Sub 4m SUV Sales August 2025: Segment Analysis and Key Performers
The sub-4m SUV segment continues to be one of the most fiercely contested battlegrounds in the Indian automotive market, and August 2025's sales figures reveal some fascinating trends. Based on the latest data from automotive manufacturers and industry reports, I've analyzed how each of these compact SUVs performed during the month and what it means for the segment's future.
The overall sub-4m SUV market has shown remarkable resilience even as the broader auto sector faces economic headwinds. From the established players like Tata Nexon and Maruti Brezza to newer entrants like Skoda Kylaq and Maruti Taisor, let's break down how each model performed in August 2025.
Tata Nexon: Maintaining Leadership Despite Challenges
The Tata Nexon continues to hold its crown in the sub-4m SUV segment, though its grip has slightly loosened compared to last year. With 14,782 units sold in August 2025, the Nexon showed a marginal decline of 2.01% compared to August 2024's 15,085 units. This minor setback comes despite Tata Motors introducing new variant updates earlier this year.
Industry reports suggest that increased competition and supply chain challenges affecting some of the electronic components have impacted Nexon's numbers. The competitive pricing strategy from rivals has also put pressure on Tata's segment leader. However, the Nexon still commands an impressive 22.6% market share, showcasing its strong brand value and consumer trust.
The sustained popularity of the Nexon likely stems from its combination of strong safety ratings, diverse powertrain options, and Tata's improved after-sales service reputation. The vehicle's 5-star Global NCAP rating continues to be a significant selling point in a market increasingly concerned with safety.
Maruti Brezza: Impressive Growth and Closing the Gap
The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is proving to be the star performer of August 2025, recording sales of 13,845 units – an impressive 22.26% year-on-year growth. This puts the Brezza firmly in second place with a 21.2% market share, narrowing the gap with the segment leader Nexon to just 937 units.
According to market analysis, Maruti's aggressive marketing campaign focusing on the Brezza's improved fuel efficiency and new tech features has resonated well with consumers. The introduction of the advanced hybrid powertrain option earlier in 2025 appears to be paying dividends, especially as fuel prices continue to fluctuate.
The Brezza's strong performance also highlights Maruti Suzuki's deep distribution network, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where the SUV segment continues to see growth. If this trend continues, we might see a change in leadership in the coming months – something that hasn't happened in this segment since late 2023.
Hyundai Venue: Holding Steady Despite Slight Decline
The Hyundai Venue recorded 9,778 units in August 2025, representing a 5.3% decline compared to the 10,325 units sold in August 2024. This performance keeps the Venue in third position with a 15% market share.
While the Venue has experienced a slight dip, industry observers note that Hyundai has been focusing on maintaining profitability over volume. The company has reportedly reduced discounts on the Venue compared to some competitors, which may explain the moderate sales decline.
The Venue continues to attract buyers looking for premium features in a compact package, with its DCT transmission option and connected car technology being key differentiators in the segment. The anticipated refresh model, expected in late 2025 according to automotive publications, might help Hyundai regain some momentum in this competitive space.
Kia Sonet: Strategizing Amid Declining Numbers
The Kia Sonet managed 8,543 units in August 2025, showing a 7.65% decline compared to the 9,251 units sold in August 2024. The Sonet now holds 13.1% of the market share, putting it in fourth position.
Market reports suggest that the Sonet's premium positioning has faced challenges as more competitors offer similar features at competitive price points. Kia's focus on pushing higher variants has also limited its appeal in more price-sensitive segments of the market.
However, the Sonet continues to perform well in metropolitan markets where its distinctive styling and feature-rich cabin resonate with urban buyers. The iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) option remains a unique selling proposition that competitors have yet to match effectively. According to dealer feedback, the recently introduced Knight Edition has generated some renewed interest in the model.
Mahindra XUV3XO: The Biggest Gainer
The Mahindra XUV3XO has emerged as the biggest gainer in percentage terms among established players, with August 2025 sales of 8,125 units, representing an impressive 36.97% growth over August 2024's 5,932 units. The model now commands a 12.4% market share.
The XUV3XO's success can largely be attributed to its well-received generational update launched in Q1 2025. The completely redesigned model has addressed many of the criticisms of the original XUV300, offering improved interior space, better technology integration, and Mahindra's increasingly respected ADRENOX connected car system.
Another factor in the XUV3XO's strong performance appears to be Mahindra's improved production capacity, with the company reportedly resolving supply chain issues that had previously limited deliveries. The strong safety reputation established by its predecessor has carried forward, with the new model securing a 5-star G-NCAP rating, making it attractive to safety-conscious buyers.
Skoda Kylaq: The Promising Newcomer
The Skoda Kylaq, which entered the market in January 2025, has recorded 5,243 units in August, securing an 8% market share. As a new entrant, year-on-year comparison isn't applicable, but the model has shown consistent month-on-month growth since its launch.
Based on the MQB-A0-IN platform shared with the Kushaq, the Kylaq has brought Skoda's European engineering and build quality to the sub-4m segment. Industry analysts note that the Kylaq has successfully attracted premium hatchback buyers looking to upgrade to an SUV without significantly increasing their budget.
The model's 1.0 TSI engine has received positive feedback for its performance and refinement, according to automotive publications and owner forums. While the Kylaq's pricing is at the higher end of the segment, Skoda's improved service network and reduced maintenance costs under the India 2.0 strategy appear to be addressing historical concerns about ownership expenses.
Maruti Taisor: Building Momentum
The Maruti Taisor recorded 4,978 units in August 2025, showing a substantial 59.5% growth compared to August 2024 when it had just entered the market. The model now holds a 7.6% market share.
The Taisor, Maruti's second offering in the sub-4m SUV segment alongside the Brezza, has found its niche by targeting a slightly different customer base. While the Brezza appeals to traditional SUV buyers, the Taisor, with its more crossover-like styling, has attracted customers migrating from premium hatchbacks.
Maruti's strong dealership network and reputation for reliability have helped the Taisor establish a foothold in the market. The recently introduced CNG variant has reportedly boosted sales, particularly in regions with good CNG infrastructure, offering an economical alternative amidst rising fuel prices.
Sub-4m SUV Segment: Overall Market Analysis
The sub-4m SUV segment as a whole has shown strong growth, with total sales increasing by 18.6% year-on-year, from 55,038 units in August 2024 to 65,294 units in August 2025. This growth outpaces the overall passenger vehicle market, which according to industry data has grown by approximately 12% in the same period.
Key Trends in the Sub-4m SUV Segment
- Electrification Making Inroads: The growing presence of strong hybrid options, particularly in the Maruti Brezza, signals the segment's gradual shift toward electrification. Industry reports indicate that approximately 15% of buyers are now opting for hybrid variants where available.
- Safety Becoming a Major Differentiator: Models with 5-star safety ratings continue to leverage this as a key selling point, with consumer awareness around safety features noticeably increasing.
- Feature Saturation: Most models now offer similar feature sets, pushing manufacturers to find new ways to differentiate their products through design language, driving dynamics, or brand perception.
- Powertrain Diversity: From turbo-petrol engines to CNG and strong hybrids, the segment now offers a wider range of powertrain options than ever before, catering to different usage patterns and preferences.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the sub-4m SUV segment is likely to remain highly competitive with several important developments on the horizon. According to industry sources, we can expect to see:
- The entry of more affordable electric variants in this segment by early 2026
- Hyundai's refreshed Venue likely to launch by the end of 2025
- More manufacturers adopting ADAS features in top-trim variants
- Continued emphasis on connected car technology as a differentiator
Conclusion: Battle for Supremacy Continues
The August 2025 sales figures illustrate the dynamic nature of the sub-4m SUV market in India. While Tata Nexon continues to lead, its margin has narrowed significantly as Maruti Brezza gains momentum. The impressive growth of Mahindra XUV3XO demonstrates how a well-executed product update can revitalize a model's fortunes.
For buyers, this intense competition means better products, more features, and improved value propositions across the board. With new powertrain options, enhanced safety features, and evolving technology, the sub-4m SUV segment continues to offer compelling choices for Indian consumers looking for versatile urban vehicles.
As economic conditions and consumer preferences continue to evolve, it will be fascinating to track how these models adapt and compete in what remains one of India's most important automotive segments.