Best selling cars of the year

UK’s best selling cars of 2022

Which car will take the crown this year? Data from the SMMT reveals all!

2022 was another rollercoaster of a year for many in the UK but how did this year affect our new car buying habits? The SMMT has released its data on the best-selling cars of 2022! With petrol and diesel prices at an all-time high, the cost of living putting off prospective car buyers and manufacturing shortages, it’s no surprise that the number of new car registrations was down 3.4% from the previous year.

However, the new car market still continues to be popular amongst drivers. The Nissan Qashqai managed to take the top spot this year as the UK’s favourite SUV. It was a new entry for both the Ford Kuga and the Tesla Model Y in 2022 too. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best-selling cars of the year and how many were sold. If you’re unsure of which car to buy next, check out some of the best-selling cars below. 

1. Nissan Qashqai

Registrations: 39,198

The Nissan Qashqai has been well-loved by many drivers for years. Not only is it a mid-sized SUV with an affordable price stage but it’s one of the best cars for families too.  Thanks to a boost in sales in November, it managed to be the UK’s number 1 selling car of 2022. It’s easy to see why people love the Qashqai, it’s practical, well-built and also comes in a range of different powertrains. 

2. Vauxhall Corsa

Registrations: 34,663

The Vauxhall Corsa was the number one selling car in the UK in 2021 but thanks to a strong month, the Nissan Qashqai managed to take the throne. However, the Vauxhall Corsa still proves to be one of the best cars on the market. Not only is it one of the most fuel-efficient cars you can buy but you can also finance a used Vauxhall Corsa for under £250 a month! The Vauxhall Corsa Electric is also worth exploring if you want to finance a car that’s eco-friendly.

Discover more – Benefits of owning an electric car

3. Ford Puma 

The Ford Puma could be the car that takes over from the Fiesta. Ford recently announced that the Fiesta will be discontinued in 2023 which could have helped the sales of the Puma. Its underpinnings are based on that of the Fiesta which is well-loved by drivers due to its superb handling and strong engine line-up. The Ford Puma is a compact crossover which can suit a whole range of different drivers.

4. MINI 

Registrations: 29,068

The MINI Hatch usually makes the list of the UK’s best-selling cars and has fallen from 3rd to 4th in 2022. The MINI hatch is one of the best cars for new drivers and also features on our list of the most iconic movie cars thanks to The Italian Job! The MINI Hatch is actually one of the oldest new cars to still be on sale and will probably be a fan favourite for a long time.

5. Kia Sportage

Registrations: 28,599

The Kia Sportage is the first of two Kia models on the list of the best-selling cars 2022. The Sportage finished 9th in 2021 so it’s good to see its rise to 5th place this year. The Sportage offers great value for money and all Kia cars also come with a massive 7-year/100,000-mile warranty which helps to give you that added peace of mind. 

6. Hyundai Tuscon

Registrations: 26,545

It’s a first-time entry for the Hyundai Tuscon in this year’s list of best-selling cars. The Tuscon has been one of Britain’s favourite SUVs for a long time and there was a well-needed refresh in 2021 which could be one of the reasons for its popularity this year. The new model added a fresh-faced front end and a new eye-catching LED light set up too. Find out more about financing a used Hyundai with affordable payments. 

7. Volkswagen Golf

Registrations: 25,199

No list of the most popular cars in 2022 would be complete without the Volkswagen Golf. It’s a well-loved hatchback that also makes one of the best family cars you can buy. The Volkswagen Golf has always been popular thanks to its versatility What can suit one diverse as a dependable family car it can also be a great choice for cheap cars to insure too! The Volkswagen Golf looks good, drives well and can benefit from low running costs.

8. Ford Kuga

Registrations: 25,067

The second Ford to be featured on the list is the Ford Kuga. The Kuga is the Puma’s bigger brother and is a popular large crossover. The Ford Kuga is here to rival the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan as a family-friendly SUV. If you’re ferrying the full squad around, it can also be one of the best cars for dogs and dog owners too! The Kuga had a makeover in 2020 which brought a more spacious interior and more economical powertrains. 

9. Tesla Model Y 

Registrations: 24,887

Last year, it was a first-time entry for Tesla in the best-selling cars list. However, the Tesla Model 3 no longer features and instead has been replaced by the larger Model Y this year. It’s actually surprising the see the Tesla Model Y make the list of best-selling cars as new car prices start from around £51k. However, the Model Y is one of the most futuristic and impressive models around. The technology used in Tesla cars is second to none and it offers one of the longest electric ranges of 331 miles. 

10. Kia Niro 

Registrations: 23,280

The all-new version of the Kia Niro was released in September 2022 and sales have been very strong since. It’s one of the best electric SUVs you can buy and comes in a range of different options such as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and an all-electric version too. The latest update saw the model get bigger and increase the interior space for everyone on board and also a fresh new exterior look too.

How do the best-selling cars of the year 2022 compare to last year? 

2022:

1. Nissan Qashqai (Registrations: 39,198)
2. Vauxhall Corsa (Registrations: 34,663)
3. Ford Puma (Registrations: 33,306)
4. MINI (Registrations: 29,068)
5. Kia Sportage (Registrations: 37,608)
6. Hyundai Tuscan (Registrations: 26,545)
7. Volkswagen Golf (Registrations: 25,199)
8. Ford Kuga (Registrations: 25,067)
9. Tesla Model Y (Registrations: 24,887)
10. Kia Niro (Registrations: 23,280)