Europe's love affair with SUVs continues to grow, but one car still reigns supreme. Despite the surge in popularity of SUVs, which now account for 59% of new car sales in Europe, a few models still dominate the market. The Renault Clio, VW Golf, and Dacia Sandero remain popular, with the Sandero leading the pack. Here's why the Sandero is a top choice.
The Sandero's Success Story
Affordability is a key factor in the Sandero's triumph. With a starting price below €13,000 in Germany, it's an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Sales have skyrocketed from 168,443 units in 2020 to over 225,000 through November of last year. This puts it on track to be Europe's best-selling model for the second year in a row in 2025.
The Shift in Buyer Preferences
Europeans have embraced SUVs, moving away from hatchbacks and sedans. SUVs are now seen as practical, city-friendly options, a stark contrast to their past reputation as fuel-guzzling vehicles. This shift in perception has been driven by mainstream brands like Volkswagen, Renault, Ford, and Toyota, offering compact SUVs that fit into urban spaces once dominated by small hatchbacks.
SUV Dominance
SUVs now hold a 59% share of the European market, up from 41% in 2020. This surge in popularity has impacted other vehicle types. Hatchbacks, once a dominant force, now hold only 23.9% of the market, a dramatic decline from 35% in 2020. Sedans, too, have seen a decline, falling to 3.5% market share in 2025.
Best-Selling SUVs
The VW T-Roc leads the pack with 192,245 sales in 2025, followed by the VW Tiguan (180,683), Toyota Yaris Cross (174,567), Peugeot 2008 (160,104), and Dacia Duster (157,004). Other strong sellers include the Citroen C3, Ford Puma, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Nissan Qashqai.
Estates in Decline
The demand for SUVs has also impacted estates, with their market share dropping from 10.2% to 7.1% in 2025. Longstanding favorites like the Skoda Octavia and VW Passat have been hit hard, as buyers opt for SUVs over traditional wagons.
