India's SUV Boom in 2025: How Automakers Are Shaping the Future of Mobility
June 8, 2025 — India
The Indian automobile industry is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, with SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) becoming the undisputed kings of the road. Once considered a luxury or niche product, SUVs have now entered the mainstream like never before. From compact urban crossovers to full-size off-roaders, these versatile vehicles are reshaping the Indian car buyer's preferences.
According to the latest data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), over 60% of all passenger vehicle sales in India in the first five months of 2025 were SUVs. This surge is driven by a combination of factors — better road infrastructure, rising aspirations of middle-class buyers, and a wide range of affordable options offered by manufacturers.
Hyundai Takes the Lead with 2025 Creta
The recently launched Hyundai Creta 2025 facelift has taken the market by storm. With over 25,000 bookings in less than 30 days, it is the highest-selling mid-size SUV of the year so far. The facelift comes with bold exterior styling, ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and new-age tech features like ADAS Level 1 and connected car technology.
Hyundai’s focus on safety and innovation has made Creta a favorite among urban buyers who prioritize both style and substance. The Korean automaker has also hinted at introducing a hybrid variant by early 2026, keeping in line with the global push for cleaner mobility.
Maruti Suzuki’s Hybrid Game Strong with Grand Vitara
India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, continues to capitalize on its strong presence in tier-2 and tier-3 markets with the Grand Vitara. The model’s strong hybrid variant, co-developed with Toyota, offers exceptional fuel economy and lower emissions — a key factor for environment-conscious buyers.
What sets Grand Vitara apart is Maruti’s robust after-sales network and lower cost of ownership, which appeals to families and first-time SUV buyers. Industry experts suggest that Maruti is also developing a brand-new electric SUV, which could be launched under its “Maruti EV” branding in 2026.
In the full-size SUV category, Toyota Fortuner continues to dominate. The 2025 edition introduces several upgrades, including a diesel-hybrid engine, enhanced suspension, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a rugged off-road package.
Despite a premium starting price of ₹38 lakh, Fortuner remains popular among business class buyers, government officials, and customers in states like Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, where power, prestige, and performance matter most.
- Several clear trends are emerging in the Indian SUV market in 2025:
- Electrification: Most companies are preparing to launch electric SUVs by 2026.
- Hybrid Acceptance: Consumers are becoming more accepting of hybrids due to better mileage and tax benefits.
- Advanced Features: Features like 360-degree cameras, wireless charging, digital displays, and ADAS are becoming standard.
- Rural Demand: SUVs like the Mahindra Scorpio-N, Tata Safari, and Toyota Hilux are in strong demand in rural markets, where durability and ground clearance are essential.
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