- UK car-sharing platform reveals its ten most booked vehicles over the past year
- Findings underline growing demand for everyday cars following Zipcar’s withdrawal from the UK
- Family-friendly hatchbacks and practical models dominate as motorists seek flexibility and affordability
- Vauxhall Astra tops the rankings ahead of several higher-end competitors
- Economy and compact models make up seven of the ten most frequently rented cars
Car-sharing marketplace Turo has published its annual snapshot of the UK’s most popular rental cars, confirming the Vauxhall Astra as the most in-demand vehicle of 2025. The well-known hatchback recorded the highest number of bookings nationwide, edging out both the BMW 1 Series and the Volkswagen Golf.
The figures point to a decisive shift towards cost-effective and efficient vehicles. The top ten list is dominated by mainstream hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus, Toyota Yaris and Vauxhall Corsa, alongside a smaller number of premium models from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The balance suggests that renters are increasingly favouring value and usability over prestige.
The closure of Zipcar’s UK operations has intensified demand for accessible alternatives. In response, thousands of Turo hosts are offering practical economy cars as well as higher-end vehicles, helping drivers manage rising ownership costs while providing a peer-to-peer mobility option to bridge the gap left in the market.
Vauxhall stood out as the strongest-performing brand, placing three vehicles in the top ten. Alongside the Astra, the Zafira Tourer and Corsa reinforced the manufacturer’s reputation for dependable, affordable transport suited to everyday UK driving.
- Vauxhall Astra
- BMW 1 Series
- Volkswagen Golf
- BMW 3 Series
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Ford Focus
- Toyota Yaris
- Vauxhall Zafira Tourer
- Vauxhall Corsa
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class
While premium German models secured five positions in the top ten, the results highlight that British drivers are just as likely to opt for a dependable Vauxhall or Ford as they are a luxury BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
Beyond the top ten, the data reveals other interesting trends. The Tesla Model’s ranking demonstrates growing appetite for electric vehicles, while the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque placements show continued demand for premium SUVs. City cars like the FIAT 500 and Toyota AYGO remain popular for urban dwellers seeking small, efficient transport.
Rory Brimmer, Director at car sharing marketplace Turo, commented:
“The dominance of practical, affordable cars like the Astra, Focus, and Corsa shows that people are increasingly turning to car sharing for their everyday transport needs, not just special occasions. With traditional car club services like Zipcar exiting the UK market, drivers are discovering that peer-to-peer car sharing offers a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to both ownership and conventional rental.”
“The rankings underscore a fundamental shift in how people approach car use, with renters selecting vehicles that match their specific needs for a trip rather than committing to ownership. From the practical Astra for family trips, to the premium C-Class for special occasions, Turo’s platform enables drivers to access the right car at the right time.”
About Turo
Turo is the world’s largest car sharing marketplace, where you can book the perfect car for wherever you’re going from a vibrant community of trusted hosts across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and France. Flying in from afar or looking for a car down the street, searching for a rugged truck or something smooth and swanky, you can skip the rental car counter and choose from an extraordinary, totally unique selection of nearby vehicles shared by local hosts. Entrepreneurs can take the wheel of their futures by becoming hosts and building car sharing businesses on Turo, leveraging our established platform to scale their businesses to meet their goals.
With an unwavering mission of putting the world’s 1.5 billion cars to better use, Turo unlocks the hidden value in idle and underutilised assets, empowering anyone to get in the driver’s seat. Find your drive® — Turo.
To learn more about Turo, please visit https://turo.com/gb/en
