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 December 2025. Last month, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx outsold every other compact SUV to take the title of the ‘best-selling compact SUV.’ Meanwhile, the list of best-selling compact SUVs saw many interesting updates. For example, Toyota Taisor made it to the list, and Hyundai Venue outsold the Kia Sonet. 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 December 2025.
What drove the Maruti Suzuki Fronx to be the Best-Selling Compact SUV in December 2025?
Essentially, the Baleno platform sold in great numbers in December 2025, as Maruti Baleno, Toyota Glanza, Maruti Fronx, and Toyota Taisor collectively sold 53,722 units. The Maruti Fronx, selling 20,706 units, finished marginally behind the Maruti Baleno, which sold 22,108 units. Based on the Maruti Baleno, the Fronx is nearly the same car in compact SUV form. It is already a star seller with a premium as well as reliable package and fantastic fuel efficiency, it is always a prospective purchase for thousands of buyers. In December 2025, Maruti offered up to Rs 88,000 discount on the Fronx, which helped it attract more buyers than it usually does. In addition to that, Maruti’s relentless promotions made a lot of buyers take their Fronx models home before the year ended. Meanwhile, the popularity of micro-SUVs like the Fronx is growing, and Toyota Taisor making it to the list is a prime example of that.
Best Selling Compact SUVs in December 2025
| Model | December Sales – 2025 | December Sales – 2024 | Y-O-Y Growth |
| Maruti Suzuki Fronx | 20,706 | 10,752 | 93% |
| Tata Nexon | 19,375 | 13,536 | 43% |
| Maruti Suzuki Brezza | 17,704 | 17,336 | 2% |
| Tata Punch | 15,980 | 15,073 | 6% |
| Hyundai Venue | 10,322 | 10,265 | 1% |
| Mahindra XUV 3XO | 9,422 | 7,000 | 35% |
| Kia Sonet | 9,418 | 3,337 | 182% |
| Mahindra Thar | 9,339 | 7,659 | 22% |
| Hyundai Exter | 5,612 | 5,270 | 6% |
| Toyota Taisor | 4,457 | 2,628 | 70% |
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Selling 20,706 units in December 2025, the Maruti Fronx saw a growth of 93 percent over the 10,752 units it sold in the same month last year.
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
Tata Nexon
The champion of September, October, and November 2025, Tata Nexon, finished second in December 2025, with sales of 19,375 units and a year-on-year growth of 43 percent. However, the Nexon still managed to beat all its rivals, for example, the Maruti Brezza, Kia Sonet, and others. With segment-leading ride comfort, robust safety, and a host of upmarket features, the Nexon is a compelling proposition as a premium compact SUV.
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
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
The Maruti Brezza sold 17,704 units in December 2025, seeing only 2 percent year-on-year growth. While the Brezza is the least benefited car from the GST revisions, it is still selling in impressive numbers. Impeccable reliability, great fuel efficiency, spacious cabin, and the tag of India’s largest carmaker make the Indo-Japanese compact SUV pull thousands of buyers every month.
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
Tata Punch
Registering sales of 15,980 units in December 2025, the Tata Punch saw a 6 percent growth over the 15,073 units it sold in December 2024. 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 Global NCAP safety rating, the Indian compact SUV is one of the safest cars in India.
Tata Motors has launched the new Tata Punch at the starting price of Rs. 5.59 lakh (ex-showroom). The new Punch is heavily inspired by the Tata Punch EV, and brings in a new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which also powers the larger Tata Nexon.
Tata Punch Specifications
- Engine: 1.2-litre Petrol Engine
- Battery: 25 kWh and 35 kWh
- Transmission: 5-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: Dual Airbags
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
Hyundai Venue
Selling 10,322 units in December 2025, the Hyundai Venue saw a 1 percent growth over the 10,265 units it sold in the same month last year. Hyundai has recently launched the new-generation Hyundai Venue, which is a massive upgrade from the previous model. It is larger and more feature-rich than its predecessor, 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
Mahindra XUV 3XO
In December 2025, the Mahindra XUV 3XO sold 9,422 units, gaining a 35 percent growth over the 7,000 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
Kia Sonet
The Kia Sonet sold 9,418 units in December 2025, seeing a 182 percent growth over the 3,337 units it sold in December 2024, and it maintained the title of the ‘best-selling Kia car.’ With refined and reliable engines, fashionable design, an upmarket cabin, and a long list of premium features, the Sonet is a promising offering 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 Thar
The Mahindra Thar and Mahindra Thar ROXX combinedly sold 9,339 units in December 2025, registering an impressive 22 percent growth over the 7,659 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 Exter
Collecting sales of 5,612 units in December 2025, the Hyundai Exter saw a 6 percent growth 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
Toyota Taisor
The Toyota version of the Maruti Fronx, Toyota Taisor, is a great offering for someone who prefers Toyota over Maruti Suzuki. The Taisor sold 4,457 units in December 2025, seeing a 70 percent growth over the 2,628 units it sold in December 2024.
Toyota Taisor 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
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Excellent and compact review .
I am enriched with many information which I was not aware before