Top 10 Midsize SUVs in January 2026: Creta Leads, Hybrids Gain
Top 10 Midsize SUVs in January 2026: Creta Stays Ahead as Buyer Trends Shift
India’s midsize SUV segment started 2026 on a strong note. According to January 2026 wholesale dispatch data released by manufacturers, sales of the leading models in this category crossed 91,000 units. This confirms that midsize SUVs remain one of the highest volume segments in the Indian passenger vehicle market.
Creta Continues at the Top
Hyundai Creta retained its number one position in January 2026. The company dispatched 17,921 units, slightly lower than the 18,522 units recorded in January 2025. The 3 percent drop did not affect its ranking.
Creta’s consistent performance is linked to its wide engine options, including petrol, diesel and turbo variants. Hyundai’s strong dealership reach across metro and non metro cities also supports steady demand.
Scorpio Holds Second Position
Mahindra Scorpio range recorded 15,542 units, compared to 15,442 units last year. The 1 percent growth shows stable demand rather than rapid expansion.
The Scorpio continues to attract buyers looking for diesel power and ladder frame construction. Demand remains strong in semi urban and rural markets where durability and ground clearance are key factors.
New Entrants Shine
The recently introduced Maruti Suzuki Victoris secured third place with 15,240 units in January. The model has crossed 50,000 cumulative units within five months of launch, based on company dispatch figures. Its quick acceptance suggests strong initial response from buyers.
However, growth in one product can affect another within the same brand.
Grand Vitara Sees Sharp Drop
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara recorded 7,030 units, down from 15,784 units in January 2025. This represents a 55 percent decline year on year.
Since the overall segment remained strong, the drop may indicate internal shift within Maruti Suzuki’s SUV portfolio rather than a reduction in demand for the category itself.
Kia and Toyota Register Strong Growth
Kia Seltos posted 10,639 units in January 2026, up from 6,470 units a year ago. The 64 percent growth follows recent feature updates and refreshed variants.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder recorded 9,156 units, compared to 4,941 units last year. The 85 percent increase reflects rising interest in hybrid powertrains, especially in cities where fuel savings remain a priority.
Hybrid variants are slowly gaining space within the midsize SUV segment, though petrol and diesel models still dominate total volumes.
Tata Models Grow from Lower Base
Tata Harrier registered 3,711 units, while Tata Safari recorded 2,375 units. Both models showed year on year growth, supported by recent updates and expanded feature lists.
The percentage growth appears high because of lower sales base last year, but the improvement indicates renewed interest in Tata’s larger SUVs.
January 2026 Midsize SUV Sales Table
| Rank | Model | Jan 2026 | Jan 2025 | YoY Change | Performance Tag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Creta | 17,921 | 18,522 | -3% | Slight Decline |
| 2 | Mahindra Scorpio | 15,542 | 15,442 | 1% | Stable Growth |
| 3 | Maruti Suzuki Victoris | 15,240 | – | – | New Entry |
| 4 | Kia Seltos | 10,639 | 6,470 | 64% | Strong Growth |
| 5 | Mahindra XUV 7XO | 10,133 | – | – | New Entry |
| 6 | Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder | 9,156 | 4,941 | 85% | Very Strong Growth |
| 7 | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara | 7,030 | 15,784 | -55% | Major Decline |
| 8 | Tata Harrier | 3,711 | 1,488 | 149% | Top Growth Leader |
| 9 | Tata Safari | 2,375 | 1,548 | 53% | Healthy Growth |
What the Numbers Showing
- Established nameplates such as Creta and Scorpio continue to lead because of brand trust and resale strength.
- Hybrid SUVs are gaining steady attention, especially among urban buyers.
- Internal competition within brands is changing rankings, particularly in Maruti Suzuki’s lineup.
- Diesel demand remains important in northern and western regions, where long highway usage influences buying decisions.
Outlook for 2026 and My Comment
Hari Babu
I'm Hari Babu, a freelance automotive journalist with over three years of experience. I cover stories from national highways to rural roads and currently serve as Chief Editor of Gaadi Journal News Network.
