The SUV King Rises: How Mahindra & Mahindra Sealed the #2 Spot in 2025 Car Sales
By [carwale.online] Finance & Auto Desk Date: December 30, 2025
In a watershed moment for the Indian automotive industry, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has officially rewritten the history books. As the curtains draw on 2025, registration data from the government’s Vahan portal confirms a massive shift in the pecking order: Mahindra has secured the second position in annual passenger vehicle sales, unseating traditional heavyweights like Hyundai and Tata Motors.
For decades, the second spot was a fortress held by Hyundai, with Tata Motors mounting a fierce challenge in recent years. However, 2025 belonged to the “SUV Specialist” from Mumbai.
The Numbers: A Decisive Lead
According to the latest data available up to December 25, 2025, the race for the podium was a nail-biter, but Mahindra’s consistent monthly performance gave it the edge:
| Rank | Manufacturer | 2025 Registrations (Approx) |
| 1 | Maruti Suzuki | 17.50 Lakh Units |
| 2 | Mahindra & Mahindra | 5.81 Lakh Units |
| 3 | Tata Motors | 5.52 Lakh Units |
| 4 | Hyundai Motor India | 5.50 Lakh Units |
Mahindra’s leap from the 4th position in 2024 to the 2nd spot in 2025 represents an 18-20% Year-on-Year (YoY) growth, the highest among the top five manufacturers.
The Catalyst: A “Product Offensive” Like Never Before
Mahindra’s rise isn’t a stroke of luck; it is the result of a meticulously planned “SUV-first” strategy that aligned perfectly with India’s changing car-buying preferences.
1. The ‘Thar Roxx’ Phenomenon
The launch of the Thar Roxx (5-door) in late 2024 was the ultimate game-changer. It transformed the Thar from a niche lifestyle vehicle into a mainstream family SUV. In 2025, the combined sales of the Thar brand crossed the 1 lakh mark, with the Roxx contributing nearly 65% of those volumes.
2. The ‘Scorpio’ Dominance
The Scorpio-N and Scorpio Classic remained the primary volume drivers. Together, they accounted for over 1.61 lakh units (roughly 28% of total sales). The Scorpio has become a cult brand in semi-urban and rural India, where its ruggedness remains unmatched.
3. The XUV 3XO Turnaround
Earlier in the year, Mahindra rebranded and refreshed its compact SUV as the XUV 3XO. With a segment-first panoramic sunroof and Level 2 ADAS, the 3XO added an incremental 10,000 to 12,000 units to the monthly tally, directly eating into the market share of the Hyundai Venue and Tata Nexon.
The EV Factor: BE 6e and XEV 9e
While Mahindra was often criticized for being late to the electric vehicle (EV) party, 2025 saw them make a grand entry. Their “Electric Origin” SUVs—the BE 6e and XEV 9e—have been on sale for nearly a year.
Collectively, these premium EVs retailed over 36,000 units in 2025, capturing a significant 17% share of India’s electric passenger vehicle market. By offering long-range, high-tech EVs on a dedicated “INGLO” platform, Mahindra successfully targeted the premium buyer who wanted more than just a converted petrol car.
know more about the car feauters
Why Did Hyundai and Tata Slip?
- Hyundai’s Product Cycle: Hyundai faced a relatively quiet year in terms of “blockbuster” launches. While the Creta continued to perform well, the lack of a fresh volume-driver allowed Mahindra to bridge the gap.
- Tata’s Competitive Pressure: Tata Motors saw a late-year surge with the launch of the Tata Sierra, which garnered 70,000 bookings in a single day. However, slower growth in its early-year compact SUV sales meant it couldn’t keep up with Mahindra’s cumulative 12-month momentum.
What Lies Ahead for 2026?
Mahindra shows no signs of slowing down. The company has already teased the XUV 7XO (a major facelift for the XUV700), set for a global debut on January 5, 2026. Additionally, the newly launched flagship 7-seater electric SUV, the XEV 9S, is expected to start deliveries in early 2026.
Industry experts believe the gap between the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th spots will remain razor-thin. “2026 will be the year of the ‘SUV War’,” s
“Which SUV is ruling your heart in 2026? Drop your dream car’s name in the comments! 👇”
Leave a Reply