SUVs are India’s most in-demand cars. While their smaller alternatives, compact SUVs, have also become quite popular, they have not fully replaced larger SUVs. SUVs sell in large numbers every month, and September 2026 was no different. On the latest sales chart, the list of top-selling SUVs was the same as last month’s; however, there were some interesting updates. For example, the Mahindra Bolero overtook the Mahindra XUV 7XO, and the Maruti Grand Vitara outsold the Toyota Hyryder. Here are the best-selling SUVs of September 2026, excluding the best-selling compact SUVs, and an explanation of how the Hyundai Creta became the best-selling SUV.
Why is the Hyundai Creta the Best-Selling SUV in September 2026?
In September 2026, the Hyundai Creta continued as the best-selling SUV. The Hyundai Creta has been leading the mid-size SUV segment for a long time. Earlier, it was the sheer capabilities of the Creta, such as a refined and reliable set of powertrains, premium features at affordable prices, and a hassle-free ownership experience, that attracted more buyers. Now, the Creta mostly benefits from the reputation it has built over the years. Another factor driving Creta’s sales is rising compact SUV prices, as top variants of many compact SUVs have slowly reached around Rs. 15 lakh. In this price bracket, Creta’s mid variants are available, which makes more sense for buyers looking for a large family car. The value card has always been Creta’s greatest strength, and it’s now even more dominant, especially compared to top models of some compact SUVs, such as the Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Brezza.
Meanwhile, demand for the Hyundai Creta Electric has risen significantly. Sales of its electric version have significantly boosted Creta’s overall sales. In the coming months, the Creta is sure to remain the best-selling SUV.
Best-Selling SUVs in September 2026
| Rank | Model | Units Sold in September 2026 | Units Sold in September 2025 | Y-O-Y Growth |
| 1 | Hyundai Creta | 17,657 | 18,861 | -6% |
| 2 | Mahindra Scorpio | 17,313 | 18,372 | -6% |
| 3 | Maruti Victoris | 13,111 | 4,261 | 208% |
| 4 | Kia Seltos | 12,593 | 5,816 | 117% |
| 5 | Mahindra Bolero | 9,710 | 2,747 | 253% |
| 6 | Mahindra XUV 7XO | 9,097 | 9,764 | -7% |
| 7 | Maruti Grand Vitara | 8,513 | 5,698 | 49% |
| 8 | Tata Sierra | 7,205 | ||
| 9 | Toyota Hyryder | 7,115 | 7,608 | -6% |
| 10 | Mahindra XEV 9S | 4,636 |
Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta sold 17,657 units in September 2026, down 6 per cent from the 18,861 units it sold in the same month last year.
Hyundai Creta Specifications
- Engine: 1.5 litre petrol engine | 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine | 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine
- Battery (EV): 42 kWh & 51.4 kWh
- Transmission: 6-speed MT, CVT, 7-speed DCT, & 6-speed AT
- Mileage: 17.4 – 18.4 km/l for petrol & 19.1 – 21.8 km/l for diesel
- Range (EV): 390 km & 473 km
- Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
- Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Mid-size SUV
Mahindra Scorpio
With sales of 17,313 units in September 2026, the Mahindra Scorpio’s sales dipped 6 per cent year on year. Mahindra offers two SUVs under the Scorpio badge. One is the legendary Scorpio Classic, on sale since 2002, and the other is the more capable Scorpio N, which offers a 4X4 setup and is one of the best off-roaders under Rs 50 lakh.
Mahindra Scorpio Specifications
- Engine: 2.2-litre diesel engine, 2-litre turbo petrol engine
- Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission and 6-speed torque converter automatic
- Mileage: 12.17 km/l (petrol) & 15.94 km/kg (diesel)
- Airbags: Up to six airbags
- Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 7 (Scorpio N) | 7 & 9 (Scorpio Classic)
- Body Type: Full-size SUV
Maruti Suzuki Victoris
Selling 13,111 units in September 2026, the Maruti Victoris became the third-best-selling SUV. The Indo-Japanese SUV has been on the market for over a year. Yet the Indo-Japanese SUV has gained such popularity that it is even beating its sibling, the Maruti Grand Vitara, with which it shares its mechanicals and many features.
Maruti Suzuki Victoris Specifications
- Engine: 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid unit | 1.5-litre petrol strong-hybrid unit
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed AT, & e-CVT automatic
- Mileage: Up to 28.65 km/l (petrol), 27.02 km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: Six
- Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Mid-size SUV
Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos raked in sales of 12,593 units in September 2026, up 117 per cent from the 5,816 units it sold in September 2025. The second-generation Kia Seltos, launched in January 2026, has turned around the fortunes of the Korean mid-size SUV, and it is understandable, as the new Kia Seltos is larger than the previous model and is one of the best cars in its segment across most parameters.
Kia Seltos Specifications
- Engine: 1.5 litre petrol engine | 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine | 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine
- Transmission: 6-speed MT, CVT, 7-speed DCT, & 6-speed AT
- Mileage: 17.7 km/l for petrol & 21.8 km/l for diesel
- Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
- Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Mid-size SUV
Mahindra Bolero
Selling 9,710 units in September 2026, the Mahindra Bolero sold 253 per cent more units than it did in the same month last year. Like the Scorpio, the Bolero has more than one SUV on sale under its name. One is the standard 7-seater Bolero that has been in business since 2000. Second is the 7-seater Mahindra Bolero Neo, which balances ruggedness with a premium ride. Third is the Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus, which is the 9-seater version of the Bolero Neo.
Mahindra Bolero Specifications
- Engine: 1.5-litre diesel engine (Bolero & Bolero Neo), 2.2-litre diesel engine (Bolero Neo Plus)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox (Bolero & Bolero Neo), 6-speed manual transmission (Bolero Neo Plus)
- Mileage: 17 km/l (Bolero & Bolero Neo), 14 km/l (Bolero Neo Plus)
- Airbags: Dual airbags
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 7 (Bolero & Bolero Neo), 9 (Bolero Neo Plus)
Mahindra XUV 7XO
The Mahindra XUV 7XO sold 9,097 units in September 2026, down 7 per cent from the 9,764 units it sold the same month last year. The XUV 7XO is the facelifted Mahindra XUV700, and it has become a runaway success like its predecessor. Compared to the XUV700, the XUV 7XO is a far more premium package, featuring coveted perks such as a triple-screen setup and a 540-degree (360-degree + 180-degree transparent bonnet) camera.
Mahindra XUV 7XO Specifications
- Engine: 2-litre turbo petrol engine | 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine
- Transmission: 6-speed MT & 6-speed AT
- Mileage: 15 km/l from petrol and 17 km/l from diesel
- Airbags: Up to 7 airbags
- Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 6 & 7
- Body Type: Mid-size SUV
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
Registering sales of 8,513 units in September 2026, the Maruti Grand Vitara grew 49 per cent year on year. While the Grand Vitara competes in the most crowded segment, it is a very unique SUV, with most of its attraction in its economical character. It is one of the best mileage cars in India. With Maruti’s popular low maintenance cost and reliability, the Grand Vitara is ideal for someone looking for a frugal ownership experience.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Specifications
- Engine: 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid unit | 1.5-litre petrol strong-hybrid unit
- Transmission: CVT automatic & e-CVT automatic
- Mileage: Up to 27.97 km/l (petrol), 26.6 km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: Six
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Mid-size SUV
Tata Sierra
The Tata Sierra sold 7,205 units in September 2026. With the Sierra, Tata has brought its iconic SUV back with a modern twist. Competing in the most crowded segment, the Sierra mid-size SUV offers many perks, including the most spacious cabin, excellent ride comfort, and an attractive road presence.
Tata Sierra Specifications
- Engine: 1.5-litre NA petrol engine | 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine | 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine
- Battery (Sierra EV): 63 kWh & 75 kWh
- Transmission: 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT, and 7-speed DCT automatic
- Mileage: 18 km/l from petrol and 20 km/l from diesel
- Range (Sierra EV): 566 – 665 km
- Airbags: Six airbags
- Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Mid-size SUV
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
The Toyota Hyryder sold 7,115 units in September 2026, down 6 per cent year on year. Nonetheless, the Hyryder has steadily grown in popularity over time, and like its sibling, the Maruti Grand Vitara, its USP lies in its durability and economical character.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Specifications
- Engine: 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid unit | 1.5-litre petrol strong-hybrid unit
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed AT, & e-CVT automatic
- Mileage: Up to 27.97 km/l (petrol), 26.6 km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: Six
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Mid-size SUV
Mahindra XEV 9S
The Mahindra XEV 9S electric SUV sold 4,636 units in September 2026, a commendable number for a car in its price and segment. Based on the same INGLO platform as the Mahindra BE 6 and Mahindra XEV 9e, the XEV 9S offers a more conventional body type and a 7-seater layout that appeals to large families. It also comes with three battery pack options and up to 679 km of driving range.
Mahindra XEV 9S Specifications
- Battery: 59 kWh | 70 kWh | 79 kWh
- Range: 521 km, 600 km, 679 km
- Airbags: Up to seven (six as standard)
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Seating Capacity: 7
- Body Type: Mid-size electric SUV
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