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Despite the adverse effects of the second wave of COVID-19 in Q2 2021, there was a strong demand for SUVs throughout the year. The top spot for the best selling SUV in 2021 saw consistent competition among the higher selling models from various car makers.
Like the past couple of years, 2021 was a year dominated by SUVs. The growing love for SUVs due to their higher ground clearance and better road presence encouraged automakers to focus primarily on SUVs for this year. The after-effects of COVID-19 and the ongoing shortage of semi-conductor chips negatively affected the sales of vehicles in 2021. However, such factors didn’t deter the ever-growing demand for SUVs, many of which are commanding healthy waiting periods.
| Best-Selling SUV in 2021 | Sales Figures (Jan 2021-Nov 2021) |
| Hyundai Creta | 1,17,828 |
| Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza | 1,06,431 |
| Hyundai Venue | 97,647 |
| Tata Nexon | 95,678 |
| Kia Seltos | 94,175 |
| Kia Sonet | 75,711 |
| Mahindra Bolero | 60,009 |
| Mahindra XUV300 | 43,172 |
| Mahindra Scorpio | 35,188 |
| Nissan Magnite | 31,433 |
Hyundai Creta
| Hyundai Creta | 1.5-petrol | 1.5-diesel | 1.4-turbo-petrol |
| Price | Rs 10.16 – 16.82 lakh | Rs 10.63 – 17.78 lakh | Rs 16.83 – 17.87 lakh |
| Engine | 1,497cc petrol | 1,493cc diesel | 1,353cc turbo-petrol |
| Power/Torque | 115PS / 144Nm | 115PS / 250Nm | 140PS / 242Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual/CVT | 6-speed manual/6-speed automatic | 7-speed DCT |
The second-generation Hyundai Creta has followed the footsteps of its predecessor and has been a consistently selling model from day one. The Creta now stands as India’s best-selling SUV in 2021 by a substantial margin. The Creta has upped the game with segment-leading features like panoramic sunroof, TFT instrument console, ventilated front seats, powered driver’s seat, wireless charge and premium BOSE audio system.
Hyundai Creta Tyre Size, Price & Offers Here
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
| Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza | 1.5-litre petrol |
| Price | Rs 7.62 – 11.20 lakh |
| Engine | 1,462cc petrol |
| Power/Torque | 105PS / 138Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual/4-speed automatic |
Even the production constraints at Maruti Suzuki and the slightly dated appeal in front of more modern rivals haven’t stopped the Vitara Brezza from being a leading SUV in terms of sales. The Vitara Brezza feels a bit conservative in its segment, with only the basic essential features like the touch-screen infotainment system, multi-functional steering wheel, push start-stop button and LED headlamps and tail lamps available in its package.
Hyundai Venue
| Hyundai Venue | 1.2-petrol | 1.5-diesel | 1.0-turbo-petrol |
| Price | Rs 6.99 – 8.65 lakh | Rs 9.52 – 11.80 lakh | Rs 9.10 – 11.86 lakh |
| Engine | 1,197cc petrol | 1,493cc diesel | 1,353cc turbo-petrol |
| Power/Torque | 83PS / 114Nm | 100PS / 240Nm | 120PS / 172Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 6-speed iMT/7-speed DCT |
Hyundai Venue is one of the most feature-loaded and value-for-money sub-compact SUVs in India right now. The boxy stance and modern urban design are well-matched with features like an electric sunroof, wireless charger, touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control and push start-stop button.
Tata Nexon
| Tata Nexon | 1.2-turbo-petrol | 1.5-diesel |
| Price | Rs 7.30 – 12.00 lakh | Rs 8.60 – 13.35 lakh |
| Engine | 1,199cc petrol | 1,497cc diesel |
| Power/Torque | 120PS / 170Nm | 110PS / 260Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual/6-speed AMT | 6-speed manual/6-speed AMT |
Since it was awarded the prestigious 5-star rating at Global NCAP crash tests, the Tata Nexon has been a great seller in the sub-compact SUV space. The concept car-like youthful styling, tough build quality and spacious cabin have made the Tata Nexon a practical compact SUV for buyers across all age groups.
Kia Seltos
| Kia Seltos | 1.5-petrol | 1.5-diesel | 1.4-turbo-petrol |
| Price | Rs 9.95 – 14.75 lakh | Rs 10.65 – 18.10 lakh | Rs 15.45 – 17.79 lakh |
| Engine | 1,497cc petrol | 1,493cc diesel | 1,353cc turbo-petrol |
| Power/Torque | 115PS / 144 Nm | 115PS / 250Nm | 140PS / 242Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual/6-speed iMT/CVT | 6-speed manual/6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual/7-speed DCT |
The Seltos turned out to be a stellar debut product for Kia in India, as it helped the Korean carmaker attain the fourth position in India in a short period. When it was launched, the Kia Seltos was the most feature-loaded SUV. It continues to be one, with features like ventilated front seats, LED illumination all around, powered driver’s seat, sunroof, wireless charger, head-up display, eSIM based connectivity and premium BOSE audio system.
Mahindra Bolero
| Mahindra Bolero | 1.5-litre diesel |
| Price | Rs 8.71 – Rs 9.70 lakh |
| Engine | 1,493cc petrol |
| Power/Torque | 75PS / 210Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
Despite being a bare-basic product by modern standards, the Mahindra Bolero continues to soldier on strongly with a roaring demand in the rural markets. The core strengths of Mahindra Bolero have been a super reliable diesel engine and a rugged ladder-on-frame chassis, which can take any amount of beating.
Mahindra XUV300
| Mahindra XUV300 | 1.2-turbo-petrol | 1.5-diesel |
| Price | Rs 7.96 – Rs 12.64 lakh | Rs 9.10 – Rs 13.46 lakh |
| Engine | 1,197cc petrol | 1,497cc diesel |
| Power/Torque | 110PS / 200Nm | 115PS / 300Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 6-speed AMT | 6-speed manual / 6-speed AMT |
Mahindra XUV300 might be a pricey proposition in the sub-compact SUV segment, but it offers high standards of global engineering with a core focus on safety and premium features. The XUV300 became popular on arrival with a 5-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests and a few segment-first features.
Mahindra Scorpio
| Mahindra Scorpio | 2.2-litre diesel |
| Price | Rs 12.77 – Rs 17.62 lakh |
| Engine | 2,179cc petrol |
| Power/ Torque | 140PS / 319Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
Like the Bolero, the Mahindra Scorpio too enjoys incredible popularity in smaller towns and rural areas and is a one-of-a-kind ladder-on-frame SUV in the midsize SUV segment. The Scorpio has a very reliable diesel engine and feels rock-solid on bad roads and tarmac, which makes it a durable SUV to own in Indian conditions.
Check Mahindra Scorpio Tyre Size, Price & Discount Offers
MG Hector
| MG Hector | 1.5-turbo-petrol | 2.0-diesel |
| Price | Rs 13.50 – Rs 18.78 lakh | Rs 14.99 – Rs 19.56 lakh |
| Engine | 1,451cc petrol | 1,956cc diesel |
| Power/Torque | 143PS / 250Nm | 170PS / 350Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual/6-speed DCT/CVT | 6-speed manual |
MG Hector created ripples in the segment when it was launched, by offering a range of innovative segment-first features and a smart-looking road presence of a premium SUV. The Hector is the only SUV in its segment to offer a 48V mild-hybrid technology and two choices of automatic transmissions for its petrol engine.
Nissan Magnite
| Nissan Magnite | 1.0-litre petrol | 1.0-litre turbo-petrol |
| Price | Rs 5.71 – 8.01 lakh | Rs 7.62 – 10.05 lakh |
| Engine | 999cc petrol | 999cc petrol |
| Power/Torque | 72PS / 96Nm | 100PS / 160Nm (6-speed manual)
100PS / 152Nm (CVT) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual/CVT |
The Magnite has single-handedly turned the fortunes for Nissan, by offering an excellent value-for-money proposition in the sub-compact SUV space. The Japanese SUV is offered as a petrol-only SUV, which comes with a petrol engine in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions.
Also Read – Top 10 Budget-Friendly SUVs of 2020-21
