Top-Selling Used SUVs in India in 2026
- 1For the third year running, the Ford EcoSport remains the best-selling used SUV
- 2Diesel-equipped SUVs were comfortably the preferred pick in 2026
- 3Buyers chose manual variants over automatics despite the latter’s convenience
As a reflection of the SUVs in the new car market, the SUV segment in the second hand market has gained traction, and this was especially apparent in 2026. A quick look at the highest-selling used SUVs in 2026 throws up a few surprises, but once we dive deeper into those vehicles, their success and popularity as value-centric purchases makes a lot of sense. We’ll run through the best-selling used SUVs in 2026 as per data derived from Cars24's internal vehicle transactions till July 2026, and why they would continue to make for solid, reliable and practical purchases.
The Top Five Best-Selling Used SUVs in India in 2026
| Rank | SUV Model | Overall Market Share | Manual Share | Automatic Share | Available Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Creta | 9.7% | 75.1% | 24.9% | MT, AT (Torque Converter), IVT, DCT |
| 2 | Ford EcoSport | 8.7% | 84.5% | 15.5% | MT, AT (Torque Converter), DCT |
| 3 | Tata Nexon | 7.5% | 70.3% | 29.7% | MT, AMT, DCA |
| 4 | Maruti Vitara Brezza | 6.7% | 89.0% | 11.0% | MT, AMT, AT (Torque Converter) |
| 5 | Mahindra XUV500 | 6.4% | 87.9% | 12.1% | MT, AT (Torque Converter) |
Taking a broader look at the used SUV landscape, Mahindra dominates the space with a commanding 20% of the overall brand market share, followed by Hyundai (15.5%) and Tata (12.7%). Rounding out the top contenders are Maruti Suzuki (10.7%), Ford (9.2%), and Kia (7.2%). Across all these brands and models, the overall adoption rate for automatic transmissions sits at 25.4%. This highlights that while manual gearboxes still account for roughly three-quarters of used SUV sales, there is a steady and significant appetite for the convenience of an automatic in the second-hand market.
1. Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta has been a consistent best-seller in India’s SUV market, and its popularity extends to the used car segment. In 2026, used Hyundai Creta models, comprised 9.7% of all SUV sales in the pre-owned market.
The Creta’s premium appeal, spacious interiors, and feature-rich offerings make it a favourite among families. Its versatility and strong brand reputation further solidify its position. Hyundai Creta models in black are among the most sought-after options in the segment, which is why the Creta often appears in discussions around the best black cars in India.
Standout Features
The Creta stands out with features like a panoramic sunroof (available on higher trims), wireless charging, ventilated seats, and a large touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Engine and Transmission Options
Available with petrol, diesel, and turbo-petrol engines, the Creta offered flexibility for various buyers. Transmission choices included a 6-speed manual, IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission), and a DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission). Here, there was a clear trend when it came to used Creta purchases in 2026.
According to our data, 75.1% of used Cretas purchased in 2026 were equipped with a manual transmission.
Fuel Efficiency
The diesel variant of the Creta delivers an impressive mileage of 19-21 kmpl, while petrol variants offer 16-18 kmpl, making it economical for long drives and city commutes.
Reliability
Hyundai’s renowned after-sales support and the Creta’s solid engineering ensure a dependable ownership experience. If you buy a used Creta, you can expect to pay about ₹21,000 for five years in maintenance costs (or roughly ₹4,000 annually), making it quite easy on the pocket.
Dealer Network
Hyundai’s widespread dealership and service network make the Creta easy to maintain, further adding to its popularity among used car buyers.
2. Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport holds a special place in the Indian market as one of the pioneers of the compact SUV segment. It’s a testament to the EcoSports’s enduring legacy that, even after being discontinued in India, it remains one of the top-selling SUV in the used market years later.
In fact, our data shows us that 8.7% of all used SUVs sold in 2026 were EcoSports. Its great design, compact dimensions, and feature-packed interiors make it an easy car to consider, especially used. Its above-average handling and ground clearance further add to its appeal, particularly for urban buyers.
Standout Features
The EcoSport has plenty of useful features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a rear parking camera. Higher trims come with leather upholstery and advanced safety features, which enhance its value proposition.
Engine and Transmission Options
The EcoSport was offered with a range of engines, including the reliable 1.5-litre petrol, 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel. Transmission choices included a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Our data shows, however, that there was a clear trend emerging when it came to used Ford EcoSports. In 2026, 84.5% of used EcoSport sales accounted for the manual transmission.
Fuel Efficiency
The EcoSport’s diesel variant is especially popular for its excellent fuel economy, delivering approximately 22 kmpl, while the petrol engines offer a reasonable 16-18 kmpl.
Reliability
Known for its sturdy build quality and durability, the EcoSport is a low-maintenance vehicle. On average, maintenance costs for the EcoSport run up to about ₹18,000 for five years, which is roughly ₹3,600 annually. Spare parts are still readily available through third-party suppliers and Ford’s service network.
Dealer Network
Although Ford no longer sells new cars in India, its extensive service network continues to support EcoSport and other Ford car owners, ensuring hassle-free maintenance and repairs.
3. Tata Nexon
Tata Motors debuted the Nexon back in 2017, and since then it’s been one of the standout performers in the SUV segment. What makes the Nexon such an appealing package is the fact that it manages to combine good looks, features, practicality, and ruggedness in one package.
What also helps is that Tata Motors has gradually come to be known as a force to be reckoned with in the market, and with it has come better reach in terms of dealerships across the country, and the critical after sales experience for their vehicles. This has helped the Nexon transform into a top performer not just in the first hand market, but also in the used category. In fact, the Nexon accounted for 7.5% of all used SUV sales in 2026.
Standout Features
The Nexon comes equipped with features like a digital instrument cluster, a large infotainment system, 360-degree cameras (in the facelifted Nexon), and a lot more. Moreover, it has 208 mm of ground clearance, making it among the highest ground clearance cars, further helping its appeal in rural markets.
Engine and Transmission Options
Available with both petrol and diesel engines, the Nexon offered multiple configurations, including a manual and automatic option. However, our internal data points to the fact that a majority of used Tata Nexon buyers in 2026 preferred the manual transmission (70.3%).
Fuel Efficiency
The petrol variant provides a mileage of about 17 kmpl, while the diesel variant offers up to about 23 kmpl.
Reliability
Tata’s recent focus on quality and the Nexon’s solid engineering ensure a reliable ownership experience. On average, the Nexon’s maintenance will run you back about ₹31,000 for five years, or ₹6,200 per year.
Dealer Network
Tata’s dealer network is one of the strongest across all manufacturers in India. The carmaker has in excess of 3,000 dealerships across the country, which means there are an ample number of service centres to ensure peace of mind during car ownership.
4. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is a compact SUV that has consistently been a top choice among Indian buyers. Its great design, practicality, and excellent resale value make the Vitara Brezza a favourite in the used car market. This is backed up by the fact that 6.7% of all used SUVs sold in 2026 were Brezzas, as per our internal data.
Standout Features
The Brezza offers features like a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, LED projector headlamps, and a multi-function steering wheel. Safety features include dual airbags and ABS with EBD.
Engine and Transmission Options
The Vitara Brezza comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. However, in its first-generation guise, the Vitara Brezza was offered with a 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced diesel engine, too.
As Cars24’s data indicates, amongst used Vitara Brezza buyers in 2026, 89% preferred a manual transmission.
Fuel Efficiency
The petrol engine delivers a fuel efficiency of up to 19 kmpl, while the diesel was reported to return about 24 kmpl, making it a cost-effective choice for urban and highway use.
Reliability
As a Maruti Suzuki product, the Vitara Brezza is known for its reliability and durability. It is easy to maintain, with maintenance costs running up to about ₹24,000 for five years or roughly ₹4,800 annually, and enjoys strong after-sales support.
Dealer Network
Maruti Suzuki’s extensive dealer and service network ensures that Vitara Brezza owners have access to affordable maintenance and repair services across the country.
5. Mahindra XUV500
The Mahindra XUV500 revolutionised the premium 7-seater SUV segment in India and continues to be a strong contender in the pre-owned market. Second hand Mahindra XUV500 models accounted for 6.4% of all used SUV sales in 2026. The XUV500’s aggressive cheetah-inspired styling, spacious cabin, and punchy diesel engine make it a favourite among large families and highway cruisers alike.
Despite being discontinued and replaced by the XUV700 in India in 2021, the XUV500 continues to be a sought-after pick in the used market in 2026, proving how far a well-engineered product can go.
Standout Features
The XUV500 is equipped with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, an electric sunroof, cruise control, and automatic climate control. Higher variants offer AWD (All-Wheel Drive) and premium leather upholstery, enhancing both its off-road capability and in-cabin luxury.
Engine and Transmission Options
Powered primarily by the robust 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine (with a 2.2-litre petrol option briefly available), the XUV500 offered multiple configurations, including a 6-speed torque converter automatic and a 6-speed manual. Based on the overall buying trends, only 12.1% of used XUV500 buyers opted for the automatic transmission, while a massive 87.9% preferred the manual-equipped models.
Fuel Efficiency
The highly popular diesel variant provides a respectable ARAI-rated mileage of 15.1 to 16 kmpl, making it fairly economical for long-distance highway trips despite its heavy build.
Reliability
Mahindra’s focus on rugged utility and the XUV500’s tough monocoque construction ensure a reliable ownership experience. On average, the XUV500 might cost more to maintain than a compact SUV but is still manageable for a large premium SUV.
Dealer Network
Mahindra’s dealer network is widespread and deeply rooted across the country. It is more than sufficient to meet the needs of all XUV500 owners, offering excellent service coverage not only in urban metros but also across tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Conclusion
The used SUV market in India continues to thrive, offering a wide range of options for buyers. Models like the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Creta, Tata Nexon, Vitara Brezza, and XUV500 remain top choices due to their reliability, features, and value for money. With proper research and a keen eye for quality, you can find the perfect used SUV to suit your needs while saving significantly compared to buying new.
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