The Best Chinese Cars 2025

For years, the UK car market has been dominated by familiar names from Europe, Japan, and Korea. However, a new wave of manufacturers from China is rapidly changing the landscape, offering British buyers alternatives that are hard to ignore. Brands like MG, BYD, and Chery are making a significant impact by delivering vehicles that excel in areas that matter most to everyday drivers: value for money, generous standard equipment, and advanced technology, particularly in the fast-growing electric and hybrid sectors.

Whether you're in the market for a budget-friendly family SUV, an electric hatchback, or even a stylish sports car, Chinese brands now offer a credible option. These cars often undercut established rivals on price by thousands of pounds while packing in features that would be costly extras elsewhere. From the practicality of the seven-seat Chery Tiggo 8 to the impressive electric range of the BYD Seal, these models challenge the perception of what an affordable car can be, often backing it up with long warranties that provide extra peace of mind for buyers.

The cars in this guide have been carefully selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system. We start with detailed real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers. We then incorporate ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day. Finally, we analyse market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also represent smart financial decisions.

The Best Chinese Cars 2025

• 1. 2025 MG HS
• 2. 2025 MG4
• 3. 2025 MG3 Hybrid+
• 4. 2025 BYD Seal
• 5. 2025 Omoda 9
• 6. 2025 BYD Dolphin Surf
• 7. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8
• 8. 2025 BYD Seal U
• 9. 2025 Chery Tiggo 7
• 10. 2025 MG Cyberster

1. 2025 MG HS

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 68%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5

The MG HS is the Chinese brand’s best-selling model in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. As a midsize family SUV, it takes on household names like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage but undercuts them on price by several thousand pounds. This incredible value is the HS’s trump card, but it’s far from a one-trick pony. It’s also a very practical choice, with excellent rear legroom and a generous 507-litre boot, regardless of whether you choose the petrol or hybrid models. The interior is spacious and well-equipped, with even entry-level models getting a large digital driver’s display and a central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Buyers have a choice of powertrains: a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 169bhp, a mild-hybrid with 221bhp, or a 295bhp plug-in hybrid (PHEV). While the standard petrol is adequate for town driving, the PHEV is the star of the show. It boasts an impressive official electric-only range of up to 75 miles from its 24.7kWh battery, which makes it a fantastic option for company car drivers thanks to its low CO2 emissions. The ride is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps well, though drivers seeking a more engaging experience will find the steering a little vague. While the standard technology is generous, the reliance on the touchscreen for basic functions can be frustrating, and the driver assistance systems can feel overly sensitive at times.

The CarGurus Verdict: "While it may not be the most exciting SUV to drive, and some elements of the infotainment and safety systems could be improved, the overall package is hard to argue with at this price point." - Chris Knapman, editorial director Read our full MG HS review

2. 2025 MG4

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5

The MG4 marked MG's arrival as a serious contender in the electric car market. As the brand's first model built on a dedicated EV platform, it boasts futuristic styling and a spacious, airy interior, thanks to a flat floor and slim battery pack. Its pricing is arguably its most compelling feature, placing it in direct competition with smaller electric superminis while offering the practicality of a larger family hatchback. The boot holds a respectable 363 litres, and the cabin is well-equipped even in the entry-level SE trim, which includes a 10-inch touchscreen and adaptive cruise control as standard.

The driving experience is another area where the MG4 impresses. Most models feature a rear-wheel-drive setup that delivers agile and entertaining handling, a characteristic often missing in affordable EVs. Power options are plentiful, starting from a 168bhp Standard Range model and going all the way up to a storming 429bhp, all-wheel-drive XPower version capable of 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds. For those prioritising distance, the 77kWh Extended Range model offers a claimed 323 miles on a single charge. While the interior quality isn't quite at a premium level, the overall package of performance, technology, and genuinely enjoyable driving dynamics makes the MG4 very tempting indeed.

The CarGurus Verdict: "The MG4 marks MG’s coming of age for the 21st century, especially when it comes to electric cars. Its design is distinctive, grown-up and well thought-through inside and out, its technology is up to date, and its price point is sufficiently low as to be genuinely embarrassing for its rivals." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor Read our full MG4 review

3. 2025 MG3 Hybrid+

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 68.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5

The MG3 Hybrid's main draw is its affordability - put simply, it one of the cheapest hybrid cars you can buy new. But its appeal goes beyond the price; it's generously equipped even at the entry-level, and the Hybrid+ powertrain promises exceptionally low running costs, with an official fuel economy figure of 64.2mpg. Under the bonnet, a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor combine to produce an impressive 192bhp, which makes the MG3 feel surprisingly quick for a small hatchback.

It handles neatly, with well-controlled body roll, making it a pleasant car to drive. However, there are compromises for the low price. The boot, at 293 litres, is smaller than many rivals, and its practicality is hampered by a rear seat that folds down in one piece rather than splitting. While some interior plastics feel hard, the cabin is smartly designed and features two digital screens, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

The CarGurus Verdict: "If you’re looking for your next supermini, and you fancy an affordable hybrid, then certainly give it a look." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor Read our full MG3 Hybrid review

4. 2025 BYD Seal

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 42.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.0 out of 5

The BYD Seal is a handsome electric saloon aimed squarely at the popular Tesla Model 3. For us, it’s BYD’s best car yet, offering a blend of style, performance, and technology that might well tempt you away from a BMW or Audi. The rear-wheel-drive model produces 308bhp and boasts an official range of up to 354 miles from its 82.5kWh 'Blade' battery. This innovative battery technology is not only cobalt-free but also a structural part of the car, enhancing safety and rigidity. Standard equipment is hugely generous, including a panoramic roof, heated and ventilated seats, a 12-speaker sound system, and a full suite of driver aids, making it one of the best-equipped cars in its class.

From a practical standpoint, the Seal offers more rear legroom than a Model 3, and its 400-litre boot is supplemented by a useful 53-litre 'frunk' for cable storage. The driving experience is genuinely fun, with the rear-drive model hitting 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and the all-wheel-drive version taking a blistering 3.8 seconds. It handles keenly and rides comfortably over most surfaces, making it a great long-distance companion. However, the infotainment system, despite its large rotating screen, can be frustrating to use, with key functions buried in menus.

The CarGurus Verdict: "The BYD Seal is a really good all-round executive saloon. It’s good to drive, has a smart cabin, class-leading equipment levels and has enough range and charging speed to make it a very easy companion for high-mileage drivers." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor Read our full BYD Seal review

5. 2025 Omoda 9

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 25%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.7 out of 5

The Omoda 9 is a large luxury SUV for the price of a smaller, more mainstream model. The interior is a real highlight, with a premium feel that genuinely impresses, thanks to soft-touch materials, convincing vegan leather, and a modern, sophisticated design. For families, the practicality is hard to beat; there’s loads of room for passengers in the back and the 660-litre boot is more than big enough for luggage, shopping, and all the kit that comes with family life.

There’s only one engine option, but it’s a clever one: a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with electric motors to produce a punchy 443bhp. It’s impressively quiet and smooth, making for a very relaxing drive, especially on the motorway. The official electric-only range is 90 miles from the 34kWh battery, which could mean very low running costs if you can charge at home. While it’s not as sharp to drive as a BMW or as plush as a Range Rover, the Omoda 9 is comfortable, handles neatly, and comes loaded with technology as standard, including a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, and heated and ventilated seats for front and rear passengers.

The CarGurus Verdict: "The Omoda 9 feels like real progress for the brand. It's not as polished to drive as the best luxury SUVs, but it's downright impressive in other ways, offering sensational interior quality, a huge list of standard equipment, and brilliant refinement, all for the price of a car from the class below." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor

Read our full Omoda 9 review

6. 2025 BYD Dolphin Surf

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.1 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5

The BYD Dolphin Surf is a cheerful and compact electric hatchback aimed squarely at urban drivers who find most modern EVs too big and expensive. It competes with cars like the Renault 5 and MINI Electric, offering a good blend of value and features. With a starting price just shy of £19,000, it provides significantly more space than city car rivals like the Dacia Spring. While it only seats four, the interior is surprisingly roomy, and the 308-litre boot is respectable for its class. All versions are remarkably well-equipped, featuring vegan leather, a reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control as standard, making it a strong value proposition.

There are three versions to choose from: the entry-level Active has an 87bhp motor and a 137-mile range, the Boost gets a larger 43.2kWh battery with a 200-mile range, while the top-spec Comfort boasts a more powerful 154bhp motor and a 193-mile range. The handling is safe and predictable, though the steering feels a bit remote. A key interior feature is BYD's signature rotating touchscreen, though its small icons can be fiddly to use on the move. Despite a few quirks, the Dolphin Surf's low running costs, generous equipment, and comfortable ride make it a worthy contender for anyone seeking an affordable and practical small EV.

The CarGurus Verdict: "If you’re after a fun and funky small electric car and you don’t want to spend too much, the Dolphin Surf is worth a look. And underneath it all is a car that gets the basics right: comfortable and easy to drive, roomy enough, and great to look at." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor

Read our full BYD Dolphin Surf review

7. 2025 Chery Tiggo 8

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: NA
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5

The Chery Tiggo 8 is a seven-seater family SUV that delivers staggering value for money, smart looks, and a high-quality interior. It rivals established players like the Nissan X-Trail and Skoda Kodiaq but undercuts them on price by a significant margin, often by five figures. With all seven seats in use, boot space is a modest 117 litres, but this expands to a more family-friendly 494 litres in five-seat mode. The cabin feels impressively premium for the price, and even the entry-level Aspire trim comes loaded with features like 19-inch alloys, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and a full suite of parking cameras.

Two powertrains are available; a 145bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol with a mediocre economy of 36.2mpg, and a 201bhp 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The PHEV is particularly noteworthy, offering an official all-electric range of 56 miles, which is great for handling daily commutes and school runs without using any petrol. The driving experience is comfortable, with soft, spongy suspension that does an excellent job of soaking up bumps, though this does result in some body roll in corners. While it may not be the most polished car to drive, its combination of practicality, high equipment levels, and a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty makes it a tempting choice for budget-conscious families.

The CarGurus Verdict: "The Tiggo 8 gives you proper everyday seven-seater practicality, impressive interior quality, smart looks, and oodles of standard equipment, all for a price that significantly undercuts most competitors." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor

Read our full Chery Tiggo 8 review

8. 2025 BYD Seal U

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: NA
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.6 out of 5

The BYD Seal U DM-i is a family-sized plug-in hybrid SUV with a starting price just over £33,000. Its cabin feels upmarket with vegan 'leather' seats, a huge 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, and desirable features like a panoramic sunroof and 19-inch alloy wheels included on all three trim options. It’s a strong contender for buyers prioritising technology and interior comfort on a budget. While the Seal U excels in value, it has some practical and dynamic trade-offs. The boot space, at 425 litres, is smaller than key competitors, which may be a concern for families with large loads.

On the road, its plug-in hybrid system is smooth and offers an impressive electric-only range of up to 78 miles from the 26.6kWh battery in the Comfort model. However, the soft suspension can feel floaty and detached, particularly on faster roads. Power ranges from 214bhp in the front-wheel-drive model to 319bhp in the all-wheel-drive version, but even the more powerful option doesn't feel as sporty as the numbers suggest.

The CarGurus Verdict: "The BYD Seal U DM-i represents one of the best value propositions in the plug-in hybrid SUV market. While it falls short in areas like boot space and driving dynamics, it makes up for these shortcomings with its impressive electric range, generous standard equipment, and low price." - Chris Knapman, editorial director

Read our full BYD Seal U review

9. 2025 Chery Tiggo 7

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: NA
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.6 out of 5

As the parent company to the already established Omoda and Jaecoo brands, Chery made its official UK debut with the Tiggo 7, a mid-size, five-seater family SUV. It enters a fiercely competitive market, taking on popular models like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, but undercuts them on price by thousands of pounds. With a starting price around £25,000, the Tiggo 7 offers the space and features of a family SUV for the price of some superminis. The interior quality is surprisingly high-end for its price point, featuring tactile, cushioned materials and a modern dual-screen infotainment setup that makes the car feel like a true bargain.

Buyers can choose between two powertrains: a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 145bhp or a more compelling 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that produces a combined 201bhp. The PHEV is not only quicker but also more refined, offering an impressive all-electric range of up to 56 miles. While the Tiggo 7's driving dynamics may lack the polish of its European and Japanese rivals, it provides a comfortable and stable ride that is more than adequate for family duties. Passenger space is generous, though the 484-litre boot in the petrol version is smaller than some competitors offer. For load lugging, the PHEV version is the best option, with a more generous 565 litres.

The CarGurus Verdict: "It’s priced at a level that undercuts the mainstream competition by several thousand pounds, and even has the beating of most of the budget competition on that score." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor Read our full Chery Tiggo 7 review

10. 2025 MG Cyberster

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 40.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.3 out of 5

The MG Cyberster marks a return to the brand's sports car roots, but with a futuristic all-electric twist. As the first electric roadster available at a relatively mainstream price, it occupies a unique space in the market, blending glamorous looks—highlighted by its dramatic scissor doors—with impressive performance. The entry-level Trophy model offers a punchy 335bhp from its rear electric motor, while the dual-motor GT version unleashes a staggering 503bhp, enabling a 0-62mph sprint in just 3.2 seconds. Both trim levels get the same 77kWh battery, but it's the cheaper Trophy that boasts the best range, at 316 miles. While it’s more of a comfortable and rapid grand tourer than a razor-sharp sports car, its generous equipment levels and high-quality cabin make it feel like a premium product, justifying its position as MG's flagship model.

Despite its strengths, the Cyberster isn't without its flaws. Practicality is limited, with a small 249-litre boot and minimal interior storage. The complex four-screen infotainment system can be confusing and diverts attention from the road. Dynamically, while it handles corners with plenty of grip, the suspension can feel unsettled on bumpy surfaces, lacking the polished feel of more established rivals. However, for company car drivers, its low Benefit-in-Kind tax liability makes it an incredibly appealing - not to mention somewhat different - proposition. The Cyberster’s biggest draw is its uniqueness; it's in a class of one, offering a blend of head-turning style, thrilling electric performance, and open-top motoring that will be adored by those it suits.

The CarGurus Verdict: "Two-seater convertible sports cars are rare enough on their own these days, but an all-electric roadster with glamorous scissor doors and a sub-£60,000 price tag? That’s proper class-of-one territory, and probably will be for some time to come." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor Read our full MG Cyberster review

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Chinese cars good value for money?
Yes, value for money is arguably the single biggest selling point for most Chinese cars sold in the UK. Brands like MG, BYD and Chery typically price their vehicles significantly lower than European, Japanese, or Korean competitors. This value is further enhanced by very high levels of standard equipment, with features like large touchscreens, panoramic sunroofs, and advanced driver aids often included at no extra cost.

What types of Chinese cars are available in the UK?
The variety of Chinese cars is growing rapidly. You can find everything from affordable superminis like the MG3 Hybrid+, to practical family SUVs such as the MG HS and the seven-seat Chery Tiggo 8. There is also a strong focus on electric vehicles (EVs), with popular models including the MG4 hatchback and the stylish BYD Seal saloon. For those seeking something different, there's even the all-electric MG Cyberster roadster.

Should I be concerned about the reliability of Chinese cars?
While some brands may have historical reliability reputations to overcome, manufacturers are working hard to build confidence. A key indicator of this is the long warranties they offer. For example, both MG and Chery provide a seven-year warranty on their new cars, which is among the best in the industry and offers significant peace of mind for buyers.

Are Chinese cars technologically advanced?
Absolutely. Many Chinese cars are packed with the latest technology, often leading the way in the electric vehicle space. For instance, BYD is renowned for its innovative 'Blade' battery technology, which is designed for safety and efficiency. Inside the cabin, it's common to find large, high-resolution touchscreens, digital driver displays, and comprehensive suites of safety systems, even on entry-level models.

What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?

Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.

To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.

But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners - people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus score that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.

The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in November 2025. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.

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