India’s Best Selling SUV in 2025

Hyundai’s Creta just wrapped up 2025 as India’s most popular SUV, moving over 2 lakh units in a year. That’s 2,01,122 examples rolling off dealer lots, making it the country’s second best-selling passenger vehicle overall, right behind the Maruti Dzire.

The win wasn’t a landslide. Tata’s Nexon had been leading SUV sales for three straight months before December, and the final margin was tight. But when the year closed out, the Creta came out on top.

What’s Working for the Creta

This isn’t luck. The Creta’s been around for a decade now, and Hyundai’s spent those ten years refining what people actually want in a mid-size SUV.

It sits in the C-segment, going head-to-head with the Maruti Grand Vitara, Tata Curvv, and Honda Elevate. What sets it apart is pretty simple: it delivers a lot of vehicle for the money. The feature list reads like a premium crossover. You get ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS driver aids, and dual 10.25-inch screens running the dash. The driver’s seat is powered. The cabin materials feel upscale, and the fit and finish backs that up.

Then there’s the powertrain variety. Hyundai offers three conventional engines: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel. Want something different? There’s an electric version too. That kind of choice matters when buyers have specific needs around city driving, highway commutes, or fuel costs.

Pricing runs from Rs 12.84 lakh to Rs 24.50 lakh on-road in Mumbai. That spread covers a lot of ground, from basic family transport to loaded trim levels that compete with more expensive badges.

Also read: Harrier and Safari Petrol Launched—168 HP Turbo Engine Under Rs 13 Lakh [Official]

What This Means for Buyers Right Now

The Creta’s dominance tells you two things. First, the Indian market’s preference for SUVs isn’t slowing down. People want the higher seating position, the extra cargo room, and the perceived safety that comes with a bigger footprint. Second, Hyundai’s nailed the balance between price and content in this segment.

If you’re shopping for a C-segment SUV today, the Creta’s sales numbers are worth noting but not the whole story. The Nexon’s still a strong contender, especially if you prioritize safety ratings or prefer Tata’s build quality. The Grand Vitara offers hybrid efficiency. The Elevate leans into Honda’s refinement. Each has merit.

But the Creta’s volume success means a few practical advantages for buyers. Resale values tend to hold better on popular models. Service networks are well established. Parts availability is rarely an issue. And Hyundai dealerships are motivated to move inventory, which can mean better negotiating room.

Also read: XUV 3XO Electric Launched—285 km Range, Beat Nexon EV?

Is It Actually Worth the Money?

Here’s the thing. The Creta costs more than some rivals in similar trim levels. You can get into a base Nexon or Grand Vitara for less money. But Hyundai’s packed more standard equipment into even the lower Creta trims, and the cabin quality gap is noticeable when you sit in them back-to-back.

The turbo petrol variant hits a sweet spot. It’s got enough punch for highway overtakes without drinking fuel like a V6. The dual-clutch transmission works smoothly in traffic. If you’re doing mostly city miles and want lower running costs, the diesel still makes sense despite the higher buy-in.

The electric Creta’s a different calculation. It’s positioned as a premium option with zero local emissions, but range anxiety and charging infrastructure are still real concerns outside major metro areas.

Bottom line: the Creta’s not the cheapest option, but it delivers enough substance to justify the price if you value a complete package over hunting for the absolute lowest sticker number.

Also read: Mahindra XUV 7XO Launched—540° Camera & ADAS Under Rs 14L [Full Breakdown]

Creta vs Rivals: Quick Comparison

Monojit Paul

Monojit Paul is the founder and editor of techautohub.com. He covers India’s automotive industry, focusing on new launches, cars, bikes, and market trends.