SUVs continue to dominate UK market as body style hits 25-year high

More than half of all new car models on sale in the UK in 2025 are SUVs, according to analysis of the top 35 manufacturers by CarGurus.

The study shows that SUVs now account for 52% of all new models, with a total of 193 SUV and crossover variants available—up from just 30 in 2000.

The growth represents a 543% increase over the past 25 years, with an 18% year-on-year rise in SUV availability from 2024 to 2025.

All 35 manufacturers included in the analysis now offer at least one SUV, compared with fewer than half (16) in 2000.

Over half of these brands (57%) have five or more SUV models in their line-ups.

Audi leads the segment with 18 models, followed by BMW with 15 and Mercedes-Benz with 13.

Electric powertrains are also driving SUV growth, with EVs making up 33% of the SUV market in 2025, equivalent to 64 models.

Demand trends support this shift.

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that eight of the top 10 best-selling models so far in 2025 are SUVs. The pattern mirrors 2024, when the Ford Puma, Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Nissan Juke, and Tesla Model Y led the market.

Meanwhile, other body styles are seeing marked declines. MPV availability has fallen by more than 70% from its 2011–2015 peak, with just 22 models now available. Hatchbacks have dropped by 46% over the same period, from 100 models to 54.

New market entrants are also focusing on SUVs. Brands such as BYD, GWM, Omoda/Jaecoo, and Leapmotor have all launched in the UK with SUV models as part of their initial offerings.

This broad expansion of SUV choice is reshaping the new car landscape, while reducing availability in other traditionally popular segments. Buyers looking for less common body styles are increasingly turning to the used market for greater variety.