Ford Kuga takes 2023 crown for fastest selling, EV models closing in

The Ford Kuga was the fastest-selling used car last year, taking on average just 13 days to shift twice as quickly as the total 2023 average of 31 days, according to Auto Trader.

In second position was the Mercedes Benz A-Class Hatchback (petrol hybrid), which took 14 days to sell, followed closely by its A-Class Saloon counterpart (petrol plug-in hybrid), which took 15 days. The iconic premium German marque made up three of last year’s top 10 fastest sellers, as did Kia.

Two thirds of 2023’s fastest sellers were alternatively fuelled vehicles, including two all-electric models, with the Kira Niro and Audi e-tron taking on average just 16 and 18 days to sell respectively.

However, highlighting the acceleration in consumer demand for used EVs over recent months, today’s list of the UK’s fastest sellers is dominated by electric, with five making it onto the top 10.

This includes Korean crossover SUV, the Kia Niro, which is currently the UK’s fastest selling car, taking an average of just 15 days to sell, well ahead of the current 41-day total market average.

Across all makes and models electric vehicles are currently the fastest selling fuel type in the UK, taking an average of 36 days to sell, compared to 41 for petrol and 42 for diesel.

Richard Walker, data & insight director at Auto Trader commented: “Despite the turbulent economic and political backdrop of last year, consumer demand remained robust throughout, which is reflected in the rapid pace in which many used cars left retailers’ forecourts in 2023.

"With average retail values of used EVs falling around 20% last year, and with many models now at price parity with their traditionally fuelled counterparts, today’s used EV market is especially hot, and represents some great profit opportunities for retailers who follow the data closely.”

Fastest selling used cars of 2023

Fastest selling used cars as of January 2024 (up to 13th January)