Best-selling cars in the UK of 2023
The Ford Puma was the UK's best-selling car in 2023
The Ford Puma held on to the top spot, while the Tesla Model Y was the best-selling electric car
The Ford Puma was the best-selling car in the UK in 2023, becoming the first Ford model to do so since the Ford Fiesta’s 12-year run ended back in 2020.
The compact crossover topped the rankings ahead of the likes of the Vauxhall Corsa, the Nissan Qashqai (last year’s best-seller) and the Kia Sportage.
The Puma was by far the most popular car sold, with 6270 more examples registered than the car in second place.
According to Ford, the most popular Puma trim level was ST-Line X and most cars had a mild-hybrid powertrain.
The Ford Transit Custom was also the UK’s best-selling commercial vehicle of the year.
“I’m delighted that [the] Puma was both the best-selling vehicle and car in the UK and [the] Transit Custom was the best-selling commercial vehicle in 2023,” said Lisa Brankin, Ford UK MD.
“This terrific achievement in 2023 is a great foundation for us to step forward into 2024 and roll out our electrification plan at pace in both the car and van markets.”
An electric Ford Puma is set to be revealed by the end of the year, and Ford is hoping its launch will help the Puma top the sales charts once again.
Which other models finished in the top 10? We’ve listed them below.
*Best-selling cars in the UK of 2023*
-1 Ford Puma – 49,591 units-
The Puma is the UK’s best-selling car of 2023, as well as Ford’s best-seller on our shores (eclipsing the Transit and Transit Custom vans).
The small crossover possesses impressive driving dynamics and attractive pricing, and a fun-filled ST sports version tops the range. It may not be the Fiesta we all know and love, but it’s a good, capable alternative nonetheless.
*Read our Ford Puma review*
-2 Nissan Qashqai – 43,321 units-
The Qashqai, 2022’s top-selling model in the UK, finished the year second place, and the British-built crossover continues to appeal to buyers here through its excellent practicality. Its appeal has no doubt been bolstered by the addition of electrified powertrains for its third generation.
*Read our Nissan Qashqai review*
-3 Vauxhall Corsa – 40,816 units-
The Vauxhall Corsa finished second to the Qashqai in 2022, but in 2023 dropped down to third place on the UK best-sellers list. That's nothing to mock, though. The Corsa continues to appeal, thanks to its Stellantis underpinnings and mix of petrol, diesel and electric powertrains.
*Read our Vauxhall Corsa review*
-4 Kia Sportage – 36,135 units-
Consistency is key for the Kia Sportage, which entered its fifth generation at the tail end of 2022. The SUV was once again a smash hit for Kia in 2023, thanks to its eye-catching design, on-trend powertrains and strong value for money. It consistently finished in the monthly top 10s throughout the year.
*Read our Kia Sportage review*
-5 Tesla Model Y – 35,899 units-
Tesla’s influence on the UK car market is ever-expanding, driven by the Model Y - the UK’s fifth most popular car in 2023. The electric crossover has been on sale for two years now but has established itself as the UK’s most popular EV, thanks in part to its impressively long range and ease of charging.
*Read our Tesla Model Y review*
-6 Hyundai Tucson – 34,469 units-
The Hyundai Tucson is one of the UK’s most popular SUVs and regularly appeared in the top 10 in 2023. Arguably the most premium option in the top 10, it was renewed in 2021 with a fresh front end that featured a unique, eye-catching lighting arrangement. Its plush interior and range of electrified powertrains are attractive propositions for many Brits.
*Read our Hyundai Tucson review*
-7 Mini 3dr/5dr – 33,835 units -
Despite its age, the Mini hatchback continues to be one of the UK’s most popular cars. Last year, it finished ahead of key rivals including the Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris. With a versatile line-up of petrol, electric and Cooper performance variants, the Mini can always be relied on for drivability and alluring looks. A hotly anticipated new model will arrive next year.
*Read our Mini review*
-8 Nissan Juke – 30,745 units-
The Nissan Juke remains a very popular car among UK buyers, finishing 2023 in eighth place. The small crossover went on sale with a brand new design in 2020. Then a facelift arrived in the middle of last year, along with hybrid power for the first time.
*Read our Nissan Juke review*
-9 Audi A3 – 30,159 units-
The Audi A3 is one of just three cars on this list that isn't an SUV, and it even outsells its Volkswagen Golf sibling nowadays, too. It's certainly worthy of its spot in the top 10, offering a comfortable ride and good body control, plus a plush, roomy interior. The fact that it's also substantially cheaper than the rival Mercedes-Benz A-Class also helps its case.
*Read our Audi A3 Sportback review*
-10 Vauxhall Mokka – 29,984 units-
It should come as no surprise that the Vauxhall Mokka is a hit, given that it’s effectively a Corsa on stilts. It oozes style – especially compared with the previous-generation model – and is competitively priced in both petrol and electric forms.
*Read our Vauxhall Mokka review*
