The Most Leased Cars of 2026 so Far
Car leasing continues to surge in popularity across the UK, and 2026 is shaping up to be another landmark year. With drivers facing rising costs, rapid advances in vehicle technology, and increasing electrification, leasing offers a flexible, lower-commitment way to stay behind the wheel of the latest models.
The most leased car of 2026 so far
If there’s one car that sums up the UK’s leasing market in 2026, it’s the Jaecoo 7.
The SUV’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Barely a year after arriving on UK roads, it has already claimed the title of the most popular lease car of the year so far, edging ahead of long-time favourite, the Kia Sportage.
The figures have been revealed by Select Car Leasing - the UK’s largest leasing broker by volume and trusted partner of MotorEasy - and they show just how quickly the Jaecoo 7 has climbed to the top. The Jaecoo 7 has been likened to a ‘baby Range Rover’ thanks to its sleek styling and affordable asking price. It’s a comparison that captures exactly why it’s resonating with drivers.
The Chinese SUV has taken the UK new car market by storm since its launch at the beginning of 2025. In fact, it was the best-selling new car in Britain in March, according to registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
As Geoff Cockerill, Director of Operations at Select Car Leasing, said:
“The Jaecoo 7 continues its dominance in what is one of the biggest automotive success stories in a generation.”
“The appeal is obvious; the Jaecoo 7 is affordably priced, well equipped as standard, and is also available with petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, giving customers added flexibility.”
Select Car Leasing's Top 10 Leased Cars of 2026 (so far)
- Jaecoo 7 (22.2%) Ultimate school run machine, Range Rover-esque stylig, great choice of engines.
- Kia Sportage (20.1%) Family-friendly SUV, plug-in hybrid engines available, plenty of interior space.
- BYD Seal (9.8%) Head-turning design, recently revamped with better tech, Tesla Model 3 alternative.
- Vauxhall Frontera Electric (9.5%) A lot of car for the money, practical and comfortable.
- Nissan Qashqai (8%) Easy and stress-free to drive, everyday practicality, strong hybrid option (e-Power).
- BYD Dolphin Surf (7.7%) Affordable electric urban mobility, sharp modern styling, 200-mile max range.
- Volkswagen T-Roc (6.7%) Premium feel, engaging drive quality, stylish exterior.
- Leapmotor C10 Electric (5.7%) Spacious interior, packed with tech, understated looks.
- Tesla Model Y (5.3%) Class-leading range, effortless pace, access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
- Volvo XC40 (5%) Scandinavian styling, extremely safe, clever, practical interior.
What this tells us about drivers in 2026
There are some clear trends emerging. SUVs still dominate, offering the practicality and driving position UK motorists love. At the same time, electric vehicles are no longer niche - making up half of the top 10 - and newer entrants, particularly from Chinese brands, are gaining real traction.
Perhaps most importantly, leasing customers are becoming more open-minded. Value, technology, and flexibility now matter more than badge loyalty.
Leasing smart: Protect your vehicle (and your wallet)
As leasing grows, so does awareness around end-of-contract condition checks. Even minor cosmetic damage - like scuffed alloy wheels or small bodywork scratches - can result in charges when the vehicle is returned.
That’s why many drivers are now pairing their lease with protection products, such as alloy wheel and cosmetic cover. These help keep the car in top condition throughout the agreement and remove the stress of unexpected bills at the end.
With MotorEasy’s alloy and cosmetic insurance, it’s easier to maintain that ‘new car’ feel for longer. Rather than paying for repairs as and when damage occurs, customers can make multiple claims each year - so whether it’s a kerbed alloy or a car park scratch, it can be sorted quickly.
The road ahead
If 2026 has shown anything so far, it’s that leasing is no longer just an alternative to buying - it’s becoming the default choice for many drivers.
With more choice than ever, increasing electrification, and flexible options that suit modern lifestyles, it’s easy to see why.
And if current trends continue, don’t be surprised to see even more new names - and new technologies - shaping the leasing landscape before the year is out.
Added peace of mind: GAP Insurance
Leasing offers flexibility and lower upfront costs - but it’s worth thinking about what happens if the unexpected occurs.
If your vehicle is written off or stolen, your motor insurer will usually only pay out the current market value. With a lease or contract hire agreement, that can sometimes fall short of what’s still owed - leaving you to cover the difference.
MotorEasy’s GAP Insurance is designed to remove that risk.
