After looking at sub 4 meter SUV sales and 4.2 to 4.5 meter SUV sales, let us now look at 4.5 meter to 4.8 meter SUVs, which have recorded good growth in March 2026. Total sales stood at 39,178 units, up 25.72% compared to 31,162 units in March 2025. However, on a month-on-month basis, volume declined marginally by 1.16%, indicating a steady but cooling trend after February’s highs.
4.5m to 4.8m SUV sales March 2026
Mahindra maintained its stranglehold in the segment led by the Scorpio/Scorpio N which registered a growth of 4.78% YoY at 14,578 units with a dominant market share of 37.21%. Despite the growing competition, the Scorpio continues to lead Mahindra’s SUV lineup. Behind, the XUV7XO recorded 9,210 units, marking a solid growth of 34.43% year-on-year. With 23.51% share, the XUV7XO has established itself as a volume driver for the brand.
Mahindra’s EV portfolio also grew significantly. The XEV 9S contributed 3,254 units, while the Overall, Mahindra’s combined portfolio dominates the segment with a strong share.
Among the old players, Toyota Fortuner remained the best-selling premium SUV in the segment with sales of 3,795 units, up 11.88% year-on-year. It continues to lead the premium end with 9.69% share. Tata Motors saw strong growth driven by Harrier/Harrier EV, which recorded sales of 2,826 units, registering an impressive growth of 123.40% YoY. This surge is likely supported by EV demand. Safari also recorded steady growth at 1,530 units with a growth of 8.13% YoY. Safari EV launch is planned in a few months.
Mixed trends in other brands
The performance of other OEMs was mixed. Hyundai Alcazar witnessed a huge decline of 37.60% YoY with sales of 893 units. In contrast, MG Hector/Hector Plus registered a strong growth of 55.39% YoY, reaching 850 units. Jeep’s lineup saw mixed results, with the Compass experiencing a slight increase (+11.97%), while the Meridian declined (-12.50%). Volkswagen and Skoda recorded higher percentage growth due to lower volumes but a lower base, with Tiguan and Kodiaq showing sharper year-on-year growth.
MoM trends show stability at the top
On a month-on-month basis, most models remained stable or saw slight declines. The Scorpio/N remained largely stable (-0.59%), while the XUV7XO registered a marginal gain (+1.08%). Fortuner led with 23.37% MoM growth. Tata and Mahindra EV models saw a slight decline, while most other models also saw a similar soft trend. Overall segment volumes declined slightly to 39,178 units in March 2026 from 39,638 units in February 2026.
segment outlook
Mahindra continues to dominate the segment with volume growth from both ICE and EV offerings. At the same time, Tata is gaining popularity with electrification, while Toyota has retained its premium stronghold. With more launches and updates expected, competition in this space is likely to intensify in the coming months.
