Today, compact SUVs are among the hottest-selling cars in India. Every month, we witness thousands of buyers choosing compact SUVs over other body types, and so was the case in February 2026. Last month, the Tata Nexon retained its title of the best-selling compact SUV, beating other compact SUVs by a great margin. Meanwhile, the list of best-selling compact SUVs saw many interesting updates. For example, the Skoda Kylaq moved up on the list, beating the Hyundai Exter, and the Maruti Fronx outsold the Mahindra Thar. In this article, we list the top-selling compact SUVs in India and explain why the Tata Nexon is the best-selling compact SUV in February 2026.
What drove the Tata Nexon to be the Best-Selling Compact SUV in February 2026?
Not only was the Tata Nexon the best-selling compact SUV, but also the best-selling car in India. In February 2026, the Tata Nexon sold 19,430 units and saw an impressive 27 percent year-on-year growth. The biggest driving force behind the surge in Nexon’s sales is the drop in its prices due to GST reforms, which has made the Nexon up to Rs 1.55 lakh more affordable. A more affordable Nexon is a more desirable Nexon for average Indian car buyers. In addition to price drops due to the new GST, Tata has given impressive discounts on the Nexon and a few other Tata cars in November.
The Nexon is one of the most successful cars ever sold in the Indian market, and multiple factors make it more appealing than its rivals. A key highlight of the Nexon is its versatility, as it is the only car in India to be available in petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric models. So, there is Nexon for every fuel type preference. Moreover, the Nexon offers nearly all features expected of a premium compact SUV, top-notch passenger safety reassured by a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, and segment-leading ride comfort.
Best Selling Compact SUVs in February 2026
| Model | February Sales – 2026 | February Sales – 2025 | Y-O-Y Growth |
| Tata Nexon | 19,430 | 15,349 | 27% |
| Tata Punch | 18,748 | 14,559 | 29% |
| Maruti Suzuki Brezza | 17,863 | 15,392 | 16% |
| Maruti Suzuki Fronx | 13,898 | 21,461 | -35% |
| Mahindra Thar | 11,047 | 9,248 | 19% |
| Hyundai Venue | 10,494 | 10,125 | 4% |
| Kia Sonet | 9,750 | 7,598 | 28% |
| Mahindra XUV 3XO | 8,637 | 7,861 | 10% |
| Skoda Kylaq | 4,532 | 3,636 | 25% |
| Hyundai Exter | 4,200 | 5,361 | -22% |
Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon sold 19,430 units in February 2026, seeing a 27 percent growth over the 15,349 units it sold in the same month last year.
Tata Nexon Specifications
- Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine | 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine
- EV Battery: 30 kWh & 40.5 kWh
- Transmission: 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, 6-speed AMT, and 7-speed DCT automatic
- Mileage: 17.44 km/l (petrol), 23.23 km/l (diesel), 26.99 km/kg (CNG)
- EV Range: 325 km & 465 km
- Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
- Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel, CNG, and electricity
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
Tata Punch
Registering sales of 18,748 units in February 2026, the Tata Punch became the second-best-selling compact SUV and saw a 29 percent growth over the 14,559 units it sold in February 2025. Like the Tata Nexon, the Tata Punch has been one of the most successful cars for the Indian carmaker. With a macho design, the Punch is more attractive than most of its rivals. It is also a sensible alternative to the Tata Nexon for someone looking for a capable SUV within a budget. Moreover, with a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, the Indian compact SUV is one of the safest cars in India.
Tata Punch Specifications
- Engine: 1.2-litre petrol engine and 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine
- Battery: 25 kWh and 35 kWh
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, and AMT
- Mileage: Up to 20.09 km/l (petrol) and 26.99 km/kg (CNG)
- EV Range: 315 km and 421 km
- Airbags: Six airbags
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
The Maruti Brezza sold 17,863 units in February 2026, which was a 16 percent growth in its year-on-year sales. While the Brezza is still selling in large numbers, it is the least benefited car from the GST revisions. Its prices have dropped by up to Rs 55,000 only, while its rivals have seen a far greater drop in their prices.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza Specifications
- Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine
- Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission and 6-speed torque converter automatic
- Mileage: 17.8 – 19.89 km/l (petrol) & 25.51 km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
- Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Last month, the Maruti Fronx sold 13,898 units and saw a 35 percent year-on-year drop. Nonetheless, for buyers looking for an upgrade over the Maruti Baleno and considering the Maruti Brezza out of their budget, the Fronx comes in as a great option as a premium Maruti SUV.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Specifications
- Engine: 1.2-litre petrol engine | 1-litre turbo petrol engine
- Transmission: 5-speed MT, 5-speed AMT, and 6-speed torque converter automatic
- Mileage: Up to 22.89 km/l (petrol), 28.51 km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: Up to six airbags
- Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
Mahindra Thar
The Mahindra Thar and Mahindra Thar ROXX combinedly sold 11,047 units in February 2026, registering an impressive 19 percent growth over the 9,248 units sold in the same month last year. Popular for its serious off-roading calibre at affordable prices, the Thar is a lifestyle car as well as a status symbol, thanks to its ageless and commanding road presence. Moreover, the Thar faces negligible competition from both its rivals, the Maruti Jimny and the Force Gurkha.
Mahindra Thar Specifications
- Engine: 1.5-litre diesel engine, 2.2-litre diesel engine, 2-litre turbo petrol engine
- Transmission: 6-speed manual & 6-speed automatic
- Mileage: Up to 18 km/l (diesel) and up to 15 km/l (petrol)
- Airbags: Dual airbags (Thar) & Six airbags (Thar ROXX)
- Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 4 (Thar) & 5 (Thar ROXX)
- Body type: Compact SUV (Thar) & Mid-size SUV (Thar ROXX)
Hyundai Venue
Selling 10,494 units in February 2026, the Hyundai Venue saw a 4 percent growth over the 10,125 units it sold in the same month last year. The new-generation Venue has been launched recently, is a massive upgrade from the previous model. It is larger, more feature-rich, and has added a 6-speed torque converter to its transmission offerings.
Hyundai Venue Specifications
- Engine: 1-litre turbo-petrol engine, and 1.5-litre diesel engine
- Transmission: 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT, 6-speed torque converter automatic
- Mileage: Up to 18 km/l (petrol) and up to 17 km/l (diesel)
- Airbags: Six airbags
- Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
- Body Type: Compact SUV
- Seating Capacity: 5
Kia Sonet
The Kia Sonet sold 9,750 units in February 2026, seeing a 28 percent growth over the 7,598 units it sold in February 2025. With refined and reliable engines, fashionable design, an upmarket cabin, and a long list of premium features, the Kia Sonet is one of the best offerings in the compact SUV segment.
Kia Sonet Specifications
- Engine: 1-litre turbo-petrol engine, 1.2-litre petrol engine, and 1.5-litre diesel engine
- Transmission: 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed AT, and 7-speed DCT
- Mileage: Up to 18.2 km/l (petrol) and up to 24.1 km/l (diesel)
- Airbags: Six airbags
- Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
- Body Type: Compact SUV
- Seating Capacity: 5
Mahindra XUV 3XO
In February 2026, the XUV 3XO sold 8,637 units, gaining a 10 percent growth over the 7,861 units it sold during the same period last year. Laden with premium perks like a panoramic sunroof and Level-2 ADAS safety suite, the XUV 3XO is such a valuable offering that Mahindra plans to launch the XUV 3XO in Australia, where it will compete with the Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Venue, and Mazda CX-3.
Mahindra XUV 3XO Specifications:
- Engine: 1.2-litre petrol engine and 1.5-litre diesel engine
- Transmission: 6-speed MT, 6-speed AMT, and 6-speed AT
- Mileage: Up to 20.1 km/l (petrol) and up to 20.6 km/l (diesel)
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
Skoda Kylaq
Selling 4,532 units in February 2026, the Skoda Kylaq constituted 72 percent of Skoda’s gross sales and saw a 25 percent growth over the sales it did in the same month last year. This is a commendable feat by the Kylaq as it is the first-ever Skoda car to feature on this list. Measuring shorter than 4 meters, the Skoda Kylaq gets taxation benefits and therefore can deliver better value than its elder sibling, the Skoda Kushaq.
Skoda Kylaq Specifications
- Engine: 1-litre turbo petrol engine
- Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox and 6-speed AT
- Mileage: Up to 20 km/l
- Airbags: Six airbags
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
Hyundai Exter
Collecting sales of 4,200 units in February 2026, the Hyundai Exter saw a 22 percent drop in its year-on-year sales. While these sales figures make it one of the best-selling compact SUVs, it is fair to say that tough competition from the Tata Punch and Maruti Fronx has dented the Exter’s popularity. Meanwhile, the Exter is offering a price advantage with relatively lower prices that make it one of the cheapest cars in India.
Hyundai Exter Specifications
- Engine: 1.2-litre petrol engine
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox and 5-speed AMT
- Mileage: 19 km/l (Petrol) & 27.1 km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: Six airbags
- Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
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Excellent and compact review .
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