Tata Punch Emerges as the Top Compact SUV Choice in FY25 Amid Strong Sales Surge

The compact SUV segment in India witnessed a phenomenal rise in popularity during the financial year 2025 (FY25). Leading this surge was Tata Motors' Punch, which outshined its competitors to become the best-selling compact SUV in the country. While Maruti Suzuki’s Brezza and Fronx also posted impressive numbers, rivals like Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue faced stiff competition and fluctuating sales figures.

Compact SUVs: A Growing Favorite Among Indian Buyers

Compact SUVs have firmly established themselves as a preferred choice among Indian car buyers. Their ease of driving, highway capabilities, stylish stance, and compact size that fits city parking needs make them highly appealing. With almost every major brand—from Tata and Mahindra to Hyundai and Kia—offering strong contenders in this space, the competition is fierce. Let’s take a look at the top five best-selling compact SUVs in India during FY25.

1. Tata Punch

Tata Motors’ Punch, available in petrol, CNG, and electric variants, dominated the compact SUV segment in FY25. The company sold an impressive 1,96,572 units over the financial year. Launched in 2021, the Punch may be relatively new, but it quickly captured the market with its robust build quality, high ground clearance, and feature-packed offerings. In fact, the Punch became the second highest-selling vehicle overall across all categories in FY25—a remarkable achievement for such a young model.

2. Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Coming close behind was the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, a tried and tested model that continues to enjoy strong brand loyalty. Maruti Suzuki sold 1,89,163 units of the Brezza in FY25, marking an 11% increase compared to the previous year’s sales of 1,69,897 units. Regular updates, enhanced features, and Maruti’s strong service network have kept the Brezza among the top favorites.

3. Maruti Suzuki Fronx

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx, based on the Baleno platform, made a big splash in FY25 with its fresh, sporty design and compact dimensions. Targeted at younger buyers, the Fronx registered sales of 1,66,216 units during the year. Its sharp styling, modern features, and strong brand backing helped it quickly gain traction in a crowded segment.

4. Tata Nexon

Tata’s other major player, the Nexon, also secured a spot in the top five. Available in petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric versions, the Nexon offers over 100 different variants catering to a wide range of customers. In FY25, Tata Motors sold 1,63,088 units of the Nexon. However, the SUV did see a 5% dip in sales compared to the previous financial year, reflecting rising competition and market saturation in the segment.

5. Hyundai Venue

Rounding out the list was the Hyundai Venue, an important product for Hyundai India. While initially very successful, the Venue faced tough competition as newer models entered the market. Hyundai managed to sell 1,19,113 units of the Venue in FY25, which represented an 8% decline compared to FY24’s 1,28,897 units. Despite this, the Venue remains a strong contender thanks to its versatile engine options and feature-rich packages.

Conclusion

FY25 highlighted how dynamic and competitive the compact SUV segment has become in India. Tata Punch’s outstanding performance demonstrates the market's shift toward newer, compact, and versatile models. Meanwhile, stalwarts like the Brezza and emerging names like Fronx prove that innovation and trust continue to drive sales. As manufacturers continue to introduce updated models and new technologies, the race for the top spot in India’s compact SUV market is bound to get even more exciting.