Compact SUV Sales Report September 2025: Creta Leads, Hyryder Shines, Grand Vitara Dips – Winners & Losers of the Month

Compact SUV Sales Report September 2025: Winners, Losers & Market Trends

India’s most competitive SUV category — the compact SUV segment — delivered strong month-on-month growth in September 2025, thanks to festive demand and renewed buyer enthusiasm following price adjustments post-GST 2.0. However, on a year-on-year basis, the segment saw a marginal dip, suggesting a more mature and competitive landscape.

Let’s break down how each model performed and who came out on top this month.

Segment Overview

Compact SUVs in the 4-metre-plus category recorded total sales of 50,351 units in September 2025 — a 17.5% increase month-on-month, though a modest 2.5% decline year-on-year. The surge reflects early festive-season momentum and the strong consumer shift toward feature-rich midsize SUVs with both ICE and EV options.

At the forefront was Hyundai, followed closely by Toyota, Kia, and Maruti, all battling for a larger slice of India’s fastest-growing SUV segment.

Hyundai Creta: Still the Undisputed Leader

Hyundai continues to dominate the space with 18,861 units sold, achieving 18.6% YoY growth and maintaining a commanding 37.4% market share. The arrival of the Creta EV has further strengthened its position, offering extended range and premium features that appeal to both urban and semi-urban buyers.

With its balance of design, performance, and technology, the Creta remains the benchmark SUV — and one of the few models to show strong growth despite increased competition.

Toyota Hyryder: Hybrid Power, Hybrid Growth

Toyota’s Urban Cruiser Hyryder claimed the second position with 7,608 units sold, up a remarkable 41.3% YoY. Despite a minor MoM dip of around 16%, the Hyryder’s hybrid technology continues to draw customers seeking efficiency and refinement. Toyota’s growing dealership network and strong after-sales reputation are further boosting its appeal.

Kia Seltos: Consistent Performer with a Comeback

Kia’s Seltos secured the third spot with 5,816 units, showing a healthy 24% MoM rise, though YoY numbers dipped slightly by 16%. Its recent update with Level 2 ADAS, a panoramic display, and refreshed interiors has rejuvenated interest among younger buyers. Kia’s strong brand recall continues to keep the Seltos among the top-selling SUVs in India.

Maruti Grand Vitara: Losing Ground to Rivals

The Maruti Grand Vitara recorded 5,698 units, facing a sharp 44.5% YoY drop. Once seen as Maruti’s big bet in the premium SUV space, the Grand Vitara now seems to be losing momentum amid newer launches and internal competition from the recently introduced Maruti Victoris, which made a strong debut with 4,261 units in its first month.

Honda Elevate: Maintaining Steady Growth

Honda’s Elevate continues its steady run with 2,199 units, posting a 12% YoY increase and an impressive 32% MoM growth. The SUV’s design and driving comfort resonate with buyers, and the upcoming Elevate Hybrid, spotted testing recently, could further enhance its competitiveness in the months ahead.

Mahindra BE6: Growing Traction for the Futuristic SUV

The Mahindra BE6, Mahindra’s first next-gen born-electric SUV, clocked 1,701 units, marking a 9.7% MoM increase. The BE6’s futuristic styling, low NVH levels, and high-performance electric drivetrain are helping Mahindra carve out a strong foothold in the EV SUV market.

Tata Curvv & Curvv EV: Cooling Off After a Hot Start

Tata’s Curvv lineup registered 1,566 units, reflecting a sharp 67% YoY decline and an 8% MoM dip. After an enthusiastic start earlier this year, demand has softened slightly, likely due to pricing overlaps with the Nexon and increasing competition in the mid-EV bracket.

However, Tata’s focus on expanding its EV range with improved charging infrastructure could bring the Curvv back into the spotlight.

VW Taigun & Skoda Kushaq: The German Cousins Struggle

Volkswagen’s Taigun managed 1,114 units, down 31% YoY, though MoM numbers improved by 11%. Its sibling, Skoda Kushaq, recorded 769 units, continuing its downward trajectory both YoY and MoM. Despite solid build quality and driving dynamics, the VW-Skoda duo continues to lag due to limited dealership reach and high service costs.

MG ZS EV & Astor: Mixed Fortunes

The MG ZS EV registered 250 units, reflecting muted demand as newer rivals entered the space. Meanwhile, the MG Astor dropped to just 90 units, struggling to retain relevance despite a strong feature list. MG’s upcoming new-gen updates could help the brand bounce back.

Citroën’s Comeback Attempt

Citroën’s Basalt rebounded with 210 units, marking a dramatic 2,900% MoM surge, though YoY sales fell by 38%. Its sibling, the C3 Aircross, grew by 43% YoY and 31% MoM, indicating slow but steady acceptance. The brand’s focus on affordability and design differentiation might soon start paying dividends.

Mahindra XUV400 EV: Signs of a Turnaround

Mahindra’s XUV400 EV posted 149 units, down 84% YoY, but showing strong 126% MoM growth. With the BE6’s success and upcoming XUV400 facelift, Mahindra could soon revive its presence in the compact EV SUV market.

📊 The Big Picture: Who Won, Who Lost

Biggest Winners (YoY Growth):

• Toyota Hyryder (+41%)
• Hyundai Creta (+18%)
• Honda Elevate (+12%)

Biggest Losers (YoY Decline):

• Maruti Grand Vitara (-44%)
• Tata Curvv (-67%)
• Mahindra XUV400 EV (-84%)

Despite the overall YoY dip, the segment’s MoM growth and diversity highlight India’s SUV obsession — with buyers now spoilt for choice across ICE, hybrid, and electric offerings.

Final Word

The compact SUV market remains India’s most dynamic automotive battlefield. While Hyundai continues to lead, Toyota’s hybrid strategy is clearly resonating, and Mahindra and Tata are finding their footing in the EV space.

With the festive season in full swing and new launches around the corner, expect these numbers to keep rising — and the competition to intensify further in the months ahead.