Electric and hybrid models accounting for nine of the UK’s top 10 fastest-selling used cars in May, according to the latest data from Auto Trader.
Electric continues to surpass other fuel types overall, with used EVs taking an average of just 24 days to sell, ahead of both petrol (29 days) and diesel (32 days).
The petrol hybrid MG ZS (1-3 years) is the fastest-selling used car in May so far, taking 10.5 days on average to leave retailers’ forecourts, almost three times faster than the monthly average (29 days).
This is followed by multiple electric models, with the Polestar 2 (3-5 years) and the Tesla Model 3 (3-5 years) taking silver and bronze respectively.
Marc Palmer, head of strategy & insights at Autotrader, said: “This month’s data paints a vivid picture of today’s fiercely competitive used car market.
“As petrol prices continue to stay sky high, we’re seeing a clear shift: car buyers are making the switch to low emission vehicles.
“The remarkable pace at which electrified models are selling underscores the growing desire for cars that blend affordability with lower running costs, and It’s not just a passing trend – consumers are actively seeking out greener, smarter options.”
Fastest-selling used cars – May 2026
| Rank | Make | Model | Body Type | Fuel Type |
Age Cohort (years) |
Avg. days to sell |
| 1 | MG | MG ZS | SUV | Petrol Hybrid | 1 to 3 Years | 10.5 |
| 2 | Polestar | Polestar 2 | Hatchback | Electric | 3 to 5 Years | 15 |
| 3 | Tesla | Model 3 | Saloon | Electric | 3 to 5 Years | 17 |
| 4 | Kia | Niro | SUV | Electric | 3 to 5 Years | 18 |
| 5 | Kia | Sportage | SUV | Petrol | 3 to 5 Years | 18 |
| 6 | Nissan | Qashqai | SUV | Petrol Hybrid | 3 to 5 Years | 18 |
| 7 | Tesla | Model Y | SUV | Electric | 3 to 5 Years | 19 |
| 8 | Vauxhall | Mokka Electric | SUV | Electric | 3 to 5 Years | 20 |
| 9 | Kia | Niro | SUV | Petrol Hybrid | 3 to 5 Years | 20 |
| 10 | Hyundai | TUCSON | SUV | Petrol | 3 to 5 Years | 20 |
Slowest-selling used cars – May 2026
| Rank | Make | Model | Body Type | Fuel Type |
Age Cohort (years) |
Avg. days to sell |
| 10 | Volkswagen | Polo | Hatchback | Petrol | 1 to 3 Years | 36 |
| 9 | Toyota | Aygo X | Hatchback | Petrol | 1 to 3 Years | 37 |
| 8 | BMW | 1 Series | Hatchback | Petrol | 1 to 3 Years | 37 |
| 7 | BMW | 1 Series | Hatchback | Diesel | 5 to 10 Years | 37 |
| 6 | Land Rover | Range Rover Evoque | SUV | Diesel | 10 to 15 Years | 37.5 |
| 5 | Nissan | Juke | SUV | Petrol | 1 to 3 Years | 38 |
| 4 | Toyota | Yaris Cross | SUV | Petrol Hybrid | 1 to 3 Years | 38.5 |
| 3 | Land Rover | Range Rover Sport | SUV | Diesel | 5 to 10 Years | 38.5 |
| 2 | MINI | Hatch | Hatchback | Petrol | 3 to 5 Years | 41 |
| 1 | Toyota | Yaris | Hatchback | Petrol Hybrid | 1 to 3 Years | 45 |
