The best-selling cars in the UK: can anything catch the Ford Puma?

The Ford Puma is still standing strong at the top of the list of the UK’s best-selling cars, seven months into the year. 

But can the compact crossover hold firm until the end of 2025? If it does, it’ll be the second consecutive year as the UK’s top model. 

While it has been a successful start to the year for the Puma, the overall new car market is struggling slightly, but there are signs of progress. 

New car registrations increased 6.4% year on year in June to 191,316. Additionally, electric car sales remained robust, increasing by 39.1% year-over-year to 47,354. 

But which are the top 10 best-selling cars of the year so far? Keep reading to find out, with data directly from the SMMT. 

The most popular new cars of 2025

1. Ford Puma – 26,355 units

The best-selling car of 2024 had a slow start to this year but three months of consistently strong performance pushed it back to the top spot, where it has sat since February. 

The Puma appeals because it’s engaging to drive and attractively priced, plus it offers the option of a hot Puma ST variant.t

The arrival of the electric Ford Puma Gen-E should give it an additional boost. 

Read our Ford Puma review

2. Kia Sportage – 23,012 units

The Kia Sportage finished fourth in the 2024 sales charts, and we suspect the people of Seoul will be thrilled to see the SUV retain second place for the second consecutive month. 

Consistency is the key to this family SUV. It entered its fifth generation at the tail end of 2022 and still looks fresh, eye-catching and modern.

Its mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains ensure a great variety for buyers, too.

Read our Kia Sportage review

3. Nissan Qashqai – 22,085 units

The Nissan Qashqai was the UK’s best-seller in 2022, but it has since been outpaced by rivals, finishing second in 2023 and third in 2024.

That said, it’s still extremely popular and continues to appeal to buyers here with its excellent practicality.

The British-built family crossover’s appeal has also no doubt been bolstered by the addition of electrified powertrains for its third generation. 

Read our Nissan Qashqai review

4. Vauxhall Corsa – 20,128 units

The sales figures for the evergreen Vauxhall Corsa have been a bit up and down of late. It was the best-seller of 2021 but failed to place in the top 10 for 2024. So Vauxhall will be happy to have it performing well again.

A 2024 facelift and keen finance offers have given the supermini a real shot in the arm, and it’s deserving of its place on the podium.

Today, the Corsa offers great value for money, with strong, economical powertrains and a pretty impressive roster of digital tech.

Read our Vauxhall Corsa review

5. Nissan Juke – 18,527 units

The Nissan Juke remains a popular car among UK buyers, having finished 2024 in fourth place.

The small SUV went on sale with a brand-new design in 2020 and then a facelifted version arrived in the middle of 2023, along with hybrid power for the first time.

Read our Nissan Juke review

6. Volkswagen Golf – 16,884 units

The Golf isn’t quite as popular as it once was, but it’s still a top pick for drivers on the hunt for a good all-round family hatchback or estate. In fact, it has been slowly creeping its way back up the charts.

The German stalwart has been kept fresh with a wide-reaching technology update, a design revamp, a more powerful GTI hot hatch and a longer-range plug-in hybrid, so it could climb higher still. 

Read our Volkswagen Golf review 

7. MG HS – 16,115 units

The MG HS offers nothing short of class-leading value for money.

Available with a petrol engine or a more frugal plug-in hybrid, the family crossover also comes with good levels of equipment as standard, including a 10.1in touchscreen, a 360deg parking camera and smartphone mirroring

Read out MG HS review

8. Hyundai Tucson – 15,496

The Hyundai Tucson is one of the UK’s most popular SUVs and regularly appears in the top 10.

Arguably the most premium option on the list, it’s also one of the most interesting to look at, with a unique, eye-catching lighting arrangement. Its plush interior and range of electrified powertrains are attractive propositions for many Brits.

Read our Hyundai Tucson review

9. Volvo XC40 – 15,267 units

Despite being eight years old, the Volvo XC40 is often seen in the top 10, and now it’s further securing its position ahead of the similarly premium Hyundai Tucson. 

A well-rounded model, the XC40 is a compelling SUV for buyers after something a bit more posh-feeling. Its interior is still one of the best around for technology and material quality. 

It’s currently available with a choice of mild-hybrid powertrains with either 159bhp or 194bhp, which propels it on from 0-62mph in as little as 7.6sec.

An electric version is also available, badged EX40.

Read our Volvo XC40 review

10. Volkswagen Tiguan – 15,223 units

Volkswagen’s popular family SUV has long been one of its best sellers, and it’s the brand’s second model on this list after the Golf. 

A practical and versatile option, the Tiguan gets a wide range of powertrains, including petrols, diesels and plug-in hybrids. 

Standard equipment is good too, with a reversing camera, parking sensors, wireless smartphone mirroring and dual digital screens all basic equipment.  

Read our Volkswagen Tiguan review