Carwow’s most popular cars in the first half of 2026 revealed
Car changing is a big deal
Want to know which cars are drivers most interested in? These are the 10 most popular models enquired about on Carwow in the first half of 2026.
The first half of 2026 has come and gone, so what are the most popular cars of the year so far? Based on enquiry data from Carwow, we now know which new and leased cars attracted the most interest from buyers over the past six months.
Some of the usual suspects make an appearance, but there are also a few rising stars which are becoming a more familiar sight on UK roads. So, which models have made the top 10?
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. Kia Sportage
Claiming first place in the first half of 2026 is this head-turning SUV. 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.
2. Jaecoo 7
Taking silver is a Chinese SUV that claimed the top spot in most popular cars in the first quarter of 2026, so it’s no surprise that it has made it into our list for the first half of the year too. The Jaecoo 7 has a well-made interior, smart styling and is excellent value for money thanks to its generous amounts of standard kit. That said, we find that it isn’t very good to drive, and it’s not as practical as its boxy styling would have you believe.
3. Hyundai Tucson
Rounding off our podium is an SUV that ticks all of the family car boxes. The Hyundai Tucson is hugely practical and comes with a huge 620-litre boot. It’s pretty stylish inside too, and there’s 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.
4. Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai 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. It’s also got a practical, solid interior that comes with lots of standard kit. However, the boot space in the Qashqai is smaller than alternatives and it’s not the most fun to drive.
5. Volkswagen Tiguan
Next up we have the Volkswagen Tiguan, which was the fifth most popular model in the first half of 2026. This SUV is spacious and practical, comes with an upmarket and high-tech interior and it’s very well-specced. It’s really comfy to drive as well, but its starting price is high and the infotainment could be easier to use.
6. Renault Clio
The sixth most enquired-about model in the first half of the year comes in the shape of a stylish small hatchback. The Renault Clio not only has high quality interior, it’s also got a massive boot of up 391 litres, which is great for such a small car. It’s let down, however, by its tight rear seats and high boot lip. It’s not as comfy as alternatives either.
7. BYD Seal U
The Seal U is one of several SUVs on sale from Chinese manufacturer BYD in the UK. It includes an excellent hybrid engine and plenty of standard equipment at a budget-friendly price. However, this comes at the expense of driving comfort, a cheap-feeling cabin and fairly generic styling.
8. MG HS
The MG HS is a large, good-value family SUV that gives you a choice of petrol, hybrid or plug-in power – and the PHEV version has a 75-mile electric range which we find seriously impressive. It’s also got a roomy boot and back seats. However, it’s not very enjoyable to drive and we find the infotainment fiddly.
9. MG4 EV
Also making the top 10 is the MG4 – the only electric car in this list. This is a great-value electric car that’s fun to drive, has a range of up to 338 miles on a single charge, and has an interior that’s easy to use. That said, it’s rather noisy on the motorway and it has a small boot.
10. Volkswagen Polo
Last but not least, we have the Volkswagen Polo. This posh hatchback from VW has a slick cabin, plenty of boot space (up to 351 litres), and is very comfortable on the road. But it’s not as fun as some alternatives, its entry-level petrol engine lacks punch, and some useful options can be expensive.
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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