Top Midsize SUVs: January 2025

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Mid-Size SUV Sales Report: January 2025 – A Detailed Analysis

The Indian automotive market is constantly evolving, and the mid-size SUV segment is a key battleground for manufacturers. January 2025 sales figures paint a fascinating picture of which models are resonating with buyers and which are facing challenges. Let’s dive into the numbers and analyze the trends shaping this dynamic market segment.

The Reigning Champion: Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta continues to dominate the mid-size SUV landscape. In January 2025, Hyundai sold an impressive 18,522 units, a substantial 40% increase compared to the 13,212 units sold in January 2024. This growth underscores the Creta’s enduring popularity, attributable to its well-rounded package that combines stylish design, feature-rich interiors, and a range of engine options. It’s a sweet spot for many families looking for a practical and comfortable SUV. The consistent demand suggests that Hyundai has successfully kept the Creta fresh and appealing in a competitive market. It has become an established choice for buyers in this segment.

Strong Contenders: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Mahindra Scorpio

Hot on the Creta’s heels is the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, securing the second position with 15,784 units sold. This represents a healthy 17% increase from the 13,438 units sold in the same period last year. The Grand Vitara’s success can be attributed to its diverse powertrain options, including mild-hybrid, strong-hybrid, and even CNG variants, catering to a wide range of customer preferences and fuel efficiency needs.

The Mahindra Scorpio family remains a popular choice as the third best seller in the segment. Mahindra sold 15,442 units of the Scorpio (including the Scorpio-N and the Scorpio Classic) in January 2025, marking an 8% improvement compared to the 14,293 units sold in January 2024. The Scorpio’s appeal lies in its rugged design, commanding presence, and robust build quality, attracting buyers who prioritize durability and a traditional SUV feel. The availability of both the new Scorpio-N and the older Scorpio Classic ensures Mahindra caters to a broader price range within the segment.

Mahindra’s Second Offering: XUV700

Mahindra continues to make waves in the mid-size SUV segment with the XUV700, which secured fourth place with 8,399 units sold. This represents a notable 17% growth over the previous year’s 7,206 units. The XUV700’s appeal lies in its premium features, powerful engine options, and advanced technology, attracting buyers seeking a more sophisticated and feature-loaded SUV experience. The waiting periods had been a constraint, but now with supplies catching up the sales are rising.

Kia Seltos: A Steady Performer

The Kia Seltos, another popular contender in the mid-size SUV segment, recorded 6,470 units sold in January 2025, a modest 1% increase compared to the 6,391 units sold in January 2024. While the growth is relatively small, the Seltos continues to be a consistent performer, known for its stylish design, feature-packed interiors, and comfortable ride.

Facing Headwinds: Toyota Hyryder and Honda Elevate

Not all models experienced growth in January 2025. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder faced an 11% decline, with sales dropping to 4,941 units from 5,543 units in January 2024. While the Hyryder boasts a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, it may be facing increased competition from newer models in the segment and a rising preference for other brands.

The Honda Elevate experienced a significant drop in sales, plummeting by 61% to just 1,773 units compared to 4,586 units last year. While the Elevate is a relatively new entrant in the market, it appears to be struggling to gain traction, possibly due to a lack of distinctive features or a perceived lack of value compared to its rivals. It marks a significant market correction after the initial euphoria of launch.

New Entrants and Declining Sales: Tata’s Story

The Tata Curvv, a recent entrant to the mid-size SUV segment, recorded a domestic tally of 3,087 units last month. As a completely new car just launched, these initial sales figures are respectable and show a promising start for the vehicle. The bold design and focus on style seem to be working.

The Tata Safari, on the other hand, experienced a sharp 46% decline in sales, closing at 1,548 units, down from 2,893 units in January 2024. This decline could be attributed to increased competition in the 6/7-seater SUV segment and the availability of newer, more feature-rich alternatives.

Volkswagen Taigun: A Positive Surge

Bucking the trend of declining sales for some models, the Volkswagen Taigun experienced a positive shift, posting 1,548 units sold, a 21% rise from 1,275 units. The Taigun’s success could be attributed to its attractive design and driving dynamics. This number still needs to improve to be considered competetive with the other established contenders in the segment.

Key Takeaways and Market Trends

Hyundai Creta’s Dominance: The Creta remains the undisputed leader in the mid-size SUV segment, demonstrating its enduring appeal to Indian buyers.
Diverse Powertrain Options Drive Sales: Models like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, with their mild-hybrid, strong-hybrid, and CNG options, are gaining traction by catering to diverse customer preferences.
Rugged Appeal Still Matters: The Mahindra Scorpio continues to attract buyers with its robust design and traditional SUV characteristics.
Premium Features are In Demand: The Mahindra XUV700’s success highlights the growing demand for feature-rich and technologically advanced SUVs.
Competition is Intensifying: The mid-size SUV segment is becoming increasingly competitive, with new entrants and established players vying for market share.
Design and technology matter a lot: All new vehicles that offer something fresh in terms of design and are pakced solid with new features, will have a higher chance of succeeding.

In Conclusion:

The mid-size SUV segment is a dynamic and competitive space within the Indian automotive market. While the Hyundai Creta continues to reign supreme, other models like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mahindra Scorpio and XUV700 are making significant strides. The success of these models highlights the importance of offering diverse powertrain options, rugged design, and premium features to cater to the evolving needs and preferences of Indian buyers. As new models enter the market and competition intensifies, manufacturers will need to continue innovating and adapting to maintain their position in this crucial segment.