In 2021, Maruti Suzuki commanded the market with eight models in India’s top ten best-selling cars. By November 2025, this presence has shrunk to just six models — a trend that mirrors the end of 2024. This reflects intensifying competition and evolving consumer preferences, particularly toward SUVs.
Maruti Suzuki’s current top-ten models include:
- Dzire
- Wagon R
- Ertiga
- Swift
- Fronx
- Brezza
Notably, the premium hatchback Baleno has failed to secure a spot in the top ten through November 2025.
Rise of Homegrown Disruptors: Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra
India’s homegrown players have emerged as major forces reshaping the rankings.
Tata Motors has maintained two models in the top ten consistently since 2022, with its SUV duo — Nexon and Punch — performing strongly. In November 2025, the Tata Nexon (including EV variants) led overall sales with 22,434 units, while the Punch followed with 18,753 units.
Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) broke into the top ten in 2024 and continues to hold a position with its iconic Scorpio (including Scorpio N and Classic), which recorded 15,616 units in November 2025.
Hyundai has sustained a steady presence, primarily through its popular mid-size SUV Creta, which remains a strong contender in the rankings.
Key Milestones and Shifts in 2024–2025
A landmark moment occurred in 2024 when the Tata Punch became the first non-Maruti model to top India’s annual sales chart, ending Maruti Suzuki’s four-decade dominance. This momentum carried into 2025, with SUVs like Hyundai’s Creta and Tata’s Nexon frequently occupying high positions (often second and third overall in cumulative data).
Despite the surge in SUV popularity, Maruti Suzuki’s Dzire sedan has bucked the trend. It is on track to finish 2025 as India’s best-selling car, with projected annual sales around 215,000 units, thanks to robust demand for its factory-fitted CNG variant. Maruti continues to lead the CNG segment with the widest range of options.
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Creta and Tata Nexon are poised to approach or exceed 200,000 units for the year, highlighting the dominance of mid-size and compact SUVs.
Top 10 Insights from November 2025
Monthly sales for top models typically range from 13,000 to 22,000+ units. In November 2025, the podium featured strong SUV representation alongside Maruti’s hatchbacks and sedans:
- Tata Nexon leading the pack
- Maruti Dzire and Swift close behind
- Tata Punch, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Ertiga, Mahindra Scorpio, and others rounding out the list
This mix shows a clear consumer shift toward versatile, feature-rich SUVs while sedans and MPVs like Dzire and Ertiga hold strong due to efficiency and practicality.
Intensifying Competition Ahead
The battle is set to heat up further with new launches and updates:
- Tata Motors‘ recently launched Sierra SUV generated massive interest, with over 70,000 bookings on the first day (December 16, 2025) and strong demand for diesel variants. At the launch, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles MD & CEO Shailesh Chandra expressed confidence in boosting the company’s SUV market share from 16–17% to 20–25%.
- Hyundai is also gaining momentum with its updated models, including the new Venue, which saw significant bookings (over 32,000 within a month of launch in late 2025). Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and COO of Hyundai Motor India, highlighted strong volume upside from previous levels.
- Mahindra & Mahindra plans a Scorpio N facelift in 2026, expected to drive additional sales for the brand’s top performer.
As consumer tastes evolve toward SUVs, safety features, advanced technology, and efficient powertrains (including CNG and EV options), India’s best-selling cars list is likely to see continued reshaping in the coming years. Maruti Suzuki’s stronghold is being challenged like never before, signaling a more diverse and competitive era in the Indian auto market
The Still-Reigning Champion: Maruti Suzuki Dzire
The Dzire continues to lead as India’s top-selling car, defying the SUV trend with strong CNG demand.
Here are striking front and side views of the latest 2025 model:
Rising Stars: Tata Nexon & Punch
Tata’s compact SUVs are reshaping the top 10 — Nexon frequently battles for podium spots, while Punch ended Maruti’s long dominance.
Tata Nexon (side and dynamic views)
Tata Punch in vibrant colors
Tata Punch SUV 2025 – Price, Features, Specs, Colors & More
Hyundai Creta: The Consistent SUV Powerhouse
Hyundai’s Creta remains a top contender, often ranking in the top 3.
Powerful front views of the 2025 Creta
Mahindra Scorpio N: The Bold Homegrown Icon
Mahindra’s Scorpio continues to hold its top-10 spot with commanding presence.
Bold black Scorpio N front view
These visuals perfectly capture the ongoing battle between traditional volume leaders and the aggressive SUV disruptors. You can place them strategically throughout the article — e.g., Dzire near the section on Maruti’s strength, and the SUVs in the “disruptors” sections — to make the story more engaging and dynamic! Let me know if you’d like more specific placements or additional images.
