As we close the book on 2025, the mid-size SUV segment (4.2m to 4.4m) remains the hottest space in the Indian automotive market. December is traditionally a month of “clearance sales” and year-end discounts, but for some brands, it was a celebratory victory lap.
Total sales for this segment hit 48,197 units this December—a solid 13.5% jump compared to the same time last year. Let’s see who dominated and who struggled.
The Unstoppable King: Hyundai Creta
There is just no moving the Creta. Once again, it is the only SUV in this category to breach the 10,000-unit mark. With 13,154 units sold, the Creta continues to be the default choice for the Indian family, even with the looming threat of the new Kia Seltos and Tata Sierra.
The Hybrid Powerhouse: Grand Vitara & HyRyder
Maruti and Toyota’s partnership is paying off massively. The Grand Vitara locked in the #2 spot with 8,597 units, while the Toyota HyRyder saw a massive 47% Year-on-Year growth. It seems the Indian buyer’s appetite for strong hybrids is only getting stronger.
The New Kid: Maruti Victoris
The relatively new Maruti Victoris has made a splashing entry into the charts, moving 6,210 units in December. While its Month-on-Month numbers dipped (likely due to the high initial launch volume), it has firmly established itself as a top-five player.
December 2025 Sales Performance: The Leaderboard
| Rank | SUV Model (4.2m – 4.4m) | Dec 2025 Sales | Dec 2024 Sales | YoY Growth (%) |
| 1 | Hyundai Creta / EV | 13,154 | 12,608 | +4.3% |
| 2 | Maruti Grand Vitara | 8,597 | 7,093 | +21.2% |
| 3 | Toyota HyRyder | 7,022 | 4,770 | +47.2% |
| 4 | Maruti Victoris | 6,210 | 0 | New Entry |
| 5 | Kia Seltos | 4,369 | 2,830 | +54.4% |
| 6 | Honda Elevate | 2,289 | 2,334 | -1.9% |
| 7 | Volkswagen Taigun | 1,778 | 2,335 | -23.8% |
| 8 | Mahindra BE 6 | 1,481 | 0 | New Entry |
| 9 | Tata Curvv / EV | 1,104 | 4,994 | -77.9% |
| 10 | Skoda Kushaq | 958 | 2,465 | -61.1% |
Key Takeaways for Buyers
- The EV Shift: New electric entrants like the Mahindra BE 6 (1,481 units) and the debut of the Tata Sierra (291 units) show that the segment is rapidly electrifying.
- The “Premium” Struggle: The Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq have seen a significant dip compared to last year. This is likely why we are seeing facelifts and feature upgrades (like Level 2 ADAS and panoramic sunroofs) being rushed to market for 2026.
- The Seltos Surge: Despite being an “older” model compared to the new entries, the Seltos grew by over 50%. With the next-gen Seltos deliveries starting this month, expect Kia to climb even higher in the January charts.
Carbhumi’s Perspective
December sales can be tricky. While the YoY growth is healthy, the Month-on-Month numbers are down across the board. This is normal—buyers often wait for January to get a “New Year” registration.
However, the real story here is the Tata Curvv and Skoda Kushaq. Both have seen massive drops in volume. If you’re in the market for these cars, now might be the best time to negotiate a heavy discount at the dealership as they look to move older stock!
Which SUV would you put your money on in 2026? Are you sticking with the reliable Creta, or are the new EVs like the BE 6 catching your eye? Let us know in the comments below!
