Mini SUV Race Heats Up with New Launches

For many years now, the trend with Indian automobile consumers has been the demand for mini SUVs, typically vehicles priced between Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. They have the same look and feel of SUVs but are tailored for urban consumers with trademark features that Indians love like a panoramic sunroof. Competition was intense, with the Hyundai Creta leading the pack, a classic that has seen unflagging demand. Into this mix comes an unexpected model upturning the market. Tata Motors, keen to get back market share, threw everything into their just-launched Tata Sierra, and have been rewarded. When bookings opened on December 16, the first day saw 70,000 registering, an extraordinary number for the segment.

Close on its heels has been the launch of the Seltos, from the stable of Kia. It is a model that has been a mainstay of the company since 2019. When its first generation came out it quickly established Kia as a major player in the sector. Within four years, the Seltos had sold 500,000 units. Now it comes in an upgraded avatar. Prices will be revealed on January 2, but it is expected to be competitive, especially considering Sierra's impact. Already, YouTube is rife with comparisons of Sierra and Seltos.

There are also a large number of other mini SUV models launching in 2026, some brand new and some upgraded versions of bestsellers. Maruti, for example, is coming out with an electric version of the Grand Vitara. Other automotive manufacturers like Renault, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Mahindra, and Honda all have launches lined up for the coming year.