The UK car market in 2025 is buzzing with excitement as new models, innovative technologies, and shifting consumer preferences shape the automotive landscape.
From electric vehicles (EVs) dominating headlines to refreshed classics making a comeback, the trending cars this year reflect a blend of practicality, sustainability, and style.
As of March 27, 2025, the latest registration figures and industry insights reveal which vehicles are capturing the imagination of British drivers. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the top trending cars in the UK, why they’re turning heads, and what’s driving their popularity.
Electric Vehicles Lead the Charge
Electric vehicles are undeniably at the forefront of automotive trends in 2025, propelled by the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which demands that 28% of new car sales be zero-emission this year.
The Tesla Model Y, a consistent favourite, continues to shine as the best-selling EV of 2024 and remains a strong contender into 2025. With its sleek design, impressive 331-mile range, and Tesla’s renowned Supercharger network, it’s no surprise this SUV is a hit among eco-conscious drivers and tech enthusiasts alike.
Its spacious interior and cutting-edge features—like Autopilot—keep it trending, especially as fleet buyers snap it up for tax benefits.
Another EV making waves is the Kia EV3, a compact crossover launched in late 2024. Priced around £33,000, it offers a 372-mile range and a modern, boxy aesthetic that’s resonating with younger buyers.
Kia’s seven-year warranty adds peace of mind, making it a practical yet stylish choice for those dipping their toes into electric motoring. The EV3’s affordability and versatility have positioned it as a rising star, challenging pricier rivals like the Volvo EX30.
SUVs and Crossovers: The Unstoppable Trend
The UK’s love affair with SUVs and crossovers shows no signs of slowing down, with these models dominating sales charts and social media chatter in 2025.
The Ford Puma, crowned the best-selling car of 2024 with over 52,000 registrations, remains a trendsetter despite slipping to ninth place year-to-date.
Its electric variant, the Puma Gen-E, launched this summer at under £30,000, blends the Puma’s sporty handling with zero-emission credentials. Its cavernous boot and clever packaging make it a go-to for families and professionals alike.
The Kia Sportage, meanwhile, has surged to the top of the 2025 sales leaderboard so far, nudging out the Nissan Qashqai.
This mid-size SUV, refreshed for 2025, offers a range of powertrains—petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid—catering to diverse needs. Its bold design, spacious cabin, and competitive pricing (starting at £28,000) have made it a standout, with its seven-year warranty sealing the deal for many.
The Sportage’s blend of value and modernity keeps it trending across the UK.
Not to be overlooked, the Nissan Qashqai, a British-built icon, holds strong in second place for 2025 registrations.
A 2024 facelift introduced electrified options and a refined interior, maintaining its appeal as a practical family SUV. With over 5,000 units sold by February, it’s clear the Qashqai’s legacy as a crossover pioneer endures, even as newer rivals emerge.
Retro Revivals with a Modern Twist
A fascinating trend in 2025 is the resurgence of retro-inspired cars, reimagined with contemporary tech.
The Renault 5 E-Tech, an electric hatchback, has captured hearts with its nod to the 1980s supermini.
Priced from £23,000, it offers a 248-mile range and quirky styling that’s proving irresistible to urban drivers. Its compact size and playful design make it a trending topic, blending nostalgia with EV efficiency.
Similarly, the Fiat Grande Panda reinterprets the classic Panda as an electric crossover. Starting below £30,000, it delivers a practical range and a distinctive look that’s gaining traction among buyers seeking something unique.
These retro revivals highlight a growing appetite for cars that combine heritage with sustainability—a trend that’s only set to grow.
Luxury and Performance in the Spotlight
For those with deeper pockets, luxury and performance cars are trending too.
The Porsche Boxster EV, launched in mid-2025, marks a bold shift for the iconic sports car, swapping petrol for a 435-horsepower electric motor. Its sleek lines and thrilling dynamics have enthusiasts buzzing, especially as Porsche doubles down on electrification.
If you’ve been mulling over whether to sell, perhaps an older RX model, the Boxster EV’s arrival might tempt you towards a sportier, greener alternative.
The Lamborghini Temerario, successor to the Huracán, is another head-turner.
Available to order now, this hybrid supercar starts at £260,000 and blends electrified power with Lamborghini’s signature aggression. It’s trending among car aficionados for its tech-forward approach and jaw-dropping performance, proving that luxury doesn’t have to compromise on excitement.
Affordable Options Gain Traction
Affordability remains a key driver of trends, particularly as living costs bite. The Dacia Sandero Stepway, a crossover twist on Britain’s cheapest car, starts at £17,000 and offers rugged looks with hybrid efficiency.
Its no-frills appeal and low running costs make it a trending choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a high-riding stance.
The BYD Atto 2, a compact electric SUV from Chinese manufacturer BYD, hit UK roads in February 2025. Priced between £27,000 and £30,000 with a 194-mile range, it’s carving a niche as an accessible EV alternative. Its competitive pricing and sleek design have sparked interest, especially as BYD aims for 60,000 registrations this year.
Why These Cars Are Trending
Several factors are fuelling these trends. The ZEV mandate is pushing EVs into the spotlight, with a 22.8% market share in 2025 so far—a 41.6% jump from 2024.
SUVs and crossovers, which make up seven of the top ten best-sellers, align with British preferences for practicality and visibility. Retro designs tap into nostalgia, while luxury models showcase tech innovation. Affordability, meanwhile, ensures broader access to these trends.
Social media and industry buzz amplify their visibility. Posts on platforms like X highlight the Tesla Model Y’s dominance, the Kia Sportage’s value, and the Renault 5’s charm. Dealerships and online platforms like We Buy Any Car are seeing brisk trade as owners upgrade to these trending models, keeping the market dynamic.
Market Insights and Consumer Shifts
The SMMT reports 223,399 new car registrations by February 2025, down 1.9% from 2024, reflecting a cautious market. Petrol still leads with 49.2% of sales, but its 16.1% decline signals a shift to electrified options.
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids hold a combined 22.3% share, with plug-ins up 10.1% year-on-year. Diesel, at just 5.8%, continues its fade.
These stats underline a consumer base increasingly open to greener tech, even as infrastructure—50,000 public charge points—lags behind demand.
For buyers, the trending cars of 2025 offer choice. Families lean towards the Sportage or Qashqai, young professionals eye the EV3 or Sandero Stepway, and enthusiasts covet the Boxster EV or Temerario. The market’s diversity ensures there’s something for everyone, from budget to bespoke.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, these trends hint at a 2025 where EVs and SUVs solidify their grip, retro revivals gain momentum, and luxury tech pushes boundaries. March’s new number plates and looming road tax changes for EVs (from April 1) could further boost registrations, especially for electric models.
Cox Automotive predicts 2.04 million total sales, suggesting a robust year despite economic headwinds.
Manufacturers are responding with agility—Nissan’s Leaf SUV, Kia’s EV4, and BMW’s iX3 are on the horizon, promising more options.
For consumers, it’s a golden era of variety, whether upgrading via trade-ins or browsing showrooms. The UK’s car scene in 2025 is vibrant, innovative, and unmistakably trending.
Conclusion
The trending cars in the UK for 2025—from the Tesla Model Y to the Dacia Sandero Stepway—reflect a market in flux, balancing sustainability, style, and affordability. Whether you’re drawn to the electric buzz, SUV practicality, or retro charm, these vehicles are shaping how Britain drives.
As technology evolves and preferences shift, staying informed keeps you ahead of the curve. Which of these trending cars catches your eye—or might inspire your next purchase? The road’s open, and 2025’s hottest wheels are waiting.