THE UK’s 10 most popular cars have been revealed – with the list including the fan-favourite Kia Sportage and Ford Puma.
The definitive list compiled by RAC comes as the car market saw a return to growth this May, with an increase in registrations for the month and improved sales of hybrid cars.
Ford Puma
First on the list is Ford‘s popular Puma model – a standout in the growing small SUV market.
The compact model uses mild-hybrid petrol engines to boost fuel efficiency.
The Puma offers high ground clearance, a practical large boot, and a raised driving position.
Inside, there’s a digital display, touchscreen infotainment with smartphone connectivity, and a decent amount of standard kit.
Ford says the Puma has been designed to be fun to drive as well as cheap to run.
These specs mean the car is one of the most popular in the UK right now, and it picked up 21,936 in the last year.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is another of the UK’s best-selling family-friendly SUVs – and it’s easy to see why.
Each version is well equipped with a roomy interior, a smooth drive and sharp looks that stand out on the road.
There’s a choice of petrol, mild-hybrid and full-hybrid models, giving buyers flexibility depending on how they drive.
Running costs are low, with strong fuel economy across the range.
Kia also offers a seven-year warranty as standard, making the Sportage a solid choice for families looking for value and reliability.
In the last year, the Sportage was registered 19,636 times by Brits.
Nissan Qashqai
Next on the list is the Qashqai from Nissan – one of the UK’s best selling SUVs.
Bigger and more refined than ever it boasts a spacious cabin and high-quality finish that feels more premium than the price suggests.
There’s loads of room for families, plus plenty of cutting-edge tech and safety kit as standard across the range.
The Qashqai is built for everyday comfort, but it also handles long drives with ease – making it a great option for drivers looking to drive long distances.
With affordable running costs and sharp looks, it remains a top pick for drivers after a practical, well-rounded family car.
The Qashqai picked up 17,077 registrations in 2025 year-to-date.
Volkswagen Golf
The iconic Volkswagen Golf turns 50 this year – and it’s still standing as one of Britain’s most popular cars.
The Golf remains a go-to choice for drivers of all ages thanks to its blend of comfort, quality and reliability.
Inside, the Golf comes packed with tech – including a sharp touchscreen, digital driver display and loads of safety features as standard.
With solid build quality and low running costs, the Golf continues to offer everything most drivers want in a hatchback.
It was registered by 16,545 drivers in the UK in the last year.
Nissan Juke
Coming in next is another one of the UK’s most popular small SUVs.
The Nissan Juke consistently sells over 12,000 units a year and frequently holds a spot in top 10 car charts.
Its cabin is driver‑focused and practical, offers decent rear‑seat room and a big boot.
And it is also fun to drive, boasting sharp steering, firm handling, and plenty of torque.
Within the last year it picked up 15,249 registrations.
Vauxhall Corsa
Also making the list is the popular Vauxhall Corsa.
The car is compact, affordable and easy to drive, making it a great choice for city drivers and first-time car buyers.
There’s a choice of petrol engines, plus a fully electric version – the Corsa Electric – offering up to 246 miles of range on a single charge.
Inside, the latest models come with a digital dash, touchscreen infotainment, and smartphone connectivity as standard.
It’s available in several trim levels, with good specs across the range.
This makes the Corsa a practical and cost-effective option for everyday driving.
It was registered 14,198 times in the last 12 months.
Peugeot 3008
This stylish model is a versatile and compact SUV.
The Peugeot 3008 offers state-of-the-art tech for its user interface as part of a modern and sleek interior.
It has a strong performance with efficient engines and advanced safety features.
Coming in a range of hybrid or petrol options, the Peugeot 3008 is a great option for Brit car-buyers.
Peugeot 2008
This small crossover SUV is a roomier version of the Peugeot 208 supermini with a bigger boot and more road presence.
It comes as another one of Britain’s favourite cars.
The 2008 blends style, practicality and engine efficiency.
With a modern design and advanced tech screens, the car has become a fan-favourite ever since its release.
It comes with petrol, diesel or electric powertrains.
The 2008 boasts a comfy ride with impressive fuel economy – making it a worthy contender on the top 10 list.
Mini Cooper
The iconic Mini Cooper also takes a place on this list of the UK’s favourite cars.
The sleek and compact hatchback is known for its distinct appearance and agile handling.
The Mini Cooper offers a fun driving experience, combined with modern technology and retro charm.
It comes in various trims, all boasting an elegant interior.
The Mini Cooper does best when it comes to urban driving, and that has made it a UK favourite for many years.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Last on the list is the Volkswagen Tiguan – the popular compact SUV that combines style with practicality.
It offers a spacious and comfortable interior, making it ideal for families and longer journeys.
You’ll find a range of efficient petrol, diesel, and mild-hybrid engines that deliver good fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
Inside, the Tiguan comes with modern infotainment screens, smartphone connectivity, and a host of safety features as standard.
Built with Volkswagen’s reputation for quality, it’s smooth to drive and feels solid on the road – perfect for city streets or motorway cruising.
These features make it a go-to for Brit drivers across the country, and was registered a whopping 12,634 times in the last year.
