As far as space, comfort, and utility are concerned, SUVs are unanimously the most ideal category of cars. However, in the last decade or so, Compact SUVs with their city-friendly character and a good dose of full-fledged SUV feel at relatively affordable prices, have emerged as the favourite alternatives of the larger mid-size and full-size SUVs. Every month, Compact SUVs make thousands of buyers choose them over any other body type and so was the case in November 2024. Here are the top selling Compact SUVs in India of November 2024.
Model | November Sales - 2024 | November Sales - 2023 | Y-O-Y Growth |
Tata Punch | 15,435 | 14,383 | 7% |
Tata Nexon | 15,329 | 14,916 | 3% |
Maruti Suzuki Brezza | 14,918 | 13,393 | 11% |
Maruti Suzuki Fronx | 14,882 | 9,867 | 51% |
Hyundai Venue | 9,754 | 11,180 | -13% |
Kia Sonet | 9,255 | 6,433 | 44% |
Mahindra Thar | 8,708 | 5,810 | 50% |
Mahindra XUV 3XO | 7,656 | 4,673 | 64% |
Hyundai Exter | 5,747 | 8,325 | -31% |
Also Read – Sedan Cars In India
Tata Punch
The Tata Punch has been on a roll since day one in the market and is the best-selling Tata car today. Its macho appeal, premium interiors, high-set seating, and high riding stance that replicate those of larger Tata SUVs, make the Punch an exceptional value-for-money offering. Moreover, the Punch has bagged a full 5 stars on the global NCAP safety test and is one of the safest cars in India. The runaway success of the Tata Punch also became the trailblazer for the Hyundai Exter and the Maruti Fronx. In November 2024, the Punch sold 15,435 units and grew its sales by 7 percent over the sales it did in the same month last year. With such sales figures, it took the title of the best-selling compact SUV.
What adds to Punch’s appeal is its versatility as it is available in petrol-powered, CNG-powered, and electric-powered variants. The ICE variants come with a 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT. While the CNG variants deliver a mileage of up to 26.99 km/kg, the EV variants are available with a 25 kWh battery and a 35 kWh battery that offer claimed ranges of up to 315 km and 421 km, respectively.
Tata Nexon
Selling 15,329 units in November 2024, Tata Nexon saw a 3 percent uptick in its year-on-year sales and outsold its arch-rival Maruti Brezza. With over 7 lakh units sold so far, the Indian compact SUV has been the greatest force behind Tata’s resurgence and establishment as one of the leading carmakers in India. While the stylish design Nexon is a head turner, it substantiates the segment-best ride comfort and the reassurance of great passenger safety thanks to the 5-star Global NCAP safety rating and the 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. Moreover, since it is available in petrol, diesel, CNG, and EV variants, the Nexon is the most versatile compact SUV available in the Indian market.
In terms of mechanicals, the Nexon is available with either a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine or a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine. Both engines come paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed AMT. Moreover, there is an optional 6-speed DCT automatic mated to the turbo petrol engine, while the CNG variants come with a 6-speed manual transmission only. The Tata Nexon EV comes with two battery packs. The 30 kWh battery pack offers a range of 325 km while the 40.5 kWh battery pack offers a range of 465 km.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
In its eight years of run so far, which is the longest one in the compact SUV segment, Maruti Brezza has proven itself a sublime success and done great business for Maruti Suzuki. Whether it’s space, features, or interior quality, the Brezza is at par with all segment standards for a modern Compact SUV. However, what it brings as a bonus, is the reliability of the Maruti Suzuki and an impeccable engine refinement along with an appealing mileage. Moreover, unlike most of its rivals, the Brezza is available in CNG variants. While in the form of Maruti Fronx, Maruti placed another contender in the compact SUV segment a year ago, the Maruti Brezza is still as popular as ever. Last month, the Maruti Brezza raked in sales of 14,918 units and gained an 11 percent growth over the 13,393 units it had sold in the same month last year.
Maruti offers Brezza with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that comes paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. Moreover, with the mild-hybrid tech standard in all variants, the Brezza returns a mileage of 17.38 – 19.8 km/l. Whereas, the CNG variants return a mileage of 25.51 km/kg.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Maruti Fronx, which competes with Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch, has been on sale for over a year. This Indo-Japanese Compact SUV was quick to climb onto the list of best-selling cars and is seemingly on the way to becoming one of the most successful Maruti cars. Last month, the Fronx saw a 51 percent growth in its year-on-year sales, selling 14,882 units. Based on the iconic Baleno, the Fronx carries similar interiors, features, and even most design elements. Moreover, its price does not differ much from that of the Baleno especially in lower variants, making it an extremely appealing Maruti compact SUV.
Maruti has equipped Fronx with a 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine and a 1.0-litre turbocharged Boosterjet petrol engine. A 5-speed manual gearbox comes with both engines, while there is a 5-speed AMT for NA engine and a 6-speed AT for turbo engine. Like most Maruti cars, the Fronx is also available in CNG variants that come with a 5-speed manual transmission and deliver a mileage of 28.51 km/kg.
Also read: Top Selling Hatchbacks in India
Hyundai Venue
The first Korean car on the list, Hyundai Venue is a consistent player in its segment. Being the younger sibling of the Hyundai Creta, the Venue sits at a more accessible price point and thereby makes for a great deal as a premium Hyundai compact SUV. The main attraction of the Venue lies in its upmarket features and the refined powertrains that make it deliver a premium experience as one expects of a Hyundai car. Continuing its steady performance in November 2024, Hyundai Venue sold 9,754 units, positioning itself at the sixth spot on the list, despite a 13 percent year-on-year decline in sales.
To suit most preferences, the Hyundai Venue comes with multiple powertrain options. A 1.2-litre petrol engine comes paired with a 5-speed manual, a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine comes paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic) and a 1.5-litre diesel engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Kia Sonet
Following the Hyundai Venue is its sibling, the Kia Sonet – the best-selling Kia car. The Kia Sonet sold 9,255 units in November 2024, which grew its year-on-year sales by 44 percent. Kia’s compact SUV has been in the game for nearly four years and has carved a substantial space for itself. Like its sibling Hyundai Venue, the Sonet is known for its attractive wealth of features and refined powertrains that make it deliver a premium experience. Earlier this year, the Sonet received its first facelift which has given it some cosmetic tweaks while the chief highlight is the addition of the Level-1 ADAS features that have upped its safety quotient.
Powering the Kia Sonet are a 1.2-litre NA petrol engine, a 1.5-litre diesel engine, and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. For transmission options, a 6-speed iMT is available with the turbo-petrol engine and the diesel engine, however, the diesel engine gets a 6-speed manual gearbox. For automatic transmission options, a 7-speed DCT automatic and a 6-speed torque converter automatic are offered with the turbo-petrol engine and the diesel engine respectively.
Mahindra Thar
The Mahindra Thar is a big name in India, especially among the automobile enthusiasts. While the Thar is basically a capable off-roader, over the years, it has become a symbol of dominance for the butch appeal its attire exudes. While the 3-door Thar was already the best-selling off-roader in India, Mahindra recently made its portfolio even more dominant with the launch of the Mahindra Thar Roxx, which is the 5-door version of the standard Thar. The Mahindra Thar Roxx is significantly larger, more practical, and more comfortable than the regular 3-door Mahindra Thar, which makes it a better offering from a family travelling standpoint. Last month, both 3-door Thar and 5-door Thar Roxx sold 8,708 units, which was a 50 percent growth over the sales Thar did in the same month in 2023.
Mahindra offers the 3-door Thar with a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine, a 2.2-litre diesel engine, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. While the 2-litre turbo-petrol engine and 2.2-litre diesel engine come mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed automatic torque converter, the 1.5-litre diesel engine gets a 6-speed manual transmission only. All variants come with a 4-wheel-drive as standard, except for the ones with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which comes with a rear-wheel-drive.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is available with the same 2-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine but with a higher state of tune. Both engines are available with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. While the petrol and diesel variants come with an RWD drivetrain as standard, the diesel variant also gets an optional 4WD system.
Mahindra XUV 3XO
In the compact SUV segment, Mahindra recently leveled up its game with the launch of the Mahindra XUV 3XO, which essentially is the facelifted Mahindra XUV300. While the new name and design were enough to freshen things up, Mahindra equipped the compact SUV with a Level-2 ADAS safety suite, rocking the market. This step from the Indian carmaker not only spiked the sales of its compact SUV but also upped the standards of the segment. In November 2024, the XUV 3XO sold 7,656 units, growing its year-on-year sales by 64 percent.
The new Mahindra XUV 3XO carries forward its engines. It is equipped with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, a 1.2-litre direct injection turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. All three engines come mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, while there is a 6-speed torque converter automatic unit for both petrol engines and a 6-speed AMT for the diesel engine.
Hyundai Exter
The Hyundai Exter has spent over a year in the Indian car market and it’s fair to say that the car has turned out to be another success for the Korean carmaker. While the Exter is yet to beat its rivals, the Maruti Fronx and the Tata Punch, it is posing a great challenge to both of them. With a practical design for better usability, the Exter brings the trademark Hyundai qualities, such as a good wealth of upmarket features and refined powertrains. Sharing its underpinnings and interiors with the Grand i10 Nios and the Aura, the Exter is an appealing offering as an affordable Hyundai Compact SUV and this is clear from its sales figures. However, last month didn’t turn out to be a good one for the Exter. On the latest sales chart, the Exter put up sales of 5,747 units, which translated into a 31 percent decline in its year-on-year sales.
Hyundai offers the Exter with a 1.2-litre petrol engine that transmits power via either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT. Like the Grand i10 Nios and the Aura, the Exter is also available in CNG variants that deliver a mileage of 27.1 km/kg while its petrol mileage is 19.4 km/l.
Excellent and compact review .
I am enriched with many information which I was not aware before