SUV surge in UK

LONDON: The number of new SUV models available to British drivers is at its highest in 25 years, with selection up by 543% since 2000.

Analysis from CarGurus — a leading automotive marketplace in the UK to shop, buy, and sell used vehicles — has found that there are now 193 new SUV models available to motorists from the U.K.’s top 35 manufacturers, compared to just 30 in 2000 (analysis includes SUVs and crossovers).

Further research from CarGurus revealed that all 35 of the U.K.’s most popular brands1 now offer at least one SUV in their range, with 57% offering five or more SUV variants (20 out of 35).

Considering the top three brands with the greatest number of SUVs, there are 46 different options (18 from Audi, 15 through BMW, and 13 from Mercedes).

In 2000, less than half of the manufacturers examined in the study offered an SUV.

The ever-growing popularity of SUVs is reflected in customer demand.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, eight of the 10 best-selling cars year-to-date in 2025 are SUVs, with only the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Golf representing other car categories.

Similarly, eight of the top 10 best-selling cars in 2024 were SUVs, with the Ford Puma, Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Nissan Juke, and Tesla Model Y making the top five.

The continued rapid rise in this body style has led to an 18% increase in new SUV models in 2025 vs 2024.

Furthermore, of the 193 variations available, 33% are EVs (64).

CarGurus UK editorial director Chris Knapman said, “Features like the high driving position, flexible interior space, big boot, and potential off-road capability make SUVs an appealing body style to consumers."

“Of course, this increase in appetite for SUVs has meant there’s been less demand for other types of cars, with the choice of MPVs in particular having dwindled on the new car market," Knapman added.