Tesla Model Y is the best-selling EV of 2024, but it wasn’t the most popular car…
January 06, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
The 10 best-selling cars of 2024 have been revealed, and the Ford Puma was the most popular new model. Eight of the top 10 were also SUVs, however just one was electric – the Tesla Model Y
Now that 2024 has drawn to a close, the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed the most popular cars of last year. It was a tight finish between the Ford Puma and the Nissan Qashqai, however the Blue oval’s dinky SUV came out on top.
The numbers also show the UK’s love for SUVs, with eight of the 10 most popular cars coming from this category. The Tesla Model Y was the only electric car to make it into the top 10 though, despite a 21% increase in EV sales over 2023.
Let’s take a look at the 10 most popular cars of 2024…
10. Volkswagen Polo
9. Volvo XC40
8. MG HS
7. Hyundai Tucson
6. Volkswagen Golf
5. Tesla Model Y
4. Nissan Juke
3. Nissan Qashqai
2. Kia Sportage
1. Ford Puma
10. Volkswagen Polo – 28,981 sold
Both of the non-SUVs in this top 10 come from Volkswagen, with the Polo coming in at number 10. It’s easy to see why it proved so popular, because it’s a small car which offers the space and quality of something much larger.
It may be on the pricey side compared to some alternatives, but it does feel pretty posh when you step inside. It’s also super comfy on long journeys, and there’s a range of fuel-efficient engines on offer.
9. Volvo XC40 – 30,202 sold
A stylish Swede slides in at number nine, the Volvo XC40. It may have been around for a while now, but this small SUV is still looking fresh and it has an impressive amount of interior space for its size.
The interior isn’t aging as well as the exterior, but it’s still a nice place to be with posh materials and solid build quality. You also get plenty of safety kit, and it’s a comfortable cruiser as well.
8. MG HS – 30,207 sold
Beating the XC40 by just five units is the MG HS. Value for money is this car’s key selling point, because you get a spacious and well-equipped SUV for the same price as a well-specced Volkswagen Polo.
It even feels pretty nice inside, although the infotainment system is a faff to use and it’s still not as posh-feeling as the German competition. This is easy to look past at this price though, especially if you go for the plug-in hybrid which has an impressive 75 miles on electric power.
7. Hyundai Tucson – 32,174 sold
The Hyundai Tucson does plenty to appeal to family buyers, which is why it proved so popular in 2024. It has a huge boot, a well-made interior and it’s striking to look at. There are plenty of decent engines on offer as well.
The suspension is on the firm side, but it’s still more than comfortable enough for day-to-day use. There’s loads of tech on board as standard to sweeten the deal.
6. Volkswagen Golf – 32,370 sold
This is the most popular non-SUV of the year – the Volkswagen Golf. It’s been a mainstay of the VW range for decades now, and the latest one is a brilliant all-rounder. It’s comfortable, practical, cheap to run and well-made.
It may not be the most exciting choice, but if you’re after a family hatchback which can do it all then the Golf is hard to beat. There are always the GTI and R models for those looking for something a bit more spicy.
5. Tesla Model Y – 32,862 sold
The Tesla Model Y was the most popular electric car of 2024, but it was the only electric car to make it into the top 10. Tesla had some tasty offers on the Model Y in 2024, with heavy discounts on leasing, which is probably why it proved so popular.
Tesla’s family SUV is also properly spacious, with a cavernous boot and airy cabin, and it’s packed with tech as well. Add in the full access to the excellent Supercharger network and this is a really easy EV to live with.
4. Nissan Juke – 34,454 sold
The Nissan Juke may not be the best small SUV out there, but it’s certainly one of the most popular. The interior is pretty cramped, it’s not the most comfortable and the infotainment system is dated.
However, the Juke is really cheap to buy and it’s packed with tech as standard, which would explain why it proved so popular in 2024. There aren’t many cars on the road with styling this bold either, which is perfect if you like to stand out.
3. Nissan Qashqai – 42,418 sold
It’s a double whammy for Nissan, with the Qashqai making it into the top three. This family-friendly SUV has a lot to offer including a decent-sized boot, comfortable driving experience and loads of tech.
It’s not as spacious as the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage, but there’s still plenty of room in the rear seats to get comfortable . It also offers great value for money.
2. Kia Sportage – 47,163 sold
Runner-up for 2024 is the Kia Sportage. It may be very similar under the skin to the Hyundai Tucson, but the Kia offers an excellent seven-year warranty which gives great peace of mind.
It’s well-equipped, spacious and offers a range of smooth hybrid engines, however it’s not the most comfortable hybrid SUV on the market. Still, at least the interior is a lovely place to spend time, and all the tech is easy to use.
1. Ford Puma – 48,340 sold
Here it is then, the most popular car of 2024 – the Ford Puma. This small and stylish SUV has an awful lot going for it, such as the generous standard equipment and massive, practical boot.
The rear seats may be a bit cramped, but this is a small niggle in an otherwise very likeable car. It’s great fun to drive as well, channeling the spirit of the discontinued Fiesta hatchback with its agile handling.
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