Maruti Suzuki’s Brezza has done something it has not managed in a long time. In October 2026, the compact SUV sold 22,436 units, making it India’s best-selling SUV for the month and the second best-selling car overall, behind only the WagonR. The number is striking not just for the rank but for the jump behind it: sales rose nearly 86 percent over the same month last year, the sharpest year-on-year growth of any car in the country’s top 10.
The figures, published on November 11, show just how firmly SUVs now grip the Indian market. Five of the ten best-selling cars in October were SUVs, and the Brezza led them all. Tata’s Nexon followed with 21,966 units, while the Punch took third among SUVs with 20,525 units. For Maruti, it was a strong month all round: seven of the ten best-selling cars in India carried its badge.
Brezza’s big month, in numbers
The Brezza’s October tally of 22,436 units compares with 12,072 units in October 2025, a rise of 85.85 percent. It also jumped 43.04 percent over September, when Maruti sold 15,685 units of the SUV. No other model in the top 10 grew as fast on either measure.
That growth matters because the Nexon, its closest rival, actually slipped a little. Tata sold 21,966 units of the Nexon, including the Nexon EV, against 22,083 units a year earlier, a dip of 0.53 percent. The gap between the two is now just 470 units, but the direction of travel is clear: the Brezza is pulling away while the Nexon holds steady.
The Punch kept its own momentum, rising 22.10 percent year on year to 20,525 units from 16,810 a year ago. Maruti’s Fronx was close behind with 20,014 units, up 17.71 percent from 17,003 units in October 2025.
How the rest of the compact SUV pack fared
Below the top four, the picture was mixed. The Hyundai Venue sold 13,017 units, up 10.9 percent over last year, while the Mahindra XUV 3XO managed 10,828 units despite an 11.5 percent annual decline. The Kia Sonet had a tougher month, falling 30.1 percent to 8,914 units.
Hyundai’s Exter was one of the month’s quiet success stories, growing 35.2 percent to 8,509 units. The Skoda Kushaq slipped 22.2 percent to 3,949 units, and the Toyota Taigo rounded out the segment’s top 10 with 3,893 units, down 14.6 percent.
- Maruti Brezza: 22,436 units, up 85.9 percent year on year
- Tata Nexon: 21,966 units, down 0.5 percent year on year
- Tata Punch: 20,525 units, up 22.1 percent year on year
- Maruti Fronx: 20,014 units, up 17.7 percent year on year
- Hyundai Venue: 13,017 units, up 10.9 percent year on year
- Hyundai Exter: 8,509 units, up 35.2 percent year on year
Why buyers are picking the Brezza
The Brezza’s appeal is straightforward. It runs a 1.5-litre K-series petrol engine, with a CNG option for buyers watching running costs. Maruti claims mileage of around 19.8 km per litre for the petrol version and 25.51 km per kg for the CNG version. Prices start at around Rs 7.40 lakh, ex-showroom, which puts it within reach of first-time SUV buyers upgrading from a hatchback.
The sub-4-metre SUV has become the default family car for a large slice of Indian buyers: high seating, a big boot, and a price that undercuts larger SUVs by several lakh rupees. The Brezza also benefits from Maruti’s vast service network, which matters to buyers outside the big cities, where much of the segment’s growth is coming from.
A strong October for the whole market
The Brezza’s surge came in a month when the overall market was buoyant. The ten best-selling cars together accounted for 2,09,116 units in October, up 17.41 percent from 1,78,111 units a year earlier. The WagonR led the overall chart with 23,747 units, up 25.18 percent year on year, followed by the Brezza and the Nexon.
Dealer body FADA reported that total vehicle retail sales rose 25.05 percent month on month in October, making it the second-best month on record for the industry, with the festive season keeping showrooms busy. With Diwali falling in November this year, dealers expect the momentum to carry into this month as well, and more than half of them told FADA they expect growth in November.
For now, though, October belongs to the Brezza. After months of the Nexon and Punch trading blows at the top of the SUV chart, Maruti’s compact SUV has opened up a clear lead, and with the festive season still running, it will take a strong November from Tata to close the gap.
FAQs
How many units did the Maruti Brezza sell in October 2026?
The Brezza sold 22,436 units in October 2026, making it India’s best-selling SUV for the month.
How much did Brezza sales grow year on year?
Sales rose 85.85 percent over October 2025, when Maruti sold 12,072 units of the SUV. It was the strongest year-on-year growth among the top 10 cars.
Which SUV was second in October 2026 sales?
The Tata Nexon was second with 21,966 units, marginally down 0.53 percent from a year earlier.
What is the starting price of the Maruti Brezza?
The Brezza starts at around Rs 7.40 lakh, ex-showroom. It comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a CNG option.
How many cars were in India’s October 2026 top 10?
The top 10 models together sold 2,09,116 units, up 17.41 percent from 1,78,111 units in October 2025. The WagonR led the overall list with 23,747 units.
Sales figures are wholesale dispatches as reported by industry trackers and compiled from published October 2026 data.
