Hyundai Creta leads 4.2-4.4m SUV sales December 2025 with 13,154 units, up 4% YoY as Grand Vitara falls to 8,597. Discover why Creta shines!
The Indian SUV market in December 2025 saw Hyundai Creta emerge as the undisputed king in the hotly contested 4.2 to 4.4-meter segment, clocking an impressive 13,154 units sold. This marked a solid 4.33% year-on-year (YoY) growth from 12,608 units in December 2024, making it the only model to cross the 10,000-unit mark. Meanwhile, rivals like Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara witnessed a steep slide, highlighting shifting buyer preferences in this price bracket.
Segment Sales Breakdown
The 4.2-4.4m SUV category, popular among Indian families for its balance of space, features, and affordability, recorded total sales of around 38,000 units in December 2025, up slightly YoY but down month-on-month due to year-end dynamics. Hyundai Creta topped the charts with 13,154 units (+4.33% YoY), showcasing its strong pull despite a 24% drop from November’s 17,344 units. Maruti Grand Vitara managed 8,597 units (-24.2% MoM from 11,339), Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder 7,022 units (-5% MoM), and Maruti Victoris around 6,210 units (estimates vary, but down sharply MoM).
| Model | Dec 2025 Sales | YoY Change | MoM Change | Key Notes [web:id] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Creta | 13,154 | +4.33% | -24% | Top seller, includes EV variant |
| Maruti Grand Vitara | 8,597 | N/A | -24.2% | Sharp drop post-November peak |
| Toyota Hyryder | 7,022 | N/A | -5% | Steady but trailing |
| Maruti Victoris | ~6,210 | N/A | -49.5% | New entrant struggling |
This table underscores Creta’s dominance, as competitors grapple with inventory and demand shifts.
Why Hyundai Creta Stands Tall
Hyundai Creta isn’t just selling numbers; it’s winning hearts with a potent mix of tech, safety, and versatility that resonates with Indian buyers craving premium feels on a budget. Priced from ₹11 lakh to ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom), the Creta offers a 1.5L petrol/diesel lineup, including the new Creta EV launched in early 2025, which boosted volumes. Features like Level 2 ADAS, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a 10.25-inch dual-screen setup make it a tech haven, while its bold design and spacious cabin appeal to urban families navigating pothole-ridden roads.
In December 2025, Creta bucked the segment’s MoM decline trend better than peers, thanks to aggressive festive discounts and the EV variant’s buzz. Hyundai’s total sales hit 42,416 units, with Creta leading at over 30% share. Buyers love its reliability—proven by high resale values—and fuel efficiency up to 21 kmpl. No wonder it’s the go-to for NRIs returning home or first-time SUV owners in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Grand Vitara’s Unexpected Tumble
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, once a strong contender with strong hybrid appeal, sold 8,597 units in December 2025—a worrying 24.2% MoM drop from November. Priced similarly to Creta (₹10.99-19.75 lakh), it boasts a strong hybrid powertrain offering 27 kmpl mileage, ideal for fuel-conscious India. Yet, sales dipped amid higher inventories and competition from newer models. The strong hybrid (1.5L + electric) remains its USP, but lack of ADAS in base trims hurts against feature-loaded rivals.
Experts point to year-end waiting periods easing and buyers shifting to Creta’s petrol-AT variants. Grand Vitara still shines in highways with AWD options, but urban buyers prioritize infotainment and safety. Maruti’s vast service network is a plus, yet it couldn’t prevent the slide.
Rivals in the Race: Hyryder and Victoris
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, the badge-engineered twin of Grand Vitara, mirrored the downturn with 7,022 units (-5% MoM). Sharing the same hybrid tech and platform, it benefits from Toyota’s premium badge and reliability rep, but sales lag due to fewer variants and higher pricing (₹11.14-20 lakh). It’s popular in tier-2 cities for its low running costs.
Maruti’s new Victoris, launched late 2025, aimed high as a flagship Arena SUV but managed only ~6,210 units in December, down 49.5% MoM. Despite 70,000 bookings and pricing from ₹10.5-19.99 lakh, delivery delays and competition bit hard. It offers six trims with modern features, but early hype faded.
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What Drove the December 2025 Shift?
Several factors fueled Hyundai Creta’s lead in December 2025. First, the Creta EV’s introduction expanded appeal amid rising green vehicle demand—India’s EV sales jumped 25% YoY. Second, Hyundai’s marketing blitz, including celebrity endorsements and digital campaigns, targeted millennials. Third, economic recovery post-monsoon boosted disposable incomes, with SUVs symbolizing aspiration in aspirational India.
Rivals faced headwinds: Maruti’s over-reliance on hybrids clashed with petrol preference amid stable fuel prices. Global chip shortages eased, but inventory pile-up led to discounts, eroding perceived value. Broader market: Mid-size SUVs grew 5% YoY to ~1.9 lakh units in FY25, but December saw caution ahead of 2026 launches like new Kia Seltos facelift.
Buyer insights from forums reveal preferences: 60% prioritize safety (6-airbags standard on Creta top trims), 25% mileage, rest features. Test drives show Creta’s smoother ride on bad roads wins over Vitara’s stiffer setup.
Expert Take: Future Outlook for These SUVs
As an auto enthusiast tracking India’s market for years, Hyundai Creta‘s streak positions it for 2026 dominance, especially with upcoming N Line variants. Expect 1.5-2 lakh annual sales, bolstered by exports. Grand Vitara needs a mid-cycle refresh with ADAS to rebound; its hybrid edge suits CNG-push policies.
Hyryder could gain from Toyota’s EV plans, while Victoris must ramp deliveries to honor 70k orders. Watch for Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra Scorpio N updates shaking the segment. For buyers: Test drive Creta if tech-savvy; Vitara for efficiency.
Buyer Guide: Which SUV for You?
- Choose Creta if you want best-in-class features, EV option, and strong resale (family hauler supreme).
- Opt for Grand Vitara for hybrid savings (₹1 lakh fuel bill cut yearly) and Maruti service.
- Hyryder for Toyota trust; Victoris if waiting for discounts.
Prices hover ₹11-20 lakh; finance at 8-9% interest. Factor insurance (~₹40k/year) and maintenance (Creta ~₹5k/service). In true Indian style, these SUVs aren’t just cars—they’re status symbols zipping through bazaars!
