Britain’s new car market roared back to life in 2025, with registrations topping two million for the first time since before the pandemic.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show SUVs and crossovers continue to dominate buyer demand, accounting for most of the top-selling models. In a notable shift, Tesla failed to place a single car in the overall top 10 for the first time in four years.
Here are the 10 best-selling new cars of 2025, ranked by registrations:
- Hyundai Tucson – 28,613
Still popular with families, though sales fell year-on-year, pushing it down the rankings.
- Volkswagen Tiguan – 29,857
The new generation helped VW’s long-running SUV return to the top 10.
- MG HS – 30,191
Britain’s best-selling budget SUV and the most popular Chinese-built car for a third year running.
- Volvo XC40 – 30,404
Despite its age, Volvo’s compact SUV remains a strong seller thanks to comfort and safety appeal.
- Volkswagen Golf – 32,478
The UK’s favourite family hatchback staged a solid comeback after a recent facelift.
- Nissan Juke – 34,773
The Sunderland-built crossover continues to thrive despite fierce competition.
- Vauxhall Corsa – 35,947
After dropping out in 2024, the supermini bounced back strongly, helped by hybrid and electric versions.
- Nissan Qashqai – 41,141
Once Britain’s top seller, it remains Nissan’s biggest hit and the UK’s most popular domestically built car.
- Kia Sportage – 47,788
For the second year running, the Sportage was the nation’s favourite family-size SUV.
- Ford Puma – 55,488
Ford’s Puma claimed the crown for a third consecutive year, cementing its status as Britain’s favourite new car.
Overall, the 2025 figures underline Britain’s enduring love affair with SUVs — and show that, for now, petrol and hybrid models still rule the road. Photo by Vauxford, Wikimedia commons. Photo by Vauxford, Wikimedia commons.