1. Ford Puma
The Ford Puma leads the UK market, having regained its top spot after a rough start to 2025. Its combination of sporty handling, stylish design, and practicality continues to attract buyers. The Puma holds a strong expert rating, making it a standout crossover in the crowded segment.
2. Kia Sportage
Close on the Ford’s heels, the Kia Sportage is maintaining a consistent sales pace. Once a near top-seller in 2024, it stays popular with its updated technology, roomy interior, and strong value proposition. The Sportage boasts an expert rating that matches closely with the Puma, making it a top contender.
3. Nissan Qashqai
The perennial favourite, the Nissan Qashqai, remains in the top ranks. A British-built model, it enjoys strong brand loyalty and sales, bolstered by its comfortable ride and practical interior. Despite stiff competition, the Qashqai continues to be the best-selling British-built car.
4. Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa — especially its electrified version — still grabs attention despite slipping behind crossovers. Affordable and compact, it appeals to city drivers and first-time buyers, with an expert rating that acknowledges its modern updates but notes tougher competition.
5. Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke rounds out the core top five. It serves as a smaller, more affordable option beside the Qashqai, solidifying Nissan’s reputation in the compact SUV market with reliable sales and good reviews.
6. Volkswagen Golf
A stalwart of the UK market, the VW Golf holds steady, consistently selling well across seasons. Known for refinement and solid build quality, it enjoys a high expert rating and loyal following despite fierce new competition from SUVs.
Notable Newcomers:
The Jaecoo 7, a "true" Chinese model, has stormed into the UK top 10 for the first time, signaling a breakthrough for emerging automakers. Additionally, marques like BYD and Tesla have made significant impacts with electric models gaining market share amid growing electrification trends.
Overall, 2025 in the UK car market reflects a strong shift towards SUVs and crossovers, with electrified vehicles steadily gaining momentum. Legacy players like Ford and Nissan maintain their strongholds, but new players and models are shaking up the rankings, offering buyers more choices than ever before.
This evolving landscape promises an exciting year ahead for UK drivers.
[Sources: TopGear UK sales report 2025, WhatCar UK, BestSellingCarsBlog October 2025]
