The compact SUV segment continues to be the driving force behind India’s booming SUV market. In FY2025, sub-4-metre SUVs posted impressive wholesale figures of 1.38 million units — a solid 10% year-on-year growth over FY2024’s 12.55 lakh units. Notably, this category alone contributed nearly 50% to India’s total SUV sales of 2.79 million units, meaning every second SUV sold in the country was a compact model.
Out of around 100 SUV models currently on sale, about 20 fall into the compact SUV category. Among these, 10 models stood out as the highest sellers — and remarkably, six of them crossed the 1 lakh unit mark during the fiscal year. Here’s a breakdown of India’s top-selling compact SUVs in FY2025.
1. Tata Punch – 1,96,572 units (↑ 15%)
Tata Motors’ smallest SUV emerged as the undisputed leader in the compact SUV space. With nearly 2 lakh units sold, the Punch not only dethroned past leaders but also claimed the title of India’s bestselling SUV in FY2025. Available in petrol, CNG, and electric variants, its appeal spans a wide audience. The Punch now accounts for a massive 35% of Tata’s passenger vehicle sales.
2. Maruti Suzuki Brezza – 1,89,163 units (↑ 11%)
The Brezza, one of the pioneers of the compact SUV trend in India, retained its strong performance with nearly 1.9 lakh units sold. Despite not taking the top spot, it remains a cornerstone of Maruti’s SUV portfolio, powered by petrol and CNG options.
3. Maruti Suzuki Fronx – 1,66,216 units (↑ 23%)
The Baleno-based Fronx saw rapid growth in its first full fiscal year, climbing to third place with a 23% sales boost. It also became the first Nexa SUV to breach the 3 lakh cumulative sales milestone, reinforcing Maruti’s stronghold in the segment.
4. Tata Nexon – 1,63,088 units (↓ 5%)
Once the top-selling SUV for three years in a row, the Nexon faced headwinds this year with a 5% dip in sales. The recent addition of a CNG variant didn’t significantly lift numbers, possibly due to internal competition from the Punch.
5. Hyundai Venue – 1,19,113 units (↓ 8%)
The Venue saw a decline in demand, likely influenced by the rising popularity of its sibling, the Hyundai Exter. With a next-gen version not expected until late 2025, the Venue may continue facing challenges.
6. Mahindra XUV 3XO – 1,00,905 units (↑ 84%)
Mahindra’s rebranded and refreshed compact SUV, the XUV 3XO, was a standout performer, registering a massive 84% YoY growth. Its share in Mahindra’s total SUV sales jumped significantly, showing strong consumer acceptance of the updated model.
7. Kia Sonet – 99,805 units (↑ 23%)
Kia’s compact SUV posted solid gains, closing in on the 1 lakh mark and becoming the brand’s top-selling vehicle in FY2025. It continues to strike a balance between style, tech, and performance.
8. Mahindra Bolero (all variants) – 94,750 units (↓ 15%)
The Bolero family — including the Neo and Neo Plus — saw a notable drop in sales, attributed to its diesel-only lineup and limited urban appeal. However, it still holds strong in rural and Tier 3 markets.
9. Hyundai Exter – 77,412 units (↑ 9%)
Hyundai’s entry-level SUV continues to gain traction, especially with its dual-cylinder CNG variant. It remains a favorite in the budget compact SUV space, backed by strong monthly volumes.
10. Mahindra Thar (3-door) – 47,000 units (↓ 28%)
Sales of the 3-door Thar dipped considerably following the launch of the more family-friendly 5-door Thar Roxx. However, the combined strength of both Thar variants still makes the brand a strong player in the lifestyle SUV niche.
FY2025 Top 10 Compact SUVs – Sales Overview
| Rank | Model | FY2025 Sales | FY2024 Sales | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tata Punch | 1,96,572 | 1,69,844 | +16% |
| 2 | Maruti Suzuki Brezza | 1,89,163 | 1,69,897 | +11% |
| 3 | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | 1,66,216 | 1,34,735 | +23% |
| 4 | Tata Nexon | 1,63,088 | 1,71,929 | -5% |
| 5 | Hyundai Venue | 1,19,113 | 1,28,897 | -8% |
| 6 | Mahindra XUV 3XO | 1,00,905 | 54,726 | +84% |
| 7 | Kia Sonet | 99,805 | 81,384 | +23% |
| 8 | Mahindra Bolero Series | 94,750 | 1,10,841 | -15% |
| 9 | Hyundai Exter | 77,412 | 71,299 | +9% |
| 10 | Mahindra Thar (3-door) | 47,000 | 65,246 | -28% |
In summary, the compact SUV segment remains the backbone of India’s SUV market, with six models crossing the 1 lakh mark and fierce competition keeping things dynamic. With evolving customer preferences, powertrain diversity, and multiple refreshes on the horizon, the compact SUV battle is only getting more intense.
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