models of similar dimensions to what they're trading in, allowing various Stellantis brands to capitalise on the opportunity. With the Ford Fiesta now consigned to the annals of history, the Corsa could be picking up Blue Oval loyalists coming to the end of their PCP deals for a year or two more yet. 

Read our full Vauxhall Corsa review

5. Nissan Juke

26,995 registered

Strong sales have seen the Nissan Juke cement its Top 10 ranking overall for 2025's year-to-date sales. Built alongside the Qashqai in Nissan's northeastern England plant, the Juke's styling remains distinctive but isn't as divisive as the original's, broadening its appeal to the benefit of sales volumes. The Juke received a freshen-up in 2024 inside and out, although the engine range, shared with its Renault Captur cousin, remains essentially as before, with a choice of petrol and self-charging hybrids. Nissan has recently confirmed that an all-new electric-only Juke will go on sale during 2026 sitting below the all-new Leaf SUV in its line-up.

Read our full Nissan Juke review

6. Volkswagen Golf

25,163 registered

Comfort, solidity and fine handling are long-standing Volkswagen Golf hallmarks, qualities amplified further thanks to its 2024 facelift, which introduced a swathe of interior improvements that have largely banished our previous gripes about this VW. The best-selling non-SUV of 2024, the Golf's available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, in addition to mild and plug-in hybrid options, although the even roomier Volkswagen Golf Estate is no longer available to order. Underneath, the Golf continues to share hardware with the better-value SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia as well as the pricier Audi A3 and Cupra Leon.

Read our full Volkswagen Golf review

7. MG HS

24,104 registered

MG HS

Following a positive jump in sales during June, the MG HS is continuing to win buyers over with its combination of excellent value for money and high levels of standard equipment since this all-new model appeared in summer 2024. Like its predecessor, it's available in petrol-only and fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid guises, the latter appealing to those who don't yet feel ready to go full EV. Further expansion of the line-up from May 2025 also saw the arrival of the first self-charging hybrid-powered MG HS, providing even broader customer choice.

Read our full MG HS review

8. Hyundai Tucson

23,730 registered

Hyundai Tucson

Sharing its underpinnings and the full suite of mild, self-charging and plug-in hybrid-assisted engines with the Kia Sportage, the Hyundai Tucson is pitched a little further upmarket in terms of price, equipment and interior finish. Other than those factors there's little to separate them aside from which of the pair's styling appeals more and whether the Hyundai's five-year/unlimited mileage warranty would serve you better than the Kia's seven-year/100,000-mile alternative. Either way, the Tucson will provide years of reliable and fuel-efficient service.

Read our full Hyundai Tucson review

9. Volkswagen Tiguan

23,519 registered

British buyers have a long-standing fondness for the Volkswagen Tiguan which appears to have continued with this third-generation model. A strong start to 2025 has seen the VW vault into the top 10 for the year-to-date as the brand's second best-selling car, with only the Golf ahead of it. Spacious, well-equipped and built to a high standard, the Tiguan's a family focused SUV that can prove inexpensive to run with a choice of efficient petrols and diesels as well as eHybrid PHEV options. Note that the old seven-seater Tiguan Allspace has been replaced by the Volkswagen Tayron, so its sales tally isn't counted here.

Read our full Volkswagen Tiguan review

10. Volvo XC40

22,941 registered

Volvo XC40

Normally when a car's in the wintry end of the autumn of its production run, sales tend to tail-off dramatically, but that's not the case with the popular Volvo XC40. Today's line-up isn't as comprehensive as it used to be for the chunky SUV, restricted to just two mild hybrid-assisted petrols and only front-wheel drive. The fully electric version remains on sale but is now badged Volvo EX40 and therefore its sales aren't figured into this tally any more. Safe, well equipped and decent value, it will continue to defy its age for a while yet.

Read our full Volvo XC40 review

Which were the UK's best-selling cars in September 2025?

Some models experience spikes in their sales which see them enter the top 10 for a given month but not for the year overall. Statistics fans should note that this is the first time two Chinese branded cars have made the top 10 sales for a single month. Compare September 2025's top 10 below with the registrations for the year so far shown above:

  1. Kia Sportage — 9455 registrations
  2. Ford Puma — 8310 registrations
  3. Nissan Qashqai — 7218 registrations
  4. Jaecoo 7 — 6489 registrations
  5. Vauxhall Corsa — 5841 registrations
  6. BYD Seal U — 5373 registrations
  7. Hyundai Tucson — 5348 registrations
  8. MG HS — 5173 registrations
  9. Volkswagen Golf — 5147 registrations
  10. Volvo XC40 — 4942 registrations

Which were the UK's best-selling cars in August 2025?

Some models experience spikes in their sales which see them enter the top 10 for a given month but not for the year overall. Compare August 2025's top 10 below with the registrations for the year so far shown above:

  1. Ford Puma — 2457 registrations
  2. Kia Sportage — 1785 registrations
  3. Tesla Model Y — 1650 registrations
  4. Tesla Model 3 — 1593 registrations
  5. Volkswagen Tiguan — 1526 registrations
  6. Jaecoo 7 — 1367 registrations
  7. Audi A3 — 1290 registrations
  8. Vauxhall Corsa — 1290 registrations
  9. MINI Cooper — 1251 registrations
  10. MG HS — 1138 registrations

Which are the UK's best-selling car brands in 2025?

Volkswagen has enjoyed an impressive first nine months of 2025, still being the only brand to break 100,000 registrations so far. There's a significant gulf between its top-ranking sales tally and BMW in second place, which in turn has a modest margin over Kia in third.

After dominating the UK market for decades it still seems odd seeing Ford in fourth position ahead of Audi in fifth position. Rounding-out the top 10 — and separated by fewer than 5000 registrations — are Hyundai, Mercedes, Nissan, Toyota and Peugeot respectively. Vauxhall has dropped down to 11th place.

Of the recently launched Chinese brands BYD's sales tally continues to impress as it's broken into the top 20 for the first half of 2025. September's sales figures saw its Seal U plug-in hybrid SUV enter the top 10 for the month.

Meanwhile, the accumulated registrations of Chery, Jaecoo and Omoda, all part of the same company, are extraordinary compared with established names — combined together, the three brands would hold 20th position for the year so far. The Jaecoo 7 had its second consecutive month in the top 10 in September, claiming the title as the best-selling plug-in hybrid.

There's less happy reading at the bottom of the chart for newcomers Skywell with just 20 examples of its BE11 electric SUV registered so far in 2025. That's only one more than new entrant Changan, but we expect the latter to streak ahead by the year's end.

Ranking Brand Manufacturing Group  2025 Registrations (to end of September)
1 Volkswagen Volkswagen Group 140,795
2 BMW BMW Group 96,629
3 Kia Hyundai Motor Company 93,309
4 Ford Ford Motor Company 91,506
5 Audi Volkswagen Group 84,587
6 Hyundai Hyundai Motor Company 74,952
7 Mercedes Mercedes-Benz Group 73,238
8 Nissan Nissan Motor Corporation* 71,643
9 Toyota Toyota Motor Corporation 71,565
10 Peugeot Stellantis 70,637
11 Vauxhall Stellantis 66,415
12 Skoda Volkswagen Group 66,226
13 MG SAIC Motor Corporation 65,394
14 Volvo Zhejiang Geely Holding Group 51,839
15 Renault Renault Group* 48,728
16 Land Rover Tata Motors 48,257
17 BYD BYD Company 35,604
18 Tesla Tesla Inc. 34,944
19 MINI BMW Group 34,252
20 Cupra Volkswagen Group 30,764
21 Mazda Mazda Motor Corporation^ 26,895
22 Dacia Renault Group* 22,919
23 Honda Honda Motor Co. 20,497
24 SEAT Volkswagen Group 18,664
25 Jaecoo Chery Automobile Co. 18,170
26 Suzuki Suzuki Motor Corporation^ 14,308
27 Omoda Chery Automobile Co. 14,223
28 Citroen Stellantis 13,958
29 Porsche Volkswagen Group 12,630
30 Lexus Toyota Motor Corporation 13,190
31 Polestar Zhejiang Geely Holding Group 12,630
32 Jeep Stellantis 9,320
33 Fiat Stellantis 8,117
34 Other British   2,374
35 Alfa Romeo Stellantis 2,215
36 Subaru Subaru Corporation^ 1,743
37 Jaguar Tata Motors 1,725
38 Leapmotor Zhejiang Leapmotor# 1,535
39 Other Imports   1,365
40 Chery Chery Automobile Co. 1300
41 Smart Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely 1299
42 KGM KG Group 1,290
43 Genesis Hyundai Motor Company 1006
44 DS Stellantis 982
45 Alpine Renault Group* 918
46 Bentley Volkswagen Group 778
47 XPeng Guangzhou Xiaopeng Motors 509
48 GWM Great Wall Motor Company 419
49 Maserati Stellantis 274
50 Abarth Stellantis 261
51 Ineos Ineos Automotive 218
52 Chevrolet General Motors 68
53 Maxus SAIC Motor Corporation 44
54 Skywell Skyworth Group 20
55 Changan China Changan Automobile Group 19

*Strategic partnership within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance

^Shareholding owned by the Toyota Motor Corporation

#Shareholding owned by Stellantis

What are the UK's best-selling cars over the last 50 years?

Over the past 50 years the variety of brands, models, shapes and sizes of cars to have been the UK's annual-best-seller is extraordinary. Which of these cars have played a part in your motoring history?

What is the UK's best-selling car of all time?

With 4,132,294 sales to its name, the Ford Fiesta is the most popular car ever sold in the UK. Of course, that's the total number of cars badged Fiesta over seven generations across six different decades: