The Indian car market has kicked off 2026 on a spectacular high note! With record-breaking wholesales of approximately 4,50,000 units—the highest-ever for January—the demand for four-wheelers is clearly accelerating . The story of the month was the continued, unstoppable rise of the SUV, which gobbled up the majority of the sales charts.
However, the list is a perfect blend of modern India's automotive palate: six SUVs, two trusty hatchbacks, one sleek sedan, and a family-favourite MPV . While Maruti Suzuki dominated with six models in the top 10, it was the Tata Nexon that wore the crown. Let's dive deep into the detailed list of India's favourite cars from January 2026.
1. Tata Nexon & Nexon EV
Units Sold: 23,365 | YoY Growth: +51.75%
- Topping the charts with a massive 51.75% growth, the Tata Nexon continues to be the first choice for compact SUV buyers. Its popularity stems from a perfect blend of style, safety (5-star NCAP rating), and now, the flexibility of multiple powertrains.
- Specifications (ICE): Offered with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol (120 PS, 170 Nm) and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel (113 PS, 260 Nm). Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and an AMT .
- Specifications (EV): Comes with 30 kWh and 45 kWh battery packs. The larger pack delivers a claimed range of 489 km on a full charge .
2. Maruti Suzuki Dzire
Units Sold: 19,629 | YoY Growth: +27.60%
- The new-generation Dzire proves the sedan is far from dead in India. It remains a favourite for both families and fleet operators thanks to its exceptional fuel efficiency and reliability .
- Specifications: Powered by a new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Z-series petrol engine (82 PS, 112 Nm). It is available with a 5-speed manual and an AMT. It boasts a remarkable fuel efficiency of up to 25.75 kmpl .
3. Tata Punch & Punch EV
Units Sold: 19,257 | YoY Growth: +18.64%
- The “micro-SUV” sensation, the Tata Punch, continues its strong run, solidly holding the third spot. The recent facelift and the addition of the EV have injected fresh life into the model .
- Specifications (Facelift): Gets a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 120 PS, alongside the existing 1.2-litre NA petrol (88 PS). The turbo is mated to a 6-speed manual .
- Specifications (EV): Available in Standard (25 kWh/315 km range) and Long Range (35 kWh/421 km range) variants .
4. Hyundai Creta & Creta EV
Units Sold: 17,921 | YoY Growth: -3.24% (slight decline)
- While it saw a marginal dip compared to last year, the Creta remains the undisputed king of the mid-size SUV segment. The introduction of the Creta Electric has helped it fend off tough competition from the new Maruti Victoris .
- Specifications (ICE): Offers three engine options: a 1.5-litre NA petrol (115 PS), a 1.5-litre turbo petrol (160 PS), and a 1.5-litre diesel (116 PS) .
- Specifications (EV): Comes with 42 kWh (390 km range) and 51.4 kWh (473 km range) battery packs .
5. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
Units Sold: 17,892 | YoY Growth: +25.58%
- The Ertiga proves that practicality never goes out of style. As the only MPV in the top 5, it continues to be the go-to choice for those needing a comfortable, fuel-efficient 7-seater .
- Specifications: Powered by a 1.5-litre NA petrol engine (103 PS, 137 Nm) paired with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. It also offers a factory-fitted CNG option .
6. Maruti Suzuki Swift
Units Sold: 17,806 | YoY Growth: +4.24%
- The heartbeat of the Indian hatchback market, the Swift, continues to tick steadily. Even with the SUV wave, its sporty design and driving dynamics keep it relevant.
- Specifications: Features the same 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine (82 PS, 112 Nm) as the Dzire. It is known for its lightweight build and class-leading fuel economy of up to 25.75 kmpl for the AMT variant .
7. Maruti Suzuki Brezza
Units Sold: 17,486 | YoY Growth: +18.57%
- The Brezza is Maruti’s strongest contender in the compact SUV space, directly rivaling the Nexon. Its combination of a refined engine, mild-hybrid tech, and Maruti’s reliable after-sales network makes it a hot seller.
- Specifications: Runs on a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder NA petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech (103 PS, 137 Nm). It offers a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter automatic, and a CNG option .
8. Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Units Sold: 16,782 | YoY Growth: -15.94% (sharp decline)
- The premium hatchback segment is under pressure, and even the Baleno felt the heat in January. Despite a significant drop in sales, it remains the leader in its own segment, loved for its feature-rich interior.
- Specifications: Powered by a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder NA petrol engine (90 PS, 113 Nm) mated to a 5-speed manual or an AMT .
9. Mahindra Scorpio N & Scorpio Classic
Units Sold: 15,542 | YoY Growth: +0.65% (flat)
- The Scorpio surname continues to command a loyal following. With the rugged Classic and the modern, powerful Scorpio N, Mahindra caters to both traditionalists and new-age buyers, maintaining steady volumes .
- Specifications (Scorpio N): Offers a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (203 PS) and a 2.2-litre diesel (175 PS) with manual and automatic options.
- Specifications (Classic): Sticks with the reliable 2.2-litre diesel engine paired with a manual gearbox .
10. Maruti Suzuki Victoris
Units Sold: 15,240 | YoY Growth: New Entry
- Making a stunning entry into the top 10 is the Maruti Victoris. Launched just a few months ago, this mid-size SUV from the Arena network has already started outselling established rivals like the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Verna, proving that Maruti’s Midas touch still works .
- Specifications: Offers a 1.5-litre NA petrol (103 PS), a 1.5-litre Strong Hybrid (e-CVT), and a 1.5-litre CNG option. The strong hybrid version delivers an incredible fuel efficiency of 28.56 kmpl .
⭐ January 2026 Sales: Quick Snapshot
Bilkul Aapki Zubaan Mein: Short Note
Toh, January 2026 ki sales report kya kehti hai? “SUV ka magic” bilkul faila hua hai. Log ab chahte hain badi gaadi, strong road presence aur safety. Isiliye Tata Nexon aur Punch ne toh dhoom macha di. Lekin ye mat bhoolna ki Maruti Suzuki ne apna dabdaba phir bhi jamaye rakha. Dus mein se chhe gaadiyan Maruti ki hain—kahi na kahi, bharosa aur mileage waali baat abhi bhi chalti hai .
“to fir konsi choose kar rahe”?
Sabse interesting baat rahi Victoris ki entry. Naya model hai, aur mid-size SUV segment mein usne turant dhakka jama diya. Creta ko chhodkar, usne apne baaki saare competitors ko peechhe chhod diya . Haan, Baleno aur Creta ko thoda loss hua, lekin abhi bhi ye dono heavy hitters hain.
Short note yeh hai ki “Desi bazaar mein ab SUV ka raaj hai, lekin hatchback aur sedan ka dil abhi dhadak raha hai.” Agar aap gaadi lene ka soch rahe ho inmein se kisi ko le lo, market ne already approve kar diya hai!
Conclusion
The Indian passenger vehicle market is firing on all cylinders. January 2026 wasn't just about festive spillovers; it was about sustained, organic demand . While the Tata Nexon celebrated its victory, Maruti Suzuki proved its unmatched depth by flooding the charts with six models.
With the SUV penetration increasing and new models like the Victoris gaining instant traction, 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for the Indian automobile industry. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned car owner, this list is your ultimate guide to what India is driving right now.
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