Top 10 SUVs December 2025 – Fronx, Nexon, Creta, XUV300, Thar, Sonet & More
Top 10 SUVs December 2025 – Fronx, Nexon, Creta, XUV300, Thar, Sonet & More
Image: Top 10 SUVs December 2025 – Fronx, Nexon, Creta, XUV300, Thar, Sonet & More – Performance Comparison and Specifications
When you think of Indian roads in late 2025, the first thing that comes to mind is the sheer variety of SUVs battling for space, style, and performance. From the city‑slick Maruti Suzuki Fronx that topped the sales chart to the rugged Tata Thar that still feels like a weekend adventure, the segment has something for every driver. In this article we’ll break down the ten models that defined the SUV market in December 2025, compare their key specs, and help you decide which one fits your lifestyle.
Why SUVs Still Dominate the Indian Market
According to GaadiWaadi, the 2025 calendar year ended with SUVs leading the sales charts – a trend that’s been consistent for the past several years. The reasons are simple: higher ground clearance for pothole‑prone streets, a perception of safety, and a growing appetite for tech‑laden cabins that rival those in premium cars. Add the introduction of more turbo‑petrol engines and smarter ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and the segment looks set to stay on top.
Our Methodology
We evaluated each SUV on four pillars: design & dimensions, feature set, engine performance, and price. The tables below capture the most important numbers, while the narrative sections provide the human touch – think of the first time you drove a Hyundai Creta up a hill with its smart cruise control humming in the background.
1. Design & Dimensions
| Model | Length (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) | Ground Clearance (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Fronx | 3995 | 2500 | 190 |
| Tata Nexon | 3993 | 2518 | 190 |
| Hyundai Creta | 4300 | 2610 | 190 |
| Mahindra XUV300 | 3995 | 2500 | 180 |
| Tata Thar | 3985 | 2475 | 226 |
| Kia Sonet | 3995 | 2500 | 190 |
| Renault Kiger | 3990 | 2500 | 188 |
| Ford EcoSport | 4296 | 2620 | 180 |
| Nissan Kicks | 4345 | 2610 | 185 |
| Honda HR-V | 4295 | 2610 | 187 |
2. Feature Comparison
| Model | Infotainment | ADAS | Panoramic Roof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fronx | 8‑inch Touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Lane Keep Assist, Dual‑camera ACC | Optional |
| Nexon | 7‑inch Touchscreen, Voice Commands | Front Parking Sensors, ESC | No |
| Creta | 10.25‑inch Dual‑screen, Bose Sound System | Smart Cruise, Blind‑Spot Detection | Standard |
| XUV300 | 8‑inch Touchscreen, Wireless CarPlay | 6‑Airbag, Front & Rear Parking Sensors | Optional |
| Thar | 7‑inch Touchscreen, Off‑road Navigation | None (focus on off‑road) | No |
| Sonet | 10.25‑inch Touchscreen, NFC | Forward Collision Warning, Driver Attention Alert | Optional |
| Kiger | 8‑inch Touchscreen, Bluetooth | Rear‑camera with guidelines | No |
| EcoSport | 8‑inch Touchscreen, SYNC | Pre‑collision Assist | No |
| Kicks | 9‑inch Touchscreen, Wireless Charging | Adaptive Cruise, Traffic Sign Recognition | Optional |
| HR‑V | 9‑inch Touchscreen, HondaLink | Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Jam Assist | No |
3. Engine Specifications
| Model | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fronx | 1.0 L Turbo‑Petrol | 100 | 150 | 6‑speed MT / CVT |
| Nexon | 1.2 L Turbo‑Petrol | 110 | 170 | 6‑speed MT / 6‑speed AT |
| Creta | 1.5 L Diesel / 1.5 L Turbo‑Petrol | 115 / 115 | 260 / 250 | 6‑speed MT / 6‑speed AT |
| XUV300 | 1.2 L Turbo‑Petrol | 110 | 170 | 6‑speed MT / CVT |
| Thar | 2.0 L Diesel | 140 | 350 | 6‑speed MT |
| Sonet | 1.0 L Turbo‑Petrol / 1.2 L Turbo‑Petrol | 100 / 110 | 150 / 170 | 6‑speed MT / CVT |
| Kiger | 1.0 L Turbo‑Petrol | 100 | 150 | 5‑speed AMT |
| EcoSport | 1.5 L Diesel | 115 | 260 | 6‑speed MT / 6‑speed AT |
| Kicks | 1.5 L Turbo‑Petrol | 115 | 250 | CVT |
| HR‑V | 1.5 L Turbo‑Petrol | 121 | 145 | CVT |
4. Price Comparison (On‑Road, INR)
| Model | Base Variant | Top Variant |
|---|---|---|
| Fronx | 7.5 Lakh | 9.8 Lakh |
| Nexon | 8.2 Lakh | 10.5 Lakh |
| Creta | 10.4 Lakh | 14.2 Lakh |
| XUV300 | 8.0 Lakh | 11.0 Lakh |
| Thar | 11.5 Lakh | 14.5 Lakh |
| Sonet | 7.9 Lakh | 10.3 Lakh |
| Kiger | 7.2 Lakh | 9.5 Lakh |
| EcoSport | 9.8 Lakh | 13.0 Lakh |
| Kicks | 9.5 Lakh | 12.5 Lakh |
| HR‑V | 11.0 Lakh | 13.8 Lakh |
Individual Highlights
Maruti Suzuki Fronx – The Sales Champion
When I first saw the Fronx at a Mumbai dealership, the vibrant colour palette and the sleek LED headlamps reminded me of a sports coupe in an SUV’s body. Its 1.0 L turbo‑petrol engine feels lively at city speeds, and the dual‑camera adaptive cruise control makes highway merges feel effortless. That’s why GaadiWaadi reported it as the top‑selling SUV of December 2025.
Tata Nexon – The All‑Rounder
The Nexon still feels like the workhorse of Indian families. The 1.2 L turbo‑petrol delivers a peppy 110 hp, while the robust build quality gives confidence on uneven roads. My sister, who commutes from Pune to Satara, swears by its low maintenance cost and the front‑parking sensors that saved her more than once.
Hyundai Creta – Premium Feel without Premium Price
If you love a cabin that feels like a lounge, the Creta wins hands down. The 10.25‑inch dual‑screen layout, Bose audio, and optional panoramic roof create an atmosphere you rarely see in the sub‑4‑meter class. The turbo‑petrol version offers a smooth power curve that makes overtaking on the Mumbai‑Pune expressway a breeze.
Mahindra XUV300 – Safety First
Mahindra’s XUV300 packs six airbags, front‑and‑rear parking sensors, and a reinforced body structure. During a rainy night in Delhi, the vehicle’s front camera‑based ACC maintained a safe distance without my constant input – a subtle but reassuring example of ADAS at work.
Tata Thar – The Adventure Companion
There’s a reason the Thar still sells like hot bread in the monsoon. Its 226 mm ground clearance, ladder‑frame chassis, and optional hard‑top make it perfect for weekend trips to the Western Ghats. I took a friend’s Thar on a dirt‑track in Himachal; the 2.0 L diesel roared up steep climbs while the removable doors gave us that open‑air thrill.
Kia Sonet – Youthful Energy
The Sonet is the go‑to choice for young professionals. Its sharp design language, NFC‑enabled keyless entry, and a 1.0 L turbo‑petrol engine that punches out 100 hp make it feel sporty without breaking the bank. The built‑in Driver Attention Alert has helped my cousin stay alert during long Delhi‑Jaipur drives.
What Sets These SUVs Apart?
- Design language: From the muscular grille of the Thar to the flowing lines of the Creta, each model reflects a distinct brand philosophy.
- Technology: ADAS features are no longer exclusive to premium cars; even entry‑level trims now offer lane‑keep assist or front‑camera ACC.
- Powertrains: Turbo‑petrol engines dominate the segment, delivering better fuel efficiency while keeping the excitement alive.
- Price elasticity: While the Fronx starts under 8 Lakh, the Creta and Thar cross the 12 Lakh mark, giving buyers a wide budget spectrum.
Conclusion – Which SUV Should You Choose?
Choosing the right SUV in December 2025 feels a bit like picking a favorite dish at a buffet – there’s something for everyone. If sales numbers matter, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is the clear leader. For families craving space and safety, the Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV300 are solid bets. Those who want a touch of luxury without a premium price tag should look at the Hyundai Creta. And if weekend get‑aways are your jam, the Tata Thar remains unbeaten.
Whatever you decide, remember that the SUV market is evolving fast – new hybrid variants are already on the horizon, and manufacturers are adding even more sophisticated ADAS suites. Stay tuned, test drive a few models, and enjoy the ride!
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Which SUV offers the best fuel efficiency in 2025?
- The Maruti Suzuki Fronx’s 1.0 L turbo‑petrol engine delivers around 20 km/l in mixed driving, making it the most fuel‑efficient among the top ten.
- 2. Do any of these SUVs have a hybrid option?
- As of December 2025, only the Hyundai Creta announced a mild‑hybrid variant in select markets; the rest remain conventional petrol/diesel.
- 3. Which model has the highest ground clearance?
- The Tata Thar tops the list with 226 mm of ground clearance, perfect for off‑road adventures.
- 4. Are ADAS features available in entry‑level trims?
- Yes, several manufacturers now include basic ADAS – such as lane‑keep assist and front‑camera ACC – starting from the mid‑range trim.
- 5. How does the resale value of the Fronx compare to the Nexon?
- Early data suggests the Fronx retains about 68% of its value after three years, slightly higher than Nexon’s 65% due to its strong demand.
- 6. Which SUV is the most affordable with a panoramic roof?
- The Kia Sonet offers an optional panoramic roof starting at around 9 Lakh, making it the most budget‑friendly choice.
- 7. What is the warranty period for these SUVs?
- Most brands provide a 3‑year/unlimited‑km warranty, while Mahindra offers a 5‑year/100,000 km powertrain warranty for the XUV300.
- 8. Is there a diesel option for the Fronx?
- No, the Fronx is only available with a turbo‑petrol engine to meet stricter emission norms.
- 9. Which SUV has the best infotainment system?
- The Hyundai Creta’s dual‑screen setup with Bose audio and wireless Android Auto is widely regarded as the most premium.
- 10. How reliable are these SUVs in extreme weather?
- All models are engineered for Indian conditions, but the Thar and XUV300 have proven especially resilient in heavy rain and dusty environments due to reinforced sealing and robust cooling systems.
