The Ford Puma has been crowned the UK’s best-selling car of 2024, topping the charts for the second consecutive year ahead of other hot-selling rivals.
According to data supplied by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Ford’s compact crossover outsold the Kia Sportage and the Nissan Qashqai, making it the most popular new car on UK roads.
Ford sold 48,340 Pumas, although Kia was close behind, shipping 47,163 Sportages. Nissan finished in third and fourth place with the Juke and Qashqai respectively, while the Tesla Model Y rounded out the top five.
While the Model Y didn’t quite reach the top spot, it was the UK’s most popular electric car, with the Elon Musk-owned brand selling 32,862 units – almost double that of the second-place Audi Q4 E-tron.
Overall, 2024 was a reasonably positive year for the UK car industry, with new car registrations almost reaching two million units, rising 2.6% year-on-year.
But which cars join the Puma, Sportage and Qashqai in the UK’s best-selling cars top ten?
See the full year-to-date list below, with data from January to December 2024.
Best-selling cars in the UK in 2024
1. Ford Puma – 48,340 units
It’s official: the Ford Puma is the UK’s best-selling car of 2024. Why is it so popular?
The Puma appeals thanks to its engaging driving dynamics and attractive pricing, plus it has the option of a hot Puma ST variant.
It may not be the Fiesta we all know and love, but it’s a good, capable alternative nonetheless. It even outsold the Ford Transit and Transit Custom vans, which is no mean feat.
There’s also an electric Ford Puma on the way, which we’re equally excited about.
Read our Ford Puma review
2. Kia Sportage – 47,163 units
The Kia Sportage had a good year in 2023, finishing fourth in the UK sales charts, and it’s having an even stronger showing in 2024, finishing the year in second place.
Consistency is key for this family SUV, which entered its fifth generation at the tail end of 2022, sporting an eye-catching design, on-trend powertrains and compelling value for money.
Read our Kia Sportage review
3. Nissan Qashqai – 42,418 units
The Nissan Qashqai was the UK’s best-seller in 2022, but it has since been outpaced by rivals, finishing in second in 2023 and third in 2024.
