India's passenger vehicle market entered the festive season on a strong note in September 2026, with the country's leading carmakers reporting significant year-on-year growth. Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Hyundai all recorded substantial volumes, although their performance differed considerably across segments.

Maruti Suzuki continued to maintain a sizeable lead, while Tata Motors and Mahindra remained closely matched in the SUV-heavy market. Hyundai also posted healthy growth, although its domestic volume remained below the three brands ahead of it.

Domestic passenger vehicle sales across the industry reached 4,63,081 units in September 2026, up 21.4% from 3,81,435 units in September 2025. The comparison was helped by a lower base last year, when buyers held back purchases ahead of the GST rate changes that took effect late in September 2025.

September 2026 Sales: Maruti vs Tata vs Mahindra vs Hyundai
 

Maruti Suzuki Remains Far Ahead

Maruti Suzuki had the strongest numerical performance among the four manufacturers. The company sold 1,81,838 passenger vehicles in the domestic market in September 2026, compared with 1,32,820 units in the same month last year.

That represents a 36.9% year-on-year increase, making Maruti's growth substantially higher than the rates recorded by Tata Motors, Mahindra and Hyundai.

The company's utility vehicle portfolio was an important contributor. Maruti recorded 78,911 utility vehicle sales, compared with 48,695 units a year earlier. Its mini, compact and mid-size passenger-car segment also grew to 91,887 units from 74,090 units.

Maruti's overall sales, including exports and sales to other OEMs, reached 2,36,013 units during the month.

The performance highlights the broad spread of Maruti's portfolio, with the company competing across hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, MPVs and CNG-powered vehicles.

Tata Motors Crosses 68,000 Domestic Units

Tata Motors recorded 68,810 domestic passenger vehicle sales in September 2026, up from 59,667 units in September 2025.

The company therefore registered a 15.3% YoY increase during the month. Tata's electric vehicle portfolio also remained an important part of its sales performance, with EV sales reaching 15,384 units, compared with 9,191 units a year earlier.

Tata's SUV range continues to form the backbone of its passenger vehicle portfolio, while models such as the Nexon, Punch, Curvv, Harrier and Safari give the company coverage across several price points.

The company's September performance also came ahead of the festive season, when demand for SUVs and new-energy vehicles is expected to remain an important factor in the market.

Mahindra Keeps SUV Momentum Going

Mahindra recorded 64,092 domestic SUV sales in September 2026, compared with 56,233 units in September 2025.

The company registered 14% year-on-year growth in its SUV business.

Mahindra's position is particularly significant because its passenger vehicle portfolio is heavily concentrated around SUVs. Models such as the Scorpio, Thar, XUV 3XO, XUV700 and newer electric SUVs continue to give the company a strong presence in India's growing SUV market.

Mahindra's overall automotive sales, including commercial vehicles and exports, stood at 1,14,874 units in September, representing 15% YoY growth.

The company also crossed 1 lakh billing of its Electric Origin SUVs since launch, adding another notable milestone to its September performance.

Hyundai Records Double-Digit Growth

Hyundai Motor India sold 57,166 vehicles in the domestic market in September 2026, compared with 51,547 units during the same month last year.

The company's domestic sales increased 10.9% YoY. Hyundai also exported 20,750 vehicles during the month, taking its total September sales to 77,916 units, its highest-ever monthly total according to the company.

Hyundai's SUV-heavy product portfolio continues to play a major role in its Indian business. The Creta, Venue, Alcazar and other SUVs sit alongside models such as the i20 and Verna, giving the company a broad product range.

Tata vs Mahindra: The Gap Remains Narrow

One of the most interesting parts of the September numbers is the relatively small gap between Tata Motors and Mahindra.

Tata reported 68,810 domestic passenger vehicle sales, while Mahindra recorded 64,092 SUV sales. That leaves a difference of 4,718 units.

However, the figures should not be interpreted as a direct apples-to-apples comparison because Mahindra's published 64,092 figure represents its domestic SUV sales, whereas Tata's 68,810 figure represents domestic passenger vehicle sales.

Nevertheless, the numbers underline how important SUVs have become to India's passenger vehicle market.

Maruti's Growth Comes From More Than SUVs

Maruti's September performance was different from that of manufacturers with more SUV-focused portfolios.

The company sold 91,887 units across its mini, compact and mid-size passenger-car categories, while its utility vehicle sales reached 78,911 units.

This balance between traditional small cars and SUVs remains a major feature of Maruti's business model.

The strong increase in smaller-car volumes is also notable because affordability has become an increasingly important factor in the Indian market.

Why September Sales Were So Strong

Several factors contributed to the strong September performance.

First, manufacturers increased supplies to dealerships ahead of the Navratri and Dussehra festive period. This typically results in higher wholesale dispatches as automakers and dealers prepare for increased showroom traffic.

Second, September 2026 benefited from a relatively weak year-ago comparison. September 2025 saw significant buying disruption around the GST changes, making the year-on-year increase appear particularly strong.

The combination of improved affordability, festive-season inventory preparation, new products and a favourable base therefore contributed to the industry's strong headline growth.

What the September Numbers Tell Us

The four manufacturers show four slightly different stories.

Maruti Suzuki remains the volume leader and recorded the strongest YoY growth among the four.

Tata Motors continued to grow while maintaining a significant EV presence.

Mahindra maintained strong SUV momentum, reinforcing the importance of utility vehicles in the Indian market.

Hyundai delivered double-digit domestic growth and recorded its highest-ever overall monthly sales including exports.

The next few months will be particularly important because October and the rest of the festive period will provide a better indication of whether September's strong numbers translate into sustained retail demand.

September 2026 Sales: The Bigger Picture

The September sales data shows that India's passenger vehicle market entered the festive season with considerable momentum. The industry recorded more than 4.63 lakh domestic passenger vehicle sales, while all four manufacturers in this comparison posted year-on-year growth.

Maruti's lead remains substantial, but Tata and Mahindra are operating close to each other in terms of reported domestic volumes, while Hyundai continues to maintain a strong position among India's leading carmakers.

With new launches, SUVs, EVs and festive-season demand all playing a role, October 2026 sales will be an important indicator of whether the industry's September growth can continue.