The UK's Most Popular New Cars of 2025: What Britain Chose This Year
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has released its full-year data for 2025, giving us a clear picture of what UK drivers are really choosing when buying new.
Despite economic pressures and ongoing changes in the market, new car registrations reached 2,020,520 in 2025, marking a 3.5% year-on-year increase. Demand remains strong, particularly for practical crossovers, efficient petrol models, and electrified vehicles.
So, which cars came on top?
Top 10 Best-Selling New Cars in the UK - 2025
Based on year-to-date registrations from SMMT, these were the most popular new cars of 2025:
- Ford Puma – 55,488
- Kia Sportage – 47,788
- Nissan Qashqai – 41,141
- Vauxhall Corsa – 35,947
- Nissan Juke – 34,773
- Volkswagen Golf – 32,478
- Volvo XC40 – 30,404
- HG HS – 30,191
- Volkswagen Tiguan – 29,857
- Hyundai Tucson – 28,613
Why the Ford Puma Remains Number One
The Ford Puma has retained its crown as the UK’s best-selling new car, and it’s not hard to see why.
Drivers love its:
- Compact size with SUV practicality
- Mild-hybrid petrol efficiency
- Strong standard specification
It strikes a sweet spot between style, running costs, and everyday usability, exactly what many drivers prioritised in 2025.
Learn More > Ford Puma
What the 2025 Data Tells Us About Buying Trends
The SMMT data also reveals some clear shifts in fuel preferences:
- Petrol remains dominant with 937,938 registrations, although down year-on-year
- Diesel continues to decline, now accounting for just 103,906 registrations
- Electric vehicles are growing fast:
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV): 473,348 (+23.9%)
- Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV): 225,143 (+34.7%)
- Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV): 280,185 (+7.2%)
This confirms what we’re seeing daily: more drivers are open to electric and hybrid vehicles, but many still want flexibility, affordability, and familiar driving experiences.
Thinking About One of 2025's Most Popular Cars?
Whether you’re looking at a brand-new model or a nearly-new version of one of the UK’s best-selling cars, understanding your finance options is key.
At Motor Loans R Us, we help drivers:
- Access competitive vehicle finance
- Compare options across multiple lenders
- Find solutions tailored to real-life circumstances
If one of 2025’s top cars is on your radar, we’re her to help you make it work.