Even as the buzz around electric vehicles and the shortage of rare earth materials that can impact their production gets louder, demand for strong hybrids has more than doubled in the first quarter of FY2026. According to retail sales numbers on the Vahan portal, a total of 26,460 units were sold between April and June 2025, up 118 percent year on year (YoY) from 12,111 units.
Strong hybrid sales split between Toyota, Maruti and Honda
Toyota leads the way with 81 percent share
In India’s PV market, all three carmakers with strong hybrid models – Toyota, Maruti Suzuki and Honda – are witnessing growing demand. Toyota has four models (Innova Hycross and Vellfire MPVs, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUV and the Camry sedan), Maruti Suzuki has two (Invicto MPV and Grand Vitara midsize SUV), and Honda has one (City e:HEV sedan). With the strongest portfolio, Toyota has the largest market share of 81 percent in total hybrid sales, followed by Maruti Suzuki (18 percent) and Honda (1 percent).
| Strong hybrid sales Q1 FY2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmaker | Q1 FY2026 | Q1 FY2025 | Difference | Market Share |
| Toyota | 21,489 | 10,745 | +100% | 81% |
| Maruti Suzuki | 4,745 | 1,307 | +263% | 18% |
| Honda | 226 | 59 | +283% | 1% |
| Total | 26,460 | 12,111 | +118% | 100% |
Toyota strong hybrid sales in Q1 FY2026
Innova Hycross was the volume driver
Riding on robust demand for its 4-model-strong hybrid line-up, Toyota has doubled its retail sales to 21,489 units in April-June 2025 to maintain its over-80 percent share. This also translates to a 100 percent YoY growth compared to the same period last year. The biggest contributor was the popular Innova Hycross MPV. In FY2025, Toyota India sold 68,231 strong hybrid vehicles and had an 82 percent market share.
Maruti Suzuki strong hybrid sales in Q1 FY2026
Grand Vitara hybrid still bringing steady volumes
Maruti Suzuki India has registered retail sales of 4,745 strong hybrids comprising the Grand Vitara and Invicto in Q1 FY2026. It translates into a 263 percent increase from 1,307 units a year ago and an 18 percent market share in this vehicle category. Both these models are equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System.
Maruti even introduced a new Delta+ trim of the Grand Vitara with the strong hybrid powertrain, making it a little more accessible. Previously, this powertrain was offered only with the top-spec Zeta+ and Alpha+ trims.
Honda strong hybrid sales in Q1 FY2026
City alone flies the hybrid flag
Honda, which has only the City sedan on offer with strong hybrid engine technology, has clocked retail sales of 226 units in Q1 FY2026, up 283 percent YoY from 59 units. This gives it a 1 percent market share, the same as it had in FY2025.
Hormazd Sorabjee
Anurag Chaturvedi
