The best-selling cars in the UK: Ford Puma still tops the charts

As we step closer to the tail end of 2025, one car has stood head and shoulders above the rest.

In terms of sales numbers, the Ford Puma still reigns supreme as the most popular car in the UK. Should it maintain this position until the end of 2025, it will mark its second consecutive year as the top model in the UK.

Despite a strong year for the Puma, the broader new car market is experiencing fluctuations, and the industry continues to face unprecedented challenges. 

In August, 82,908 cars were registered, representing a drop of 2% year-on-year. That said, electric car sales continued to rise, growing by 14.9% year-on-year, up to 21,969 units. 

That number is expected to grow further in the coming months, as the government’s newly revised electric vehicle grant begins to impact more cars, with savings of up to £3750 on some models. 

But which cars are currently the most popular in the UK, and can any of them get close to Ford's crossover? For the definitive list of the top 10 best-selling cars of the year to date, based on SMMT data, read on…

The most popular new cars of 2025

1. Ford Puma – 33,221 units

The best-selling car of 2024 has been so popular again this year that it's been glued to the top spot 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.

The arrival of the electric Ford Puma Gen-E should give it an additional boost, although sales will be counted separately for that model. 

Read our Ford Puma review

2. Kia Sportage – 29,279 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 consistently cling to second place through most of the year. 

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 – 25,571 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 – 23,486 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 what could end up being a podium finish.

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 – 22,457 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 – 20,016 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.

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.

Read our Volkswagen Golf review 

7. Volkswagen Tiguan - 19,276 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 standard equipment.  

Read our Volkswagen Tiguan review

8. MG HS - 18,931 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

9. Peugeot 2008 - 18,662 units

The Peugeot 2008 continues to be a sales success for the French firm, offering style, frugal hybrid powertrains and the option to go electric. 

Its generous standard equipment is decent for its circa-£28,000 list price and includes front and rear parking sensors, a 10in infotainment touchscreen and active safety braking. 

Read our Peugeot 2008 review

10. Hyundai Tucson - 18,382 units

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