Sport utility vehicles and crossovers continued their strong run in the Indian passenger vehicle market in January 2026, with Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki dominating the sales charts. The Tata Nexon and Tata Punch emerged as the most preferred choices among private buyers, while the Maruti Dzire secured the second position in the list of the country’s top 15 best-selling cars.
According to industry data, sub-4-metre SUVs and crossovers remained in particularly high demand, underlining the sustained shift in consumer preference towards this segment.
Sub-4-Metre SUVs Drive Market Momentum
The popularity of compact SUVs was reflected in the presence of multiple models in the top 15 list, including the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Maruti Fronx. The Tata Nexon topped the sales chart with 23,365 units sold in January 2026, including the Nexon EV, marking a 52 per cent increase over January 2025.
Dzire Holds Strong Second Position
The Maruti Dzire ranked second with 19,629 units, continuing its strong performance driven largely by demand from fleet and taxi operators. The Dzire had also been the best-selling car in 2025, reinforcing its consistent appeal across commercial and private segments.
Tata Punch Strengthens Its Position
The Tata Punch, including the Punch EV, secured third place with 19,257 units sold. Technically the second most popular choice among private buyers, the Punch has benefited from a recent update, which is expected to support its sales momentum in the coming months.
Creta, Ertiga and Swift Maintain Presence
The Hyundai Creta, including its electric and N Line variants, retained fourth position despite a marginal 3 per cent year-on-year decline, with sales of 17,921 units.
The Maruti Ertiga remained India’s most popular MPV, selling nearly 18,000 units, supported by strong demand from both family buyers and the cab segment.
The Maruti Swift followed closely with 17,806 units, registering modest growth over last year.
Mixed Trends for Other Popular Models
While the Maruti Brezza, Baleno and Fronx continued to feature in the top 15, the Maruti WagonR witnessed a sharp 37 per cent decline in sales compared to January 2025. Despite this drop, it continues to enjoy popularity among Indian families and fleet operators.
Mahindra featured twice on the list with the Scorpio (including Scorpio N) and the Thar (including Thar Roxx). Notably, Thar sales surged by 78 per cent year-on-year, highlighting growing enthusiasm for lifestyle SUVs.
Entry-Level Cars Hold Ground
The Maruti Alto ranked 15th with 12,314 units sold, driven largely by demand from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, reaffirming the continued relevance of entry-level hatchbacks in smaller markets.
