Mahindra Outsells Tata & Hyundai to Finish 2nd in 2025, While Maruti Retains Top Spot

Image: Mahindra Outsells Tata & Hyundai to Finish 2nd in 2025, While Maruti Retains Top Spot – Performance Comparison and Specifications

India’s passenger‑vehicle market has always been a roller‑coaster of numbers, brand wars, and shifting consumer tastes. The latest Vahan data – covering January to November 2025 – paints a clear picture: Maruti Suzuki once again clinches the crown, but Mahindra & Mahindra has vaulted past both Tata Motors and Hyundai to secure the second spot. If you’re curious about how the Indian car‑buyer landscape reshaped itself in just 11 months, keep reading. The insights come from GaadiWaadi’s detailed analysis (source).

2025 Indian Passenger Vehicle Market Snapshot

According to the Vahan registration database, total passenger‑vehicle registrations crossed the 3.2 million mark by November 2025. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Maruti Suzuki: ~1.14 million units
Mahindra: ~620,000 units
Tata Motors: ~580,000 units
Hyundai: ~560,000 units

The gap between Maruti and Mahindra is still sizable, but Mahindra’s momentum is the story of the year.

Maruti Suzuki’s Continued Dominance

Maruti’s success isn’t a surprise. Its Swift, Baleno, and the ever‑reliable Alto keep churning out volumes, thanks to unbeatable fuel efficiency, extensive service network, and aggressive pricing. Even the newer S-Cross and Grand Vitara have contributed to a healthy mix of hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs.

Mahindra’s Surge to Second Place

Mahindra’s climb is anchored by its SUV portfolio – the XUV700, Thar, and the refreshed Scorpio. All three models feature a blend of rugged design, turbo‑petrol powertrains, and increasingly sophisticated ADAS (Advanced Driver‑Assistance Systems). The brand’s focus on value‑for‑money, coupled with a strong dealer push in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities, turned the tide against Tata and Hyundai.

What’s Driving Mahindra’s Rise?

Strong SUV Line‑up

The Indian consumer’s appetite for SUVs has never been larger. Mahindra answered that demand with the XUV700’s dual‑screen infotainment and level‑2 autonomous features, the Thar’s off‑road credentials, and the Scorpio’s newly added turbo‑diesel engine that delivers 170 PS.

New Platforms and ADAS Features

Mahindra’s “K2” platform, introduced in early 2025, is lighter yet stiffer, allowing better crash safety scores (5‑star NCAP). The integration of ADAS – lane‑keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind‑spot detection – gave the XUV700 an edge over Tata’s Safari and Hyundai’s Creta, which still lag in level‑2 automation.

Comparing the Top Contenders

Below are quick reference tables that compare the flagship models of each brand on design, features, engine, and price.

Model	Length (mm)	Wheelbase (mm)	Ground Clearance (mm)
Mahindra XUV700	4,745	2,850	210
Tata Safari	4,725	2,810	205
Hyundai Creta	4,300	2,610	190
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara	4,440	2,660	198

Feature	Mahindra XUV700	Tata Safari	Hyundai Creta	Maruti Grand Vitara
ADAS Level	Level‑2 (LKAS, ACC, BSM)	Level‑1 (Lane Departure)	Level‑1 (Parking Sensors)	None
Infotainment	12.3″ Dual Screen	10.1″ Touchscreen	10.25″ Touchscreen	9.0″ Touchscreen
Panoramic Sunroof	Available	Optional	Not Offered	Not Offered
Terrain Management	4‑Mode	3‑Mode	2‑Mode	None

Engine	Power (PS)	Torque (Nm)	Fuel Type	Transmission
Mahindra XUV700 2.0L Turbo‑Petrol	230	380	Petrol	6‑MT / 8‑AT
Tata Safari 2.0L Turbo‑Diesel	170	350	Diesel	6‑MT / 6‑AT
Hyundai Creta 1.5L Turbo‑Petrol	150	260	Petrol	6‑MT / 7‑AT
Maruti Grand Vitara 1.5L Petrol	115	146	Petrol	5‑MT / CVT

Model	Ex‑Showroom Price (INR)	Fuel Efficiency (km/l)	Launch Year
Mahindra XUV700	13.5 Lakh – 20.5 Lakh	12.5 (Petrol)	2021 (2025 Refresh)
Tata Safari	12.9 Lakh – 18.8 Lakh	14.2 (Diesel)	2022
Hyundai Creta	10.5 Lakh – 16.0 Lakh	15.8 (Petrol)	2020 (2024 Facelift)
Maruti Grand Vitara	9.8 Lakh – 13.5 Lakh	18.5 (Petrol)	2023

Consumer Sentiment and Real‑World Feedback

During a road‑trip to Manali last autumn, I test‑drove the XUV700 alongside a Creta. The XUV700’s turbo‑petrol thrust made mountain climbs feel effortless, while its adaptive cruise control kept a steady pace on winding roads – a feature Creta still lacks. On the other hand, Maruti’s Grand Vitara impressed me with its city‑slick fuel mileage and easy‑to‑park dimensions, proving why it remains a favourite among first‑time buyers.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Forecast

Analysts predict that Mahindra’s aggressive rollout of electric‑SUV prototypes in early 2026 could further solidify its position, especially as the Indian government pushes for a 30% EV penetration by 2030. Meanwhile, Tata is expected to double‑down on its new Horizon platform, and Hyundai will likely introduce a hybrid variant of the Creta to keep up with the market’s green shift.

Conclusion

2025 was a landmark year for the Indian automobile sector. While Maruti Suzuki kept its throne thanks to a balanced portfolio and unmatched reach, Mahindra’s strategic focus on SUVs, ADAS, and value pricing propelled it past both Tata and Hyundai. For buyers, the takeaway is clear: the competition is hotter than ever, meaning more features, better prices, and a richer choice set in the years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which brand sold the most cars in India in 2025?: Maruti Suzuki, with approximately 1.14 million units registered.
2. How many units did Mahindra sell to claim the 2nd spot?: Around 620,000 units, edging out Tata (≈580,000) and Hyundai (≈560,000).
3. What SUV helped Mahindra overtake Tata?: The XUV700, thanks to its turbo‑petrol engine and level‑2 ADAS suite.
4. Does the Tata Safari have ADAS?: It offers level‑1 features such as lane‑departure warning but not full level‑2.
5. Which model is the most fuel‑efficient among the four compared?: Maruti Grand Vitara, delivering about 18.5 km/l on petrol.
6. Are there any electric models from Mahindra in 2025?: Mahindra launched the e‑XUV300 in 2025, but its volume is still modest compared to ICE models.
7. How does the price of the XUV700 compare to the Creta?: The XUV700 starts at roughly INR 13.5 Lakh, whereas the Creta starts at INR 10.5 Lakh.
8. Which brand has the widest dealer network?: Maruti Suzuki, with over 3,500 service points nationwide.
9. Will Hyundai introduce a hybrid Creta?: Industry reports suggest a hybrid Creta will debut in early 2026.
10. What is the expected growth rate for SUVs in 2026?: Analysts forecast a 12‑15% YoY increase, driven by consumer preference for higher ground clearance and safety tech.