A Comparison of the UK's Top-Selling Cars: Which One Comes Out on Top?

The UK's car market is constantly evolving, with various models competing for the top spot. Recently, the Ford Puma has been the best-selling car, but other contenders are emerging to challenge its dominance.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) releases monthly and yearly data on the UK's top-selling vehicles. This information helps car buyers make informed decisions about their next purchase.

In recent years, the Ford Puma has been the UK's best-selling car, taking over from its predecessor, the Ford Fiesta. However, newer models like the Kia Sportage and Jaecoo 7 are now vying for the top position.

At the start of 2026, the Kia Sportage briefly outsold the Ford Puma, only for the Puma to reclaim its position in February. This shift in sales has led to a closer examination of the Sportage and its capabilities.

To better understand the Kia Sportage, I test-drove the HEV 'GT-Line' 1.6 T-GDi 6AT FWD variant, which features a hybrid powertrain combining a petrol engine with a 47.7kW electric motor.

The Kia Sportage has an impressive boot capacity, with 587 litres of space when the rear seats are upright and 1,776 litres when they are folded down. It also achieves a combined fuel economy of 50.4mpg.

The price of the Kia Sportage can vary greatly, starting from £23,954.17 for the 1.6 T-GDi variant with a manual gearbox. The model I tested was priced at £36,975, but finance packages are available to make it more affordable.

The interior of the Kia Sportage features a mix of physical buttons, a touchscreen display, and haptic controls. The manual gear selector and buttons for heated seats and the ignition are conveniently located.

Like many modern cars, the Kia Sportage has shortcut buttons on the steering wheel that allow you to toggle between different modes and deactivate features like lane assist without navigating through menus.

The infotainment interface of the Kia Sportage is similar to that of comparable Hyundai models, as both brands are owned by the same company. While it may take some time to get used to, the system is generally easy to use.

One potential drawback is the lack of a physical dial to access different system functions, and the climate control is managed via a haptic touch bar, which can feel fiddly.

The steering wheel of the Kia Sportage has a unique squared design with rounded edges, similar to that of the Ford Puma. It's unclear why both manufacturers have chosen this design, as it can make the vehicle more difficult to maneuver.

On the positive side, the gap at the top of the steering wheel does not obstruct the view of important information on the dashboard, and the paddles for adjustable regenerative braking are easily accessible.

One minor criticism is that the steering wheel did not extend sufficiently to accommodate my preferred driving position.

Despite its unusual steering wheel, the Kia Sportage delivers a superior driving experience compared to the Ford Puma. The Puma's 'city car on stilts' sensation and excessive body roll through corners are notable drawbacks.

In contrast, the Kia Sportage remains remarkably composed through corners, providing genuine feedback through the steering and pedals. While it may not match the driving enjoyment of a BMW iX3, its unremarkable nature is a positive aspect.

However, there are some issues with the regenerative braking system, which can feel overly responsive when descending hills. It may disengage and then re-engage, giving the impression of hesitation.

Another point of interest is the interaction between the petrol engine and the hybrid system. I found that the periods of running on electric power alone were too short before the petrol engine kicked back in.

Ideally, a hybrid vehicle should spend more time using electric power to minimize fuel consumption. The Kia Sportage's system is constantly seeking equilibrium, but it could be improved.

Despite these minor criticisms, I enjoyed my time with the Kia Sportage. It was well-suspended, and its width provided excellent stability on motorways and B-roads.

On balance, I believe the Kia Sportage is a superior vehicle to the Ford Puma. While it may be larger and less suited to navigating tight spaces, it can accommodate bulkier loads more comfortably.

The interior of the Kia Sportage is also more user-friendly, with fewer functions managed through the touchscreen. It delivers a better driving experience overall.

As the year progresses, it will be interesting to see if the Kia Sportage can dethrone the Ford Puma as the UK's best-selling car.

The Kia Sportage's ability to provide a comfortable and stable driving experience makes it an attractive option for those in the market for a new car.

In comparison to the Ford Puma, the Kia Sportage offers a more refined and composed driving experience, making it a strong contender for the top spot.

While the Ford Puma has its strengths, the Kia Sportage's overall package makes it a more desirable choice for many car buyers.

The Kia Sportage's hybrid powertrain and impressive boot capacity make it an excellent option for those who prioritize practicality and fuel efficiency.

As the UK's car market continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how the Kia Sportage and other models compete for the top position.

For now, the Kia Sportage has proven itself to be a worthy contender, offering a unique blend of style, comfort, and functionality.

With its superior driving experience and impressive features, the Kia Sportage is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a new car.

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