Hyundai Creta is the first plus-4m car to cross 2 lakh annual sales – Introduction

Hyundai sold 2 lakh units of the Creta in 2025, thereby recording the highest-ever annual sales for the midsize SUV in a single calendar year. The Creta’s success story has really set a template for how a product should be designed and packaged for the Indian market, but a sales milestone of 2 lakh units in a single year is quite unprecedented for a midsize vehicle. Only a select few sub-4m vehicles, mostly hatchbacks, have previously sold more than 2 lakh units in a single year. 

1. Creta completed 10 years in the Indian market in 2025 
2. Diesel variants make up 44 percent of Creta sales 
3. 32 percent of Creta owners are first-time car buyers 

Significance of Creta sales crossing 2 lakh units in 2025 

Only compact cars have sold over 2 lakh units annually so far 

Annual sales of 2 lakh units mean Hyundai managed an average of 550 Cretas each day – a phenomenal number for an SUV priced in the Rs 10 lakh-20 lakh ballpark. Tata Punch had crossed the 2 lakh annual sales milestone in 2024 (2,02,031 units), but it’s a smaller, more affordable SUV. The Maruti Swift and Wagon R have also sold 2,03,469 units and 2,17,317 units in 2023 and 2022, respectively, but these, too, were affordable, compact hatchbacks. The Creta is, therefore, the first plus-4m vehicle to drive past the 2 lakh annual sales milestone. 

This is also a testament to the fact that the market has been moving towards larger, more premium vehicles, while the entry-level and hatchback segments continue to see a sustained decline. 

Hyundai has also shared some interesting sales statistics, chief of which is that 44 percent of Creta’s sales come from the diesel variants, and that’s despite the scepticism surrounding the fuel. This suggests there is still a healthy demand for diesel in SUVs, as the fuel inherently lends itself well to this body style. Some other stats worth noting are that over 70 percent Cretas sold are equipped with a sunroof, while 32 percent of Creta’s sales come from first-time car buyers (up from 13 percent in 2024). 

Intensifying competition in the midsize SUV segment

New arrivals and updates for existing models 

Rivals, however, are not standing still and have doubled down on their efforts. With the Victoris and Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki has now adopted a two-pronged approach to take on the segment leader, while Tata Motors has revived an icon in the Sierra to challenge for the Creta’s crown. Plus, there’s the new-gen Kia Seltos and Renault Duster joining this battle soon. 

Despite heightened competition, the Creta has consistently managed average monthly sales of 16,000-17,000 units in 2025, maintaining a healthy margin over the next bestseller. Do note that this second-gen Creta is currently in its sixth year and towards the end of its lifecycle. It, however, remains to be seen if the Creta will continue to remain unfazed once all the new models have launched.  

In 2025, the Creta also completed 10 years in the Indian market. It is currently the most versatile midsize SUV with one of the most diverse powertrain line-ups, including petrol, diesel and electric. Ex-showroom prices for the Hyundai Creta range between Rs 10.73 lakh and Rs 20.20 lakh.