Top Car Brands in the UK by Driver Leasing Duration
New leasing data has revealed the UK’s most “loved” car brands and models – based not just on popularity, but on how long drivers choose to commit to them.
The figures, taken from LeaseLoco’s customer enquiries from 2020 to 2025, reveal that some brands generate the most interest, while others command lasting loyalty.
LeaseLoco’s data also suggests that, although mainstream brands lead in overall demand, premium manufacturers, SUVs, and electric vehicles tend to inspire long-term commitment.
Volkswagen and Nissan have dominated interest over the last five years, with the Golf and Qashqai standing out as enduring favourites for lease enquiries.
These mainstream favourites show that practicality and familiarity still hold sway in initial consideration – but popularity does not always equal devotion.
While Volkswagen consistently attracted the highest number of enquiries between 2020 and 2025, it did not feature among the brands that drivers were most likely to commit to for the longest lease periods.
Instead, premium brands have won the hearts of UK drivers for the long term. Mercedes-Benz clearly emerged as the manufacturer most likely to inspire extended commitments, with almost half of customers opting for the longest available lease term – a choice likely influenced both by brand loyalty and the higher price points of these vehicles.
Audi and BMW also performed strongly in this regard, alongside a growing presence of emerging brands such as MG and Tesla, suggesting that drivers are willing to invest in quality and long-term value.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB stood out as the most enduringly loved model, with an overwhelming majority of drivers choosing extended leases.
Other vehicles showing strong long-term appeal included electric and hybrid options, as well as versatile family and commercial vehicles, indicating that both practicality and perceived value play a role in securing long-term commitment.
Even practical models like the Vauxhall Combo-e Life and Nissan Leaf demonstrate that utility combined with sustainability can foster lasting loyalty.
Meanwhile, pick-up trucks and MPVs, such as the Nissan Navara and Toyota Proace Verso, continue to attract long leases despite lower overall enquiry volumes, reflecting their ongoing appeal for work and family use.
John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing deals comparison site LeaseLoco.com, commented:
“While mainstream brands attract the most enquiries, premium manufacturers, SUVs and electric vehicles are winning hearts for the long haul.
“It’s also interesting to see newer brands, including Chinese manufacturers, beginning to climb the rankings for long-term leases – a sign of growing trust in the market.”
Most Popular Brands 2025
Volkswagen
Nissan
Peugeot
CUPRA
Vauxhall
Most Popular Brands 2020-2025
Volkswagen
Nissan
Audi
CUPRA
Hyundai
Most Popular Models 2025
Nissan Qashqai
BMW 7 Series
Volkswagen Golf
Tesla Model 3
Hyundai Tucson
Most Popular Models 2020-2025
Nissan Qashqai
Volkswagen Golf
Hyundai Tucson
CUPRA Formentor
Volkswagen Tiguan
Brands With Longest Lease Period 2025
Mercedes-Benz (44.9%)
Audi (29.6%)
BMW (20.5%)
MG Motor UK (19.2%)
Tesla (18.7%)
Brands With Longest Lease Period 2020-2025
Mercedes-Benz (38.7%)
MINI (34.2%)
Land Rover (30.6%)
Volvo (28.8%)
BMW (28.6%)
Models With Longest Lease Period 2025
Mercedes-Benz GLB (99.9%)
Vauxhall Combo-e Life (97.4%)
Audi Q3 Sportback (76.4%)
Nissan Leaf (67.5%)
Audi Q8 e-tron (67.4%)
Models With Longest Lease Period 2020-2025
Mercedes-Benz GLB (94.1%)
Suzuki Vitara (70.5%)
Mazda MX-30 (66.3%)
Porsche Macan (63.0%)
Porsche Taycan (60.9%)
LeaseLoco is the UK’s biggest car lease comparison website, making it super quick and easy for drivers to filter and compare millions of car lease deals from the country’s leading car leasing companies to find the best fit for their needs.
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