Fresh industry analysis has officially declared the Nissan Juke as the United Kingdom's most sought-after vehicle for the year 2025. The data, compiled by leading leasing specialist Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, places Nissan at the forefront of the nation's automotive preferences, securing a remarkable one-two finish.
SUV Dominance Defines UK Leasing Market
The findings underscore a clear consumer shift towards compact and mid-sized Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). The top five most-leased models in the UK through the broker this year were exclusively in this category, highlighting a definitive market trend. Following the chart-topping Juke, its stablemate the Nissan Qashqai claimed second place. The Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Peugeot 208 completed the list, demonstrating the fierce competition in this popular segment.
Online search interest provided further evidence of the Juke's soaring appeal. According to Google Trends data, public searches for the Nissan Juke surged by an impressive 61% between December 2024 and August 2025, signalling a robust and growing appetite for smaller SUV models among British drivers.
Colour Choices and Electric Vehicle Momentum
The report also revealed intriguing insights into aesthetic preferences. A dominant 63% of leased cars were specified in black, though a significant minority of 20% opted for bolder red finishes. This marks a dramatic shift from the previous year, where grey dominated, accounting for 82% of new cars in 2024 compared to just 17% in 2025.
While SUVs led overall, the data showed varied tastes across different demographics. Among younger drivers aged 18-24, the Peugeot 208 retained its position as the top model, with Volkswagen and Audi emerging as the most selected manufacturers for this age group.
The electric vehicle (EV) market continues to build momentum, accounting for 23% of the total market according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Volkswagen and Renault were highlighted as the top choices for electric models. The trend for SUVs extends into the EV sector, with the Renault Scenic E-Tech and Peugeot e-5008 leading electric lease sales.
Industry Outlook: Practicality, Flexibility, and a Greener Future
Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, commented on the results, stating: “2025 proved that British drivers value practicality and flexibility, with SUVs coming out as the most popular. He noted the gradual rise of electric cars, adding, “Electric cars are also slowly gaining momentum, and we expect this to continue in 2026, as more affordable models and improved charging infrastructure come to market.”
Looking forward, the industry anticipates a stronger focus on sustainability and advanced technology. Hawes concluded: “We anticipate a strong focus on sustainability and tech-driven features, with drivers prioritising greener options and smarter connectivity in the year ahead.” This suggests the convergence of SUV practicality with electric powertrains and connected technology will likely define the next phase of the UK's automotive landscape.
