The Tata Nexon has emerged as India’s bestselling SUV in FY2026, reclaiming the top spot with wholesales of 2,16,054 units. The compact SUV had lost the lead to the Tata Punch in FY2025 but has now returned to the top, marking the fourth time it has finished as the country’s bestselling SUV.
The Nexon also saw a sharp jump in rankings, moving up from sixth position in FY2025. It featured among the top-selling passenger vehicles in multiple months during the year, reflecting sustained demand. The broader top 10 SUV rankings for FY2026 also highlight Mahindra’s strong presence, with the highest number of models in the list, while the Hyundai Creta retains its position among the top-ranked SUVs.
- Mahindra Thar emerges as the fastest-growing model in the top 10
- Tata Punch drops to third after leading SUV sales in FY2025
- Top 10 includes 2 Tata, 3 Mahindra, 2 Hyundai, 2 Maruti and 1 Kia models
Bestselling SUVs in India in FY2026
1. Tata Nexon
2,16,054 units | up 32 percent YoY
The Tata Nexon tops the SUV charts in FY2026, with sales rising 32 percent year-on-year. Strong demand throughout the year, particularly in the second half following GST 2.0 price revisions, helped it climb from sixth place in FY2025 to the top spot.
It offers one of the most diverse powertrain line-ups in the segment, with petrol, diesel, CNG and electric options. The Nexon stands out for its ride and handling, along with a strong feature set, although fit and finish are not on par with some rivals. Tata also introduced ADAS on the Nexon in FY2026 with the top-spec variant. The ICE Nexon is priced between Rs 7.37 lakh and Rs 14.32 lakh, while the Nexon EV ranges from Rs 12.49 lakh to Rs 17.49 lakh.
2. Hyundai Creta
2,01,921 units | up 4 percent YoY
The Hyundai Creta retains second place with its highest-ever fiscal year sales of 2,01,921 units, growing 4 percent year-on-year. It remains Hyundai’s best-selling model in India and continues to be a benchmark in the midsize SUV segment, supported by a diverse powertrain line-up, a wide service network and a roomy, feature-rich interior.
Despite increasing competition in the segment, including new launches such as the Sierra, Duster and Victoris, along with updates to models like the Kushaq and Seltos, the Creta has maintained consistent demand and is the most popular midsize SUV in the market. The Hyundai Creta is priced between Rs 10.79 lakh and Rs 20.05 lakh.
3. Tata Punch
1,83,980 units | down 6 percent YoY
The Tata Punch, which was the bestselling SUV in FY2025, drops to third place in FY2026, with sales declining 6 percent year-on-year. The decline is partly attributed to buyers delaying purchases ahead of updated versions launched in the final quarter of the fiscal year.
The update brought in a new turbo-petrol engine for the ICE version, along with improvements to ride and handling. The Punch EV also received larger battery packs - 30kWh and 40kWh, offering an ARAI-certified range of 365km and 468km, respectively. The ICE version is priced between Rs 5.65 lakh and Rs 10.60 lakh, while the EV ranges from Rs 9.69 lakh to Rs 12.59 lakh.
4. Maruti Brezza
1,80,104 units | down 5 percent YoY
The Maruti Brezza dropped to fourth place in FY2026, with sales declining 5 percent year-on-year. The compact SUV is due for a facelift, expected to launch in 2026. Despite being among the more dated models in the segment, it continues to see strong demand, supported by Maruti Suzuki’s wide network and its stronghold in the compact car space.
Known for its comfortable ride, practicality and space, the Brezza is priced between Rs 8.26 lakh and Rs 12.86 lakh. However, its 1.5-litre petrol engine lacks mid-range performance, and the overall package feels expensive for what it offers.
5. Mahindra Scorpio / N
1,78,800 units | up 8 percent YoY
The Mahindra Scorpio range, comprising the Scorpio N and Scorpio Classic, records an 8 percent increase in sales in FY2026. It remains Mahindra’s best-selling SUV brand. The Scorpio N is priced between Rs 13.49 lakh and Rs 24.95 lakh, while the Scorpio Classic ranges from Rs 13 lakh to Rs 17 lakh.
The Scorpio N is offered with strong petrol and diesel engine options paired with manual or automatic gearbox and even has off-road capabilities in 4x4 form on select variants. It continues to appeal with its rugged character, although its third-row space and luggage area remain its limitations. The Scorpio Classic, meanwhile, retains its rugged appeal with a refined diesel engine, but is relatively basic in terms of features and is not as dynamically polished as more modern rivals.
6. Maruti Fronx
1,72,363 units | up 4 percent YoY
The Maruti Fronx posts a 4 percent year-on-year increase in sales, although it drops three positions from fourth place in FY2025. The compact SUV remains one of Maruti’s key volume drivers and continues to feature among the top-selling models each month. Priced between Rs 6.85 lakh and Rs 11.84 lakh, the Fronx stands out for its space, comfort and design. However, our reviews have shown that the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine option isn’t as punchy as expected, and the SUV also lacks some popular features.
7. Mahindra Thar / Roxx
1,26,261 units | up 49 percent YoY
The Mahindra Thar, along with the five-door Thar Roxx, recorded the strongest growth among the top 10 SUVs, with sales rising 49 percent year-on-year. The bulk of the sales belong to the Thar Roxx, which has expanded the model’s appeal by offering better practicality.
The Roxx benefits from strong and smooth engines, although ride quality at low speeds can feel firm. Mahindra also introduced an update to the three-door Thar during the year, now offered only in hardtop form. The three-door Thar is priced between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 17.62 lakh, while the five-door Thar Roxx ranges from Rs 12.39 lakh to Rs 22.82 lakh.
8. Hyundai Venue
1,17,737 units | down 1 percent YoY
The Hyundai Venue retains its ninth position in the top 10 despite a marginal 1 percent decline in sales. Demand remained subdued for much of the year, and overall volumes still ended lower year-on-year, despite the launch of the next-generation model towards the end of the fiscal.
The updated Venue gets a more premium-feeling cabin and a slick infotainment system, although top variants are priced on the higher side. It has also received a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, making it Hyundai’s second model to undergo Bharat NCAP crash tests. Prices of the compact SUV range from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15.51 lakh.
9. Kia Sonet
1,14,142 units | up 14 percent YoY
The Kia Sonet climbs the rankings with a 14 percent increase in sales in FY2026. This marks the second consecutive fiscal year that the Sonet has outsold the Seltos. The compact SUV offers a strong feature set and a wide range of powertrain options, including petrol and diesel engines. However, rear seat space remains limited.
The Kia Sonet is now the most affordable diesel-automatic SUV in the market, as Kia introduced more accessible automatic variants to widen its appeal. Prices of the Sonet range from Rs 7.30 lakh to Rs 14 lakh.
10. Mahindra Bolero / Neo
1,10,136 units | up 16 percent YoY
The Mahindra Bolero rounds off the top 10 bestselling SUVs, with volumes rising 16 percent year-on-year. Updated versions of the Bolero and Bolero Neo introduced during the year have helped sustain demand, particularly in rural and semi-urban markets. The Bolero is known for its rugged build and strong value proposition, especially with its 7-seat configuration. However, it feels dated both inside and out, and misses out on some key safety features such as six airbags and ESC. These ladder-frame SUVs continue to be steady contributors to Mahindra’s overall volumes.
The Bolero is priced between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 9.90 lakh, while the Bolero Neo ranges from Rs 8.85 lakh to Rs 10.49 lakh. Both are powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine, paired with a manual gearbox driving the rear wheels.
Suraj Viswanathan
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Glenn Noronha
