Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continued to lead the UK market’s transformation in May, with uptake surging 34.2% to claim a record 27.3% share. This is the highest proportion so far in 2026.
Plug-in hybrids also performed strongly, rising 23.9% to account for 13.8% of registrations, while hybrid electric vehicles saw a more modest 1.8% increase.
Despite this momentum, the shift to zero-emission mobility remains behind target, with BEVs making up 23.9% of the market year-to-date, still short of the 33% required in 2026.
Overall, the new car market delivered its strongest May performance since before the pandemic, with registrations up 7.1% to 160,662 units, according to the latest SMMT figures.
This marked the best May since 2019, although volumes remain 12.6% below pre-pandemic levels.
Growth was driven largely by a resurgence in private buyers, with registrations rising 17.2% as consumers responded to increasingly competitive offers across a record range of brands.
Model choice expanded by 6.4% overall, including a 25.6% increase in BEV offerings year to date. Fleet demand rose more modestly by 1.8%, though it still accounted for a majority 57.1% share of registrations. The smaller business segment declined 18.8%, although this equated to a relatively small drop of just 720 units.
Meanwhile, demand for traditional powertrains continued to weaken, with petrol and diesel registrations falling 7.1% and 2.2% respectively as electrified vehicles gained further ground.
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- Tips and advice for buying a new car in the UK
2026 total new registrations
Here are the most sold new cars in the UK so far in 2026:
Make and model | Number of registrations |
Ford Puma | 24,358 |
Kia Sportage | 21,274 |
Jaecoo 7 | 20,695 |
Nissan Qashqai | 18,558 |
Vauxhall Corsa | 15,863 |
Volkswagen Golf | 14,658 |
Volvo XC40 | 13,478 |
MG HS | 13,475 |
MINI Cooper | 13,291 |
Volkswagen Tiguan | 12,647 |
Source: SMMT
Most new registration May 2026
Make and model | Number of registrations |
|---|---|
Ford Puma | 4,019 |
Kia Sportage | 3,439 |
Vauxhall Corsa | 3,075 |
Jaecoo 7 | 3,027 |
Nissan Qashqai | 2,859 |
Volkswagen Golf | 2,637 |
MINI Cooper | 2,605 |
Volkswagen Tiguan | 2,395 |
Vauxhall Frontera | 2,372 |
Hyundai Tucson | 2,194 |
Source: SMMT
2025 total new registrations
Make and model | Number of registrations |
|---|---|
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 |
MG HS | 30,191 |
Volkswagen Tiguan | 39,857 |
Hyundai Tucson | 28,613 |
Source: SMMT
Top 10 best-selling cars in the UK 2025
Ford Puma
Ford's popular small SUV, the Puma, is easy to drive, comfortable and practical with a large boot. The Puma is also cheap to run thanks to petrol hybrid technology that keeps fuel costs down. Little wonder, perhaps, it's so popular with car buyers in Britian.
Read our full Ford Puma review.
Kia Sportage
Easy to drive, stylish and backed by a seven-year-warranty, the Kia Sportage is a serious player in the family SUV market. All versions are spacious and comfortable, while Kia’s impressive range of petrol hybrid powertrains make the Sportage rewarding to drive and affordable to run.
Read our full Kia Sportage review.
Nissan Qashqai
Popular with family car buyers, the Nissan Qashqai is one of the UK's favourite SUVs. Now in its third generation, the Qashqai is better than ever before. The interior is spacious, and the high levels of refinement make the Qashqai perfect for high mileage drivers who want a class leading family car at a price they can afford.
Read our full Nissan Qashqai review.
Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa is a popular compact car known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It offers a comfortable driving experience, modern features, and a range of engine options. Available in various trims, the Corsa is ideal for city driving and appeals to both first-time car buyers and seasoned drivers.
Read our full Vauxhall Corsa review.
Nissan Juke
The original small supermini-derived SUV, the Nissan Juke is a worthy rival to the Ford Puma thanks to its eye-catching style and driver-friendly cabin. Most buyers choose their Juke with Nissan’s excellent 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, while the 1.6-litre hybrid is popular with drivers who want their Juke with a dose of performance.
Read our full Nissan Juke review.
Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
Cheaper than AA or we'll beat it by 20%^
- Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
- We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
Volkswagen Golf
A long‑standing favourite in the hatchback class, it known for its refined driving feel and high‑quality, understated design. It balances comfort, efficiency and everyday practicality, making it a go‑to choice for drivers who want something versatile and polished.
Read our full Volkswagen Golf review.
Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 is a compact SUV that blends a clean Scandinavian design with a surprisingly spacious, practical interior. It’s known for its smooth drive, advanced safety tech, and the option of fully electric power in the XC40 Recharge.
Read our full Volvo XC40 review.
MG HS
The MG HS is a family‑sized SUV that focuses on value, offering generous space and a long list of standard features. It delivers a comfortable drive and comes with the option of a plug‑in hybrid version for those wanting lower running costs.
Read our full MG HS review.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a stylish and practical compact SUV, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology. With a spacious interior, efficient engine options, and a smooth ride, it’s ideal for both city and long-distance driving. Features include modern infotainment, safety systems, and strong build quality.
Read our full Volkswagen Tiguan review
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a sharply styled midsize SUV known for its bold design and high‑tech interior. It offers a smooth, refined drive with a choice of hybrid and plug‑in hybrid options for improved efficiency.
Read our full Hyundai Tucson review.
Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
Cheaper than AA or we'll beat it by 20%^
- Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
- We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
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