Compact SUVs have dominated the UK’s new car market in 2025.

According to the latest registration figures, high-riding crossovers account for the majority of the country’s best-selling models so far this year.

Charging up

Data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that while traditional petrol cars still make up the largest share of the market, their dominance is slowly eroding.

In November alone, petrol-only models accounted for 43.8% of new registrations, with 66,180 cars sold.

That figure is down noticeably from the same month last year, when more than 70,000 petrol cars were registered.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were the second-largest seller, accounting for 26.4% of the market in November.

Although this represents an increase over a year earlier, the 3.6% growth recorded was the weakest monthly rise in almost two years, prompting concerns about the pace of EV adoption.

Short circuits

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said sustained growth in zero-emission vehicles cannot be taken for granted, particularly as manufacturers are required to ensure that 28% of their sales are electric this year.

He also criticised the planned introduction of a pay-per-mile tax on EVs from April 2028, describing it as “the wrong measure at the wrong time” that risks undermining fragile consumer demand.

Overall, there were 151,154 new car registrations in November, down 1.6% year-on-year.

The decline was driven by a 5.5% drop in private sales, while business and fleet registrations (which now make up almost two-thirds of the market) edged up slightly.

Cat-egorised

Looking at the year to date, the Ford Puma remains the UK’s best-selling car of 2025, with 50,808 registrations between January and November.

The compact crossover has topped the sales charts for several years running, benefiting from strong brand recognition, competitive pricing and the recent arrival of an electric Puma variant.

Second place goes to the Kia Sportage, with 45,814 sales so far this year.

The family SUV continues to perform strongly following its recent refresh and wide range of hybrid powertrains.

The Nissan Qashqai, one of the pioneers of the crossover segment, sits third with 38,254 registrations, maintaining its long-standing popularity with British buyers.

Rounding out the top five are the Vauxhall Corsa, which has benefited from price cuts and an updated electric version, and the Nissan Juke, whose hybrid option has helped boost its appeal.

Together, these models highlight how crossovers and affordable electrified cars are reshaping buying habits.

Changing game

The Volkswagen Golf, once a dominant force in the UK market, is sixth, reflecting the shift away from traditional hatchbacks.

The Volkswagen Tiguan follows it in seventh place.

MG’s HS takes eighth, underlining the growing influence of value-focused Chinese-owned brands, while the Hyundai Tucson and Volvo XC40 complete the top ten.

The figures underline a market in transition.

Petrol cars remain popular, but hybrids and electric vehicles are gaining ground, while SUVs continue to outpace conventional body styles.

As manufacturers prepare for tighter emissions targets and buyers weigh up cost, practicality and future taxation, 2025 is shaping up to be another pivotal year for the UK car market.