Despite a wave of new launches and renewed competition, Hyundai Motor India’s Creta continued to dominate India’s mid-size SUV segment in January 2026, emerging as the best-selling model in its category this month. With combined sales of 17,921 units (including Creta EV), the Creta remained ahead of newer rivals like the Tata Sierra, Maruti Victoris and the new generation Kia Seltos.
Hyundai CretaThe January performance put it well ahead of the Tata Motors Sierra, which recorded 7,003 units, resulting in a gap of 10,918 units between the two SUVs. The Hyundai SUV also outsold the Maruti Suzuki Victories (15,240 units) and Kia India Seltos (10,639 units), underscoring its continued appeal despite the rapid expansion of the segment.
Creta takes lead as new rivals rise
While the Victories and Sierra are still in the early stages of their market lifecycles – they were launched in September and November 2025 respectively – the Creta continues to benefit from its established brand equity, wide variant mix and strong dealership reach. The Seltos, now in its second-generation avatar and slated for launch in December 2025, also sold a good amount, but lagged the Creta by more than 7,000 units in January.
Interestingly, Victoris crossed cumulative sales of 50,000 units in January 2026, indicating strong demand. In contrast, Sierra’s January wholesale sales accounted for only 10% of the first-day bookings of more than 70,000 units announced in December, indicating a gradual increase in production and deliveries.
Segment growth driven by new launches
Overall, the mid-size SUV segment recorded strong growth in January 2026, with total sales rising to 70,898 units, a growth of 40% year-on-year. Month-on-month growth was even sharper at nearly 65%, largely driven by new launches and improved supply. Models like Seltos, Victoris and Sierra recorded triple-digit MoM growth as deliveries picked up.
Meanwhile, established nameplates like Toyota Hayrider and Honda Elevate also contributed to steady volumes, while Maruti Grand Vitara saw a year-on-year decline as buyer focus shifted towards new options within the same showroom ecosystem.
Creta’s wider market context
Beyond January, Creta’s dominance extends to longer time frames as well. In calendar year 2025, it was India’s best-selling SUV with overall sales of 2,01,122 units, slightly ahead of the Tata Nexon. This continued performance highlights Hyundai’s ability to defend its position in one of the most competitive automotive segments in the country.
With several new SUVs now entering the mid-size category, competition is expected to intensify in 2026. However, January figures show that while the challengers are catching up, the Hyundai Creta remains the benchmark that rivals continue to chase.
