The UK’s best-selling cars in June as electric vehicle purchases surge

WorldCars
6 Jul 2026 • 7:53 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

The UK’s best-selling cars in June as electric vehicle purchases surge

The UK car market experienced its strongest June performance since 2019, with new figures revealing a significant surge in registrations, largely driven by the continued popularity of SUVs and crossovers.

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows a total of 213,166 vehicles were registered last month.

Petrol vehicles remained the dominant choice, accounting for 84,541 registrations and a 39.7 per cent market share.

Electric vehicles (EVs) followed, securing 30 per cent of the market with 63,950 units. Plug-in hybrids also grew, reaching a 12.5 per cent market share from 26,702 registrations.

Here is a list of the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars in June.

Tesla Model Y – 6,765 cars

The Tesla Model Y has secured the title of Britain’s best-selling car in June thanks to its impressive electric range, spacious interior and premium image.

Inside, its minimalist interior gives it a futuristic look while the massive 854-litre boot capacity is best-in-class.

Underneath, the ‘Standard Range’ rear-wheel drive model can travel a claimed 314 miles on a single charge and all models are compatible with Tesla’s ‘Supercharger’ network.

he Tesla Model Y has secured the title of Britain’s best-selling car in June thanks to its impressive electric range, spacious interior and premium image (PA)

Tesla Model 3 – 5,408 cars

Second place goes to the Model Y’s smaller sibling, the Tesla Model 3.

Just like the SUV, the Model 3 comes packed with interior space and a minimalist design.

Its lower centre of gravity makes it more composed around the twisty bits and the ‘Standard Range’ single electric motor variant can achieve up to a claimed 344 miles, while the ‘Long Range’ dual-motor all-wheel drive model can travel a claimed 436 miles between trips to the plug.

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the easiest EVs to live with thanks to the accessible Tesla ‘Supercharger’ network and decent claimed electric range.

Ford Puma – 5,284 cars

Ford’s Puma is one of the best small crossovers on the market with its sharp styling, sporty driving experience and practical cabin.

Under the bonnet, the Puma can be specced with a mild-hybrid petrol engine while there is a ‘Gen-E’ electric model that boasts a 43kWh battery pack with an electric motor that delivers a claimed range of up to 233 miles.

In the back, the Puma is fitted with Ford’s Gigabox, which is a large underfloor storage bin which takes the boot capacity to a class-leading 456 litres.

Ford’s Puma is one of the best small crossovers on the market with its sharp styling, sporty driving experience and practical cabin (PA)

Kia Sportage – 4,554 cars

If you need a practical family SUV that ticks all the right boxes, then the Kia Sportage can do it all.

This Korean SUV is good to drive, comes with lots of interior space and is packed full of standard kit.

Under the bonnet, the Sportage is available with mild-hybrid and regular hybrid powertrains while all cars come with Kia’s seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty.

Nissan Qashqai – 4,544 cars

The British-built Nissan Qashqai has been a firm favourite here in the UK for nearly two decades.

With prices starting at £30,635, the Qashqai represents excellent value for money with all cars coming with a reversing camera, a 12.3-inch infotainment system and dual-zone climate control.

It’s also practical, providing lots of interior space with a boot capacity of 504 litres or 1,447 litres with the rear bench folded down.

MG HS – 3,246 cars

The latest MG HS is one of the best Chinese SUVs on the market as it feels premium inside, offers lots of space and is available with several powertrains.

Behind the wheel, the Tucson is great to drive thanks to its accurate steering, punchy performance and refined cabin (PA)

If you go for the plug-in hybrid model, it’s fitted with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor and 24.7kWh battery pack which MG claims can take the car up to 75 miles on electric power.

All cars come with a decent amount of standard equipment including a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a six-speaker audio system and a reversing camera.

Jaecoo 7 – 3,145 cars

Jaecoo is a Chinese firm that has accelerated to the top of the UK’s best-sellers list with the 7 SUV.

The 7 is a rival to the Kia Sportage and features lots of standard equipment for an affordable price.

There is a choice of petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains and all models come with heated front seats, a 13.2-inch portrait infotainment system and six speakers.

Hyundai Tucson – 3,082 cars

The Hyundai Tucson is a good looking, practical, efficient and great all-round SUV.

It shares its underpinnings with the Kia Sportage, but is wrapped up in a sharper exterior design.

The Ford Kuga has become a popular sight on Britain’s roads as it provides a sporty driving experience and lots of different powertrains. (PA)

Under the bonnet, the Tucson can be ordered with petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups while there is a sporty N Line model that features body-coloured wheel arch extensions, sports bumpers, diamond cut alloy wheels and unique interior trim.

Behind the wheel, the Tucson is great to drive thanks to its accurate steering, punchy performance and refined cabin.

Mini Cooper – 3,004 cars

If you’re looking for a funky and retro-styled supermini, the Mini Cooper is hard to beat.

The latest model is all about sustainability with its interior featuring a 2D knitted dashboard, recycled plastics and a choice of petrol and electric powertrains.

The Mini is one of the best-handling small cars on the market with its wheel-at-each-corner stance, quick steering and peppy performance from the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines.

If you go for the Mini Electric, it’s equipped with a choice of 40.7kWh and 54.2kWh battery packs that give claimed ranges of up to 186 miles and 247 miles, respectively.

Ford Kuga – 2,948 cars

The Ford Kuga has become a popular sight on Britain’s roads as it provides a sporty driving experience and lots of different powertrains.

The latest model was facelifted in 2024; bringing a revised front end, updated interior materials and a new rugged ‘Active’ trim level.

On the road, the Kuga is good to drive and is refined at higher speeds, while all-round visibility is excellent and the plug-in hybrid setup can achieve up to a claimed 42 miles on electric power.

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