India’s car market kicked off 2026 with a clear message — SUVs are still king, and Tata Motors is firmly in the driver’s seat. The Tata Nexon emerged as the country’s best-selling car in January, pushing past rivals like Hyundai Creta, Maruti Brezza and Mahindra Scorpio, as domestic brands dominated the sales chart.
Fresh numbers show strong demand across compact and mid-size SUVs, with buyers continuing to prefer feature-packed, fuel-flexible vehicles. Total sales among the top 10 models jumped nearly 28.5% year-on-year, underlining healthy momentum in the passenger vehicle segment.
Read More :- Bajaj Auto to Roll Out All-New Pulsar Lineup in 4–5 Months, Eyes New Motorcycle Segments
Tata Nexon grabs the No.1 spot
Tata Motors’ Nexon had a standout month.
The sub-4 metre SUV recorded 23,365 units in January 2026, compared to 15,397 units a year ago. That’s a sharp 51.75% growth, making it the highest-selling car in the country last month.
A big reason behind this surge is choice. Buyers get petrol, diesel, CNG and even electric options under the same nameplate — something few rivals offer. Add to that regular feature updates and strong safety credentials, and the Nexon continues to tick all the right boxes.
Punch stays close behind
The Tata Punch isn’t far back either.
With 19,257 units sold, the micro-SUV secured second place. Sales rose 18.64% YoY, helped by its affordable pricing and SUV-like stance. It has quietly become a favourite among first-time car buyers and city users.
Creta, Brezza hold steady
Hyundai’s Creta, long considered the benchmark mid-size SUV, came in third with 17,921 units. However, it saw a slight dip of 3.24% compared to last year.
Right behind it was the Maruti Brezza at 17,486 units, showing a healthy 18.57% growth. The Brezza continues to benefit from Maruti’s wide dealership network and trusted mileage figures.
Scorpio, Victoris and others keep the race tight
Mahindra’s Scorpio family (Classic + N) maintained a steady run with 15,542 units, posting marginal growth.
A new entrant, the Maruti Victoris, slotted straight into sixth with 15,240 units, indicating strong early acceptance for the mid-size SUV positioned below the Grand Vitara.
Meanwhile, the Maruti Fronx saw a dip, while Hyundai Venue bounced back after its redesign. Mahindra Bolero and Kia Sonet delivered some of the fastest growth rates of the month.
January 2026: Top 10 Car Sales in India
| Rank | Model | Jan 2026 | Jan 2025 | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tata Nexon | 23,365 | 15,397 | +51.75% |
| 2 | Tata Punch | 19,257 | 16,231 | +18.64% |
| 3 | Hyundai Creta | 17,921 | 18,522 | -3.24% |
| 4 | Maruti Brezza | 17,486 | 14,747 | +18.57% |
| 5 | Mahindra Scorpio | 15,542 | 15,442 | +0.65% |
| 6 | Maruti Victoris | 15,240 | — | — |
| 7 | Maruti Fronx | 13,353 | 15,192 | -12.11% |
| 8 | Hyundai Venue | 12,413 | 11,106 | +11.77% |
| 9 | Mahindra Bolero | 11,841 | 8,682 | +36.39% |
| 10 | Kia Sonet | 10,998 | 7,194 | +52.88% |
| Total | 1,57,416 | 1,22,513 | +28.49% |
Read More :- Mahindra Scorpio N Facelift Spotted: Bigger Touchscreen, Digital Cluster Coming Soon
What the numbers tell us
If there’s one clear takeaway, it’s this: Indian buyers still love compact and mid-size SUVs.
Eight out of the top 10 models belong to the SUV category. Practical size, higher ground clearance, and value-for-money features seem to matter more than ever.
Domestic brands like Tata, Mahindra and Maruti continue to outpace global rivals, thanks to aggressive pricing, wider fuel options, and deeper reach into smaller towns.
With several facelifts and new launches lined up this year, the competition is only going to get tougher.
