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From the Ford Puma to the Kia Sportage, discover the UK’s best-selling cars of 2025 and 2026 and what every new owner needs to know about tyres and maintenance.
The UK new car market has had a genuinely remarkable couple of years. In 2025, total new car registrations surpassed the two million mark for the first time since before the pandemic, with a total of 2,020,373 new cars registered according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. SUVs dominated the charts, electric and hybrid sales climbed steadily, and a handful of familiar names continued to cement their status as British driver favourites.
Whether you are looking to buy one of the most popular models on the road, or you already own one and want to understand what it needs to stay in top condition, this guide covers the complete picture. From the cars topping the sales charts to the tyre and maintenance considerations every new owner should know, this is the complete 2025 to 2026 UK best-sellers breakdown.
The UK New Car Market: What the Numbers Tell Us
Before getting into the models themselves, the broader market picture is worth understanding. It sets the context for which cars are selling, why, and what kind of driving they are built for.
Electric cars made strong inroads into the UK market in 2025, accounting for 23.4% of new car sales, boosted by a strong finish in the final quarter. Hybrid cars grew steadily and now represent nearly 14% of all new registrations. Plug-in hybrids saw the strongest growth, with sales increasing by more than a third to make up over 11% of new cars sold.
Into 2026, the momentum has continued. So far in 2026, some 924,763 cars have been registered, representing a welcome 8.7% increase over 2025’s tally for the same period. Electric cars hold a 23.9% market share, with 220,629 sales representing a substantial 24.3% increase. Petrol-engined cars continue to dominate overall with 44% of year-to-date sales, while diesel’s decline continues with a 7.4% fall compared to the same period in 2025.
Key market trends shaping 2025 to 2026:
- SUVs and crossovers now dominate the top ten in a way that was unimaginable a decade ago
- Electrified powertrains, including full hybrids and plug-in hybrids, are increasingly standard across bestselling models
- Chinese automotive brands are growing rapidly in UK market share, with new entrants climbing the charts fast
- Diesel registrations are in consistent long-term decline, with buyers shifting to hybrid and electric alternatives
- Fleet and company car buyers represent the majority of new registrations, driving demand for efficient, low-emission models
UK New Car Market Overview: 2025 vs 2026 Year-to-Date
| Metric | 2025 Full Year | 2026 Year-to-Date (to May) |
| Total registrations | 2,020,373 | 924,763 |
| Year-on-year growth | 4% | 8.7% |
| Electric vehicle share | 23.4% | 23.9% |
| Petrol share | Declining | 44% |
| Diesel share | Declining | 4.8% |
| Hybrid share | approx 14% | 14.3% |
The Top 10 Best-Selling Cars of 2025: Full Ranked List
New data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows which cars UK buyers have been snapping up in the highest numbers in 2025. The list highlights a strong mix of compact SUVs, crossovers and practical hatchbacks, reflecting changing buyer habits and the continued move towards versatile, everyday vehicles.
UK Top 10 Best-Selling Cars 2025 (SMMT Data):
| Position | Model | 2025 Registrations | Body Type |
| 1 | Ford Puma | 55,488 | Compact SUV crossover |
| 2 | Kia Sportage | 47,788 | Mid-size SUV |
| 3 | Nissan Qashqai | 41,141 | Compact SUV |
| 4 | Vauxhall Corsa | 35,947 | Supermini hatchback |
| 5 | Nissan Juke | 34,773 | Small SUV |
| 6 | Volkswagen Golf | 32,478 | Family hatchback |
| 7 | Volvo XC40 | 30,404 | Compact SUV |
| 8 | MG HS | approx 29,900 | Mid-size SUV |
| 9 | Volkswagen Tiguan | 29,857 | Family SUV |
| 10 | Hyundai Tucson | 28,613 | Mid-size SUV |
1. Ford Puma: Britain’s Favourite for Three Years Running
The Ford Puma is the UK’s best-selling car of 2025, with 55,488 new cars registered last year. That makes it the best-selling car in Britain for three consecutive years, a run of consistency that few models in the modern era have matched.
The Puma’s appeal is straightforward to explain. It sits in the compact crossover segment that British buyers have embraced enthusiastically, offering SUV-style practicality without the bulk of a full-size family SUV. All of its engines are assisted by mild hybrid technology to boost efficiency, and it offers a reasonably plush interior with practical boot space.
For drivers in Godalming and Woking who want something that handles urban roads and dual carriageway commutes equally well, the Puma ticks nearly every practical box. Its relatively compact footprint also makes it a strong choice for narrower roads around Merrow and Shalford, where larger SUVs can feel cumbersome.
What Puma owners should know about tyres and maintenance:
The Puma’s mild hybrid system and front-wheel-drive configuration mean tyre wear on the front axle needs regular monitoring. Regular wheel alignment checks are especially important on this model, as the front tyres do the majority of the work under acceleration, steering, and braking. A misalignment of even a small degree will wear through front tyres significantly faster than expected on a car covering typical UK annual mileage.
2. Kia Sportage: The Consistent Runner-Up
The Kia Sportage was the second best-selling car of 2025, with 47,788 units registered. This practical SUV has great build quality, great value trim levels, and roomy back seats and boot.
The Sportage’s seven-year warranty remains a major selling point, offering peace of mind that few rivals can match. Combined with generous standard equipment and good real-world efficiency, it’s easy to see why so many buyers chose it last year.
Into 2026, the Sportage has maintained its strong position. The Sportage comes with extrovert styling and the option of plug-in or full hybrid variants, on top of more conventional petrol engines. Inside, the Sportage is smart, with glossy materials, clever design touches and a slick infotainment system.
For families in Burpham or Jacobs Well choosing the Sportage as a school run and weekend car, the all-round independent suspension means 4-wheel alignment checks are the correct service choice rather than a front-only check. The hybrid variants also carry additional weight from the battery system, which places greater demands on tyres over time. Understanding how to choose the best tyres for UK conditions is a worthwhile read before the next replacement set goes on.
3. Nissan Qashqai: The Original Crossover Still Delivering
The Qashqai holds a unique place in UK motoring history. It essentially created the compact crossover segment that now dominates the sales charts, and it continues to sell in significant numbers despite an increasingly crowded competitive landscape.
In 2025, the Qashqai’s hybrid powertrains played a major role in its success, offering improved efficiency without the need to plug in. It’s not the biggest SUV in its class, but for many families, it strikes just the right balance between size, refinement and running costs.
The Qashqai topped the best-sellers list outright in 2022, earned a second-place finish in 2023, and then third-place finishes in 2024 and 2025, maintaining an impressively strong performance over a number of years.
The Qashqai is built in Sunderland, making it one of the few genuinely British-built cars in the top ten. For drivers covering regular motorway miles from areas like Worplesdon or Normandy, the e-Power hybrid variant delivers a notably different driving experience to conventional petrol cars, with near-silent acceleration and strong regenerative braking that reduces brake wear considerably over time.
4. Vauxhall Corsa: The Supermini Holding Its Ground
In a top ten dominated by SUVs and crossovers, the Vauxhall Corsa stands out as the highest-ranked traditional supermini. The fourth best-selling car in 2025, with 35,947 new cars registered last year, the Corsa is not only comfortable to drive, it has a smart exterior design and comes with generous standard equipment.
The Vauxhall Corsa proves that small hatchbacks still have a place in the UK market. In a year dominated by SUVs, it was the best-selling traditional supermini, helped by its broad range of petrol and electric options.
The Corsa is a natural choice for urban drivers and first-time buyers. Its compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre in tighter streets, and the growing availability of the electric variant appeals to buyers looking to reduce running costs. For those in the Guildford area using a Corsa primarily in town, tyre maintenance habits have a significant impact on overall running costs given the relatively modest tyre size specifications across most Corsa trims.
5. Nissan Juke: Bold Styling, Consistent Sales
The Nissan Juke takes fifth place in overall sales for 2025, with 34,773 sold last year. The Juke offers a well-equipped cabin, good safety tech and competitive pricing, though rear space isn’t its strongest point.
Love it or hate it, the Nissan Juke’s bold styling continues to win over buyers. Beyond the looks, the Juke offers a well-equipped cabin, good safety tech and competitive pricing, and for urban drivers, its compact size and personality make it an appealing choice.
The Juke is one of the few models in the top ten that generates genuinely strong feelings in both directions. Its distinctive exterior design divides opinion sharply, but its sales figures confirm that the buyers it appeals to are numerous and loyal. For Juke owners in Send or Shalford covering a mix of urban and rural routes, tyre wear patterns on this model tend to reflect the suspension’s sporty tuning, with slightly more camber sensitivity than more conventionally tuned crossovers.
6. Volkswagen Golf: The Perennial Benchmark
In 2025, buyers continued to be drawn to the Golf’s balance of comfort, quality and efficiency. Whether as a sensible daily driver or a sportier GTI or R variant, it remains a dependable all-rounder that suits a wide range of needs.
The eighth-generation model initially got off to a troublesome start, but the revised version has set out to right some wrongs, and the Golf remains a firm favourite with new-car buyers and a stalwart in the top-10 best-selling cars list.
The Golf’s longevity in the UK market is a story of consistent, quiet competence rather than headline-grabbing innovation. It does nearly everything well enough that buyers return to it repeatedly across generations. For Golf GTI and Golf R owners, the higher-performance suspension and wider tyres make wheel alignment particularly sensitive to road impacts, a kerb strike that might minimally affect a standard hatchback can take a GTI noticeably out of specification.
7. Volvo XC40: The Premium Compact Crossover
This Swedish SUV certainly did well in 2025’s new car sales, ranking seventh with 30,404 car registrations recorded. It claimed the twentieth spot in the Driver Power survey with an overall score of 85.31%. It’s a sophisticated SUV which is very comfortable on the road and has plenty of room for passengers.
One of Volvo’s oldest but also most accessible models, the XC40 managed to jump three places up the annual table in the final month of 2025 to snatch seventh.
The XC40 appeals to buyers who want genuine premium feel without the size or running costs of a larger luxury SUV. The fully electric variant has been particularly well received, and its growing presence on roads around Guildford reflects the broader shift toward premium electric choices at the compact end of the market. Electric XC40 owners should be aware that the additional weight of the battery pack increases tyre wear rates compared to the equivalent petrol model, making tyre rotation and pressure monitoring more important than on lighter vehicles.
8. MG HS: The Value Champion
The MG HS continues to be one of the standout success stories of the last few years. In 2025, its strong sales were driven largely by the plug-in hybrid version, which proved especially popular with company car drivers thanks to low Benefit-in-Kind rates. Value is at the heart of the HS’s appeal, with generous standard equipment, a spacious cabin and a long warranty for a price that undercuts many rivals.
The MG HS has disrupted the mid-size SUV segment significantly. Its combination of generous standard specification, competitive pricing, and a long warranty has attracted buyers who would previously have considered Japanese or European alternatives in the same class. The brand’s growth trajectory in the UK is one of the most significant automotive stories of recent years.
9. Volkswagen Tiguan: Family SUV Stalwart
The Volkswagen Tiguan remains one of the most recognisable family SUVs on UK roads, and its consistent sales performance in 2025 reflects that. Offering petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options, it appeals to a broad range of drivers, from private buyers to company car users. Inside, the Tiguan feels solid and well finished, with a sensible layout and plenty of tech as standard.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is practical, well built, efficient and feels a bit more premium inside than it actually is.
The Tiguan’s consistent presence in the top ten reflects its broad appeal across buyer types. For fleet and company car buyers in particular, the plug-in hybrid variant’s low Benefit-in-Kind rate makes it a compelling choice. Tiguan owners covering high business mileage should treat tyre maintenance as a priority given the vehicle’s weight and the demands placed on all four corners under regular long-distance driving.
10. Hyundai Tucson: The Dark Horse of 2025
Although the Hyundai Tucson was only the tenth best-selling model, with 28,613 registrations in 2025, it finished ninth overall in the Driver Power survey with an overall score of 86.18%, the highest ranking of all the models in this best-sellers list.
The Tucson has steadily grown in popularity thanks to its bold styling and strong hybrid line-up. Its angular design helps it stand out in a crowded segment, while the interior feels modern and well put together.
The Tucson’s strong owner satisfaction score relative to its sales position is a telling detail. It suggests a car that perhaps sells below its deserved level, retained by buyers who tend to be highly satisfied with their choice. For families in Godalming or Jacobs Well considering the Tucson, its hybrid efficiency makes it a strong match for mixed driving that includes both town and faster road miles.
2026 Update: The Charts Are Shifting
The 2025 rankings tell one story, but 2026 has already introduced some significant changes worth noting.
The Ford Puma confirmed its position as Britain’s favourite passenger car model during the first half of 2026, followed by three further SUVs: the Kia Sportage, the Jaecoo 7, and the Nissan Qashqai. Most of the ten most popular cars in the UK at the start of 2026 were SUV crossover models.
The most striking development in 2026 is the emergence of the Jaecoo 7 as a genuine top-three contender. The biggest sales story of 2025 was the rise of Chinese automotive newcomers, at the expense of established brands. Chery-owned brands Omoda and Jaecoo are becoming a popular choice for UK buyers, with the Jaecoo 7 becoming a regular monthly top-ten sales contender. In 2026, that momentum has accelerated considerably.
2026 Year-to-Date Top 5 (to May 2026):
| Position | Model | 2026 YTD Registrations | Change vs 2025 |
| 1 | Ford Puma | Leading | Holding strong |
| 2 | Kia Sportage | 21,274 | Holding second |
| 3 | Jaecoo 7 | 20,695 | Up significantly from outside top 10 |
| 4 | Nissan Qashqai | 18,558 | Down from third |
| 5 | Vauxhall Corsa | 15,863 | Holding fifth |
What Every New Car Owner in Guildford Needs to Know
Buying one of the UK’s best-selling cars is one thing. Keeping it in the condition it deserves is another, and this is where many new owners fall short in the first year of ownership.
The majority of the top-selling models are SUVs and crossovers with independent suspension on all four corners. That design choice delivers better ride comfort and handling, but it also means wheel alignment can be affected at any corner of the car, not just the front axle. A pothole on the roads around Worplesdon or a kerb clip in a Guildford car park can knock any of the four wheels out of specification without any obvious immediate sign.
The five maintenance checks every new car owner should prioritise:
- Wheel alignment check within the first 12 months, and after any significant road impact regardless of age
- Tyre pressure check monthly, and before any long journey. Correct pressure is the single most cost-effective tyre maintenance habit available
- Tyre rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles on front-wheel-drive models, where the front tyres carry additional load from steering and drive
- Brake inspection annually or when any change in braking feel or noise is noticed. New cars are not immune to brake issues, particularly if bedding-in procedures are not followed correctly after delivery
- Visual tyre inspection for uneven wear at every tyre pressure check
For new owners of any of the models in this list, implementing these habits from the first month of ownership preserves both tyre life and resale value significantly more effectively than waiting for a problem to announce itself.
For a full set of practical habits to maximise how long your tyres last, this guide on tips to make tyres last longer is worth bookmarking from day one of ownership.
New Car, New Tyres: Why the Factory Fit Matters Less Than You Think
Many drivers assume that because a car is new, its tyres are above scrutiny for the first year or two. This assumption leads to overlooked wear patterns and alignment issues that compound silently in the background.
Factory-fitted tyres on new vehicles are selected by manufacturers based on a combination of performance targets, cost parameters, and availability agreements. They are not always the optimal long-term choice for every driving style or road type. Some manufacturers fit tyres that prioritise low rolling resistance for fuel economy figures rather than wet grip performance, which is an important distinction for drivers who spend significant time on wet roads around Guildford.
When a factory-fitted tyre reaches the end of its life, the replacement decision is an important one. Fitting a like-for-like replacement is not always the best approach. This is the moment to assess whether the original specification truly suits your driving pattern, and to consider whether a premium tyre with a higher wet grip rating would deliver a meaningful improvement in the conditions you actually drive in.
For guidance on selecting the right replacement tyre for a UK-registered vehicle, covering grip ratings, fuel efficiency labels, and seasonal considerations, this detailed guide on how to choose the best tyres for UK conditions covers the full decision-making process clearly.
Brakes on New Cars: Not as Infallible as Drivers Assume
One of the most common misconceptions among new car owners is that brakes require no attention for the first two or three years. In reality, brake performance on a new car depends heavily on how the brakes were bedded in during the first few hundred miles and how the car has been driven since delivery.
Aggressive braking from high speeds on a brand-new set of pads and discs before the surfaces have properly mated can cause uneven glazing that affects braking performance long-term. Conversely, very gentle use in the first period can also prevent proper bedding-in of the pad compound.
For the SUV and crossover models dominating the 2025 to 2026 charts, additional vehicle weight means the braking system is working harder than on an equivalent smaller car. The Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Hyundai Tucson all carry considerably more mass than a Vauxhall Corsa or Volkswagen Golf, which translates directly into greater thermal demands on brake components during repeated stops.
Brake condition should be assessed by a qualified technician at least annually, regardless of vehicle age. If braking feels less responsive than expected, if there is any vibration through the pedal, or if the car pulls to one side under braking, a full inspection should be booked promptly rather than monitored. Full details on what a thorough brake inspection covers are available through the brake repair Guildford service page.
SUV Dominance and What It Means for Tyres
Looking at the 2025 to 2026 best-sellers list as a whole, one theme is impossible to ignore: SUVs and crossovers now account for the overwhelming majority of new car sales in the UK. Eight of the top ten in 2025 were SUV or crossover models, and the 2026 picture is even more SUV-heavy.
This matters from a tyre perspective for a specific reason. SUVs are heavier than equivalent hatchbacks. They sit higher off the ground, which raises the centre of gravity and places different lateral loads through the tyres during cornering. Many SUVs also carry larger, wider tyres than compact hatchbacks, which increases the contact patch and grip but also the cost of replacement.
Drivers upgrading from a hatchback to a Sportage, Qashqai, or Tiguan sometimes underestimate how different the tyre wear characteristics are on the new vehicle. The additional weight and higher centre of gravity mean that correct wheel alignment is more critical, not less, compared to a lighter car. Misalignment on a 1,700 kg SUV accelerates tyre wear at a faster rate in absolute terms than the same misalignment on a 1,100 kg supermini.
For residents in Merrow, Normandy, or Send who have recently made the move to an SUV, scheduling a wheel alignment check early in ownership is a practical step that pays for itself quickly in preserved tyre life.
Final Thought: Great Cars Deserve Great Maintenance
The UK’s best-selling cars of 2025 and 2026 represent an impressive range of engineering, value, and practicality. From the consistently dominant Ford Puma to the quietly impressive Hyundai Tucson, there is a model in the top ten for almost every type of driver and household.
What every one of these vehicles shares, regardless of powertrain, price, or popularity, is a set of four tyres connecting it to the road and a braking system responsible for bringing it safely to a stop. Those are the two components that earn the most miles, absorb the most stress, and receive the least attention from the average owner.
Whether you are driving through Godalming on a daily commute, picking up from school in Jacobs Well, or covering longer distances through Woking and beyond, the cars on this list will reward proper tyre and brake maintenance with longer service life, better fuel efficiency, and safer performance in every condition the British weather provides.
FAQs: UK Best-Selling Cars 2025 to 2026
Why has the Ford Puma been the UK’s best-selling car three years in a row? The Puma occupies a practical sweet spot in the market. It is compact enough for urban use, efficient thanks to mild hybrid assistance, and priced accessibly enough to appeal to both private buyers and fleet operators. That breadth of appeal, combined with strong build quality and a well-regarded driving character, has made it the default choice across a very wide range of buyers.
What is the Jaecoo 7 and why is it suddenly so popular in 2026? The Jaecoo 7 is a mid-size SUV from a Chinese manufacturer backed by the Chery automotive group. Its rapid rise in 2026 reflects a combination of aggressive pricing, generous standard specification, and growing consumer openness to Chinese automotive brands in the UK market. It has moved from outside the annual top ten in 2025 to a consistent top-three monthly performer in 2026.
Do best-selling cars need different tyre maintenance to less popular models? The car’s popularity does not affect what the tyres need. What matters is the vehicle type, weight, suspension design, and how it is driven. SUVs in the top ten require more attention to alignment and tyre pressure than lighter hatchbacks simply because of their additional mass and higher centre of gravity.
Should I replace factory-fitted tyres with the same specification? Not necessarily. Factory-fitted tyres are a starting point rather than a definitive recommendation. When replacing, assess the EU label ratings of both the original and potential replacement tyres, particularly wet grip performance, and consider whether a premium option would deliver better value over the full lifecycle.
How often should a new SUV owner check wheel alignment? At minimum, annually or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, after any significant pothole or kerb impact, after suspension or steering work, and when any uneven tyre wear or handling change is noticed. New car status does not mean alignment is immune from drift.
Are hybrid and electric versions of these models harder on tyres? Yes, in most cases. Hybrid and electric variants are heavier than their petrol equivalents due to battery systems. The additional weight increases tyre wear rates, and the instant torque delivery common in electric and plug-in hybrid models can accelerate front tyre wear on front-wheel-drive vehicles under hard acceleration. Tyre pressure monitoring and regular alignment checks are especially worthwhile on these variants.
