January 06, 2026 by Siobhan Doyle
The 10 most popular new cars of 2025 have been revealed. Although the Jaecoo 7 made waves in November, it didn’t make the cut. So, which cars did make the top 10?
The UK new car market grew for the third year in a row in 2025, surpassing the two million mark for the first time since the pandemic. A total of 2,020,373 new cars were registered, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Electric cars made strong inroads into the UK market, 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.
Meanwhile, diesel car registrations were down 15.6% compared to 2024, and petrol models dropped by 8%.
The SMMT figures also reveal the UK’s most popular cars of 2025. Some favourites are holding strong – but which models made the top 10?
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

The Puma has held the top spot in the sales charts for almost every month so far this year, and it has taken gold as 2025’s most popular car overall.
This little SUV not only looks great, it’s fun to drive too. The rear seats are a bit cramped, and the interior feels slightly cheap in places, but the Puma makes up for it with a huge boot for its size and plenty of standard equipment.

Taking silver this year is the Sportage, and it’s easy to see why. This versatile SUV is roomy, with a big boot, plenty of features, and a choice of efficient hybrid engines.
It’s not the most thrilling to drive and can feel a bit firm over bumps, but look past that and you’ve got a practical, great-value family car – backed by an impressive seven-year warranty.
Rounding out the top three is the Qashqai. If comfort is your priority, it beats the Sportage hands down, gliding over bumps with ease. The new e-Power hybrid version is impressively smooth and fuel-efficient, too.
The boot isn’t as big as the Kia’s, and there’s no plug-in hybrid option – but you do get plenty of standard features, and the interior is nicely built.

Small hatchbacks might not be as popular as they once were, but the Corsa is still a hit with buyers. Its attractive price, practical features, and comfy suspension make it a solid choice.
The interior is a bit plain, and the rear seats aren’t the roomiest, but the Corsa looks smart on the outside and offers both petrol and electric options.

We’re now halfway, and this one’s a bit like marmite… Love it or loathe it, the Juke is certainly distinctive. Its quirky styling won over plenty of buyers this year, and the long list of safety features only adds to its appeal.
The rear seats are tight, the suspension can be a bit firm, and the infotainment feels a little dated – but it’s very affordable, and you can get it in bright yellow if you really want to make a statement.

If there were a picture for the word “car” in the dictionary, it could easily be a Golf. For most people, it’s all you’ll ever need. Comfortable, roomy, packed with features, fuel-efficient, and built to last, the Golf does pretty much everything well.
It might not be the most thrilling to drive – unless you opt for the sporty GTI or R – but as an all-rounder, it’s hard to beat.

The XC40 is the only Volvo in the top 10 and one of the older SUVs on the market. It looks smart and is fun to drive, even if the cabin is starting to feel a little dated.
There’s plenty of space for passengers, and it’s comfortable on the road. The infotainment system can be a bit tricky to use, but overall it’s worth considering.

Number eight goes to a spacious, well-equipped SUV with a seriously impressive plug-in hybrid engine that makes it particularly appealing to company car choosers looking to save money. Affordable and practical as a company car, the MG HS has proven hugely popular.
With hybrid and petrol options, this SUV offers a roomy boot and back seat. It’s comfortable, but alternatives are more fun to drive, and the infotainment system can be a bit fiddly.

This German SUV is practical, upmarket, and easy to drive. With diesel, petrol, and hybrid options, plus a well-equipped standard spec, it’s no wonder so many buyers find it a compelling choice.
It’s a great example of a family-friendly all-rounder and is spacious inside, but you do pay a premium for it, especially in higher trim levels.

Sneaking in at number 10 is the Hyundai Tucson. This eye-catching SUV offers a stylish cabin and comes with petrol or hybrid engines.
It’s not the smoothest over bumps, but it makes up for it with a spacious boot of up to 620 litres and plenty of comfort inside.
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.
* Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term, 8000 miles annually, inc VAT, excluding fees. Vehicle returned at term end.
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Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Carwow vs manufacturer RRP. Where it is shown that the EV Grant is included, this refers to the Government grant awarded to manufacturers on certain EV models and derivatives, the amount awarded under the EV Grant is included in the Savings stated and applied at the point of sale. Carwow is the trading name of Carwow Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit broking and insurance distribution activities (firm reference number: 767155). Carwow Leasey Limited is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit broking (firm reference number: 313486) Carwow and Carwow Leasey Limited are each credit brokers and not a lenders. Carwow and Carwow Leasey Limited may receive a fee from retailers advertising finance and may receive a commission from partners (including dealers) for introducing customers. All finance offers and monthly payments shown are subject to application and status. Carwow is covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (please see www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk for more information). Carwow Ltd is registered in England (company number 07103079), registered office 2nd Floor, Verde Building, 10 Bressenden Place, London, England, SW1E 5DH. Carwow Leasey Limited is registered in England (company number 13601174), registered office 2nd Floor, Verde Building, 10 Bressenden Place, London, England, SW1E 5DH and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Carwow Ltd.

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