Most popular cars in the first quarter of 2026 revealed

The first quarter of the year is over, and the data is in. We now know which new, lease and used cars proved most popular among Carwow users over the past three months, based on enquiry data from the platform. Spoiler alert: over half of them are Chinese cars, which shows how many models from this region are growing in popularity in the UK.

So, which models made the cut? Read on to find out.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

1. Jaecoo 7 – +11%

This Chinese SUV was actually the best-selling car in March, according to the latest data from SMMT, so it’s no surprise that this model has topped our list for enquiries too. It has well-made interior, head-turning styling and is excellent value for money thanks to its generous amounts of standard kit. That said, we find that this Jaecoo isn’t very good to drive, and it’s not as practical as its boxing styling would have you believe.

2. Chery Tiggo 8 – +219%

Taking silver is another Chinese SUV – and this one won Carwow’s Car of the Year Award 2026. The Chery Tiggo 8 is a spacious seven-seater that has a posh interior, all with a price tag that makes alternatives look positively overpriced. We find that the technology in this car is plentiful and works well, while also offering you the options of a petrol engine or a plug-in hybrid. However, it does have a tiny boot when in seven-seat mode and a weird rear-view mirror.

3. Kia Sportage – +42%

Rounding off our podium is a head-turning SUV that is a lot more established than its Chinese alternatives in the UK. The Kia Sportage has a premium-feeling cabin as well as roomy back seats and a boot of up to 591 litres. But while we think it’s a very well-equipped family car, it’s pretty bland to drive and is not as efficient as alternatives.

4. Chery Tiggo 7 – +195%

Say hello to another Chinese SUV. The Tiggo 7 is the five-seater younger sibling to the award-winning Tiggo 8, which has a rather posh and roomy interior. It comes with a choice of petrol or plug-in hybrid engines – we’d recommend the PHEV version – and it’s quiet and refined on the motorway. However, it’s not much fun on twisty roads and we find the infotainment system awkward to use.

5. MG HS – +7%

Marking the halfway point is the MG HS. It’s a large, good-value family SUV that gives you a choice of petrol, hybrid or plug-in power – and the PHEV version gives you a huge 75-mile electric range which we find seriously impressive. It’s also got a roomy boot and back seat, and could work very well as a cost-effective company car. That said, it’s not very enjoyable to drive and we find the infotainment fiddly.

6. BYD Seal U – -4%

The Seal U is one of a multitude of BYD SUVs on sale in the UK. It includes a terrific hybrid engine and plenty of standard kit, all at a budget-friendly price. However, this comes at the expense of driving comfort, a cheap-feeling cabin and fairly generic styling.

7. Hyundai Tucson – +45%

The Hyundai Tucson ticks all of the family car boxes with its interior quality, practicality and huge boot up to a whopping 620 litres. It’s pretty stylish inside too, with a range of petrol and hybrid engines to choose from. However, the looks of this SUV on the outside are a bit jarring and it’s not the most fun to drive.

8. Nissan Qashqai – +5%

This SUV is one of the most popular cars in the UK for a reason. Not only does it look handsome, it’s easy to drive with a great hybrid option too. Not to mention it’s got a practical, solid interior and comes with lots of standard kit. That said, the boot space in the Qashqai is smaller than alternatives and it’s not the most fun to drive.

9. Omoda 5 – +103%

We’ve come to the last Chinese car on our list… the Omoda 5. This SUV is extremely well-equipped for its price, featuring two 12.3-inch screens across the top of the dashboard for driver information and infotainment, and it gives you an efficient hybrid engine if you opt for one. However, don’t expect much room in the back seats.

10. Vauxhall Frontera Electric – +188%

Rounding off our top 10 of most-enquired models through Carwow is the Vauxhall Frontera Electric. This electric SUV gives you up to 249 miles of range on a single charge, loads of interior space, and is very comfortable to drive. But you will find some cheap-feeling interior materials in places and alternatives such as the MG S5 EV have better range.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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