The top 10 cars sold in January 2026 highlight a strong start to the year for the Indian automobile market, with compact SUVs and practical family vehicles continuing to attract buyers across segments. According to industry sales data, the combined total of the top 10 cars sold in January 2026 reached 180,920 units, representing a healthy 23.06% year-on-year growth compared to 147,016 units in January 2025. SUVs, in particular, maintained a firm grip on demand, reflecting shifting consumer preferences toward utility and versatility.
At the forefront was the Tata Nexon, which emerged as the best-selling car in January 2026, followed by the Maruti Suzuki Dzire sedan and Tata Punch micro-SUV. Models from Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra also featured prominently, underlining the broad appeal of both SUVs and versatile multi-purpose vehicles in the Indian market.
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Top 10 Cars Sold in January 2026 – Model Ranking
| Rank | Model | Units Sold (Jan 2026) | Units Sold (Jan 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tata Nexon / EV | 23,365 | 15,397 |
| 2 | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | 19,629 | 15,383 |
| 3 | Tata Punch / EV | 19,257 | 16,231 |
| 4 | Hyundai Creta / EV | 17,921 | 18,522 |
| 5 | Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | 17,892 | 14,248 |
| 6 | Maruti Suzuki Swift | 17,806 | 17,081 |
| 7 | Maruti Suzuki Brezza | 17,486 | 14,747 |
| 8 | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | 16,782 | 19,965 |
| 9 | Mahindra Scorpio / N | 15,542 | 15,442 |
| 10 | Maruti Suzuki Victoris | 15,240 | — |
Tata Nexon Tops List Again
The top 10 cars sold in January 2026 saw the Tata Nexon reclaim the top spot with 23,365 units sold, marking a 51.75% year-on-year increase over January 2025. This performance underscores the Nexon’s enduring appeal as a compact SUV, bolstered by a strong feature list, solid safety ratings and the availability of both internal combustion and electric (EV) variants.
Continuing its momentum from previous months and years, the Nexon’s leadership in the top 10 cars sold in January 2026 highlights the sustained demand for SUVs that combine practicality with everyday usability.
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Sedan and SUV Balance in Rankings
Right behind the Nexon was the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, which secured second place with 19,629 units. The Dzire has long been a stalwart in the compact sedan segment, resonating with both private and fleet buyers thanks to its efficiency, comfort and overall value proposition.
The Tata Punch — including its EV variant — remained competitive with 19,257 units, showing nearly 18.64% year-on-year growth and reinforcing Tata’s strength in the micro-SUV space.
SUVs continued their stronghold on the top 10 cars sold in January 2026 list, led by the Hyundai Creta in fourth place with 17,921 units. Although Creta’s volumes slipped marginally compared with January 2025, it continues to be one of the most sought-after mid-size SUVs in India.
Maruti Suzuki’s Broad Presence
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV delivered strong numbers, appealing to buyers seeking spacious family transport solutions. The Swift and Brezza continued their longstanding presence in the top volume charts, while the Baleno remained a popular premium hatchback despite a slip in year-on-year figures. The Victoris, a newer SUV from Maruti, made a notable entrance in its first full January on sale.
Mahindra Scorpio and Utility Vehicles
The Mahindra Scorpio / Scorpio N combined range claimed ninth place with 15,542 units sold, showing stable demand for rugged utility vehicles. The Scorpio series has maintained steady popularity among buyers who prefer strong road presence, capable performance and traditional SUV appeal.
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Segment Trends Highlighted
Analysis of the top 10 cars sold in January 2026 underscores several broader trends in the Indian auto market:
Dominance of SUVs
SUVs account for a majority of the list, including the Nexon, Punch, Creta, Brezza, Scorpio and Victoris, highlighting a continued appetite for utility-oriented vehicles.
Balanced Mix of Body Types
The rankings also include a sedan (Dzire), a multi-purpose vehicle (Ertiga) and hatchbacks (Swift and Baleno), reflecting diversified buyer preferences.
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Year-on-Year Growth
The total volume for the top 10 cars sold in January 2026 grew significantly compared with the same month last year, driven by broad consumer demand.
Industry Outlook
The promising figures seen in the top 10 cars sold in January 2026 point to a strong growth trajectory for the broader passenger vehicle segment in India. With a focus on SUVs and feature-rich offerings, manufacturers are well positioned to sustain competitive momentum throughout 2026.