The list of the best-selling cars in August 2026
The following table lists the best-selling cars in India in August 2026.
Sr. No | Car Name | Body Type | Units Sold (Aug 2026) |
1 | Tata Punch (ICE + EV) | Micro SUV | 21,320 |
2 | Maruti Suzuki Wagon R | Hatchback | 20,180 |
3 | Maruti Suzuki Swift | Hatchback | 19,832 |
4 | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | Compact Crossover SUV | 18,730 |
5 | Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | MPV | 18,516 |
6 | Tata Nexon (ICE + EV) | Compact SUV | 18,431 |
7 | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Compact Sedan | 18,418 |
8 | Hyundai Creta | Mid-size SUV | 16,288 |
9 | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Premium Hatchback | 15,746 |
10 | Mahindra Scorpio (N + Classic) | SUV | 15,576 |
1. Tata Punch (ICE + EV) – 21,320 Units
The Tata Punch emerged as India's best-selling car in August 2026 with 21,320 units sold, climbing from fifth place in July to take the top spot. The model has been on a strong run in recent months, recording 21,006 units in June and 21,313 units in July before leading the charts in August. It also recorded an impressive 99% year-on-year growth, nearly doubling from the 10,704 units sold in August 2025.
Few cars in the market cover as much ground as the Punch. Available with petrol, CNG, and electric powertrains and priced from around ₹5.75 lakh to ₹10.77 lakh (ex-showroom), it appeals to everyone from first-time car buyers to those considering an entry-level EV.
Tata Punch Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol | Electric motor
Battery (EV): Up to 35 kWh
Transmission: 5-speed manual & 5-speed AMT
Mileage: 18.8-20.1 km/l (petrol), 26.99 km/kg (CNG)
Range (EV): Up to 421 km
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG & Electric
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Micro SUV
2. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R – 20,180 Units
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R finished second with 20,180 units sold, trailing the Punch by just 1,140 units. Despite being one of the oldest products in Maruti Suzuki's portfolio, it continues to deliver volumes that many newer models struggle to match.
Its appeal remains fairly straightforward. The tall-boy design makes getting in and out easier than many low-slung hatchbacks, while petrol and CNG options help keep running costs in check. For city commuters, small families, and fleet operators, the Wagon R continues to tick many of the practical boxes that matter most.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Specifications:
Engine: 1.0-litre & 1.2-litre petrol
Transmission: 5-speed manual & AMT
Mileage: 24.35 km/l (petrol), 34.05 km/kg (CNG)
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Hatchback
3. Maruti Suzuki Swift – 19,832 Units
The Maruti Suzuki Swift secured third place with 19,832 units sold, posting a healthy 60% year-on-year increase. At a time when SUVs dominate much of the conversation, the hatchback's ability to consistently feature near the top of the sales charts remains noteworthy.
Starting at under ₹6 lakh (ex-showroom), the Swift often becomes a natural upgrade for buyers moving on from entry-level hatchbacks. Its 1.2-litre petrol engine and fuel efficiency of up to 24.8 km/l help keep running costs in check, while the CNG version offers an even higher claimed figure of 32.85 km/kg.
Maruti Suzuki Swift Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol
Transmission: 5-speed manual & 5-speed AMT
Mileage: 24.8 km/l (petrol), 32.85 km/kg (CNG)
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Hatchback
4. Maruti Suzuki Fronx – 18,730 Units
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx claimed fourth place with 18,730 units sold, but the gap to the Ertiga in fifth was only 214 units. A relatively small shift in monthly sales could easily have changed the order of several models below the top three.
Part of Fronx's success lies in its market position. With 190 mm of ground clearance and prices ranging from roughly ₹6.85 lakh to ₹12 lakh (ex-showroom), it offers buyers some of the advantages associated with an SUV without requiring them to switch to a larger or significantly more expensive vehicle. It occupies a space that sits neatly between premium hatchbacks and compact SUVs, which helps explain its consistent demand.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol | 1.0-litre turbo petrol
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT & 6-speed automatic
Mileage: 21.79 km/l (petrol), 28.51 km/kg (CNG)
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Compact Crossover SUV
5. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – 18,516 Units
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga recorded 18,516 units in August 2026, making it the only MPV in the top 10. It also finished just 214 units behind the Fronx, highlighting how competitive the middle of the rankings was.
Its continued presence near the top of the sales charts suggests there is still strong demand for practical seven-seaters. With seating for seven occupants and the option of a factory-fitted CNG variant, the Ertiga remains a popular choice among larger families, ride-sharing operators, and buyers who regularly travel with more passengers than a typical hatchback or compact SUV can comfortably accommodate.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Specifications:
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol
Transmission: 5-speed MT & 6-speed automatic
Mileage: 20.51 km/l (petrol), 26.11 km/kg (CNG)
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Seating Capacity: 7
Body Type: MUV
6. Tata Nexon (ICE + EV) – 18,431 Units
The Tata Nexon finished sixth with 18,431 units sold. Yet only 13 units separated it from the seventh-placed Dzire, making it one of the closest contests anywhere in the top 10.
Few mainstream vehicles in India offer as many choices as the Nexon. Buyers can choose from petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric versions, with prices varying widely by variant. The Nexon EV's claimed range of up to 489 km further broadens its appeal among buyers considering an electric SUV and allows Tata Motors to compete for those who might otherwise opt for a conventional petrol or diesel SUV. That variety of choice continues to be one of the model's biggest strengths.
Tata Nexon Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol | 1.5-litre diesel | Electric motor
Battery (EV): Up to 45 kWh
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT & 7-speed DCA
Mileage: 17.44 km/l (petrol), 24.1 km/l (diesel), 24 km/kg (CNG)
Range (EV): Up to 489 km
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel, CNG & Electric
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Compact SUV
7. Maruti Suzuki Dzire – 18,418 Units
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire experienced one of the biggest ranking shifts of the month, dropping from first place in July to seventh in August. However, the fall looks far more dramatic than the numbers suggest. The sedan finished only 13 units behind the Nexon and just 98 units behind the fifth-placed Ertiga.
Despite the industry's growing preference for SUVs, the Dzire continues to hold its own. A 382-litre boot, strong fuel efficiency, and prices starting at around ₹6.3 lakh (ex-showroom) help it remain relevant for both private buyers and fleet operators. August's rankings may have changed, but demand for the Dzire clearly remains intact.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol
Transmission: 5-speed manual & 5-speed AMT
Mileage: 24.79 km/l (petrol), 33.73 km/kg (CNG)
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Compact Sedan
8. Hyundai Creta – 16,288 Units
The Hyundai Creta secured eighth place with 16,288 units sold. While its year-on-year growth was modest at 2%, it remained the highest-ranked mid-size SUV in the list and comfortably held its place in the top 10.
Unlike most models in this list, the Creta isn't competing for entry-level buyers. With prices ranging from roughly ₹11 lakh to over ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom), it sits firmly in the mid-size SUV segment. Yet more than 16,000 buyers still chose one in August, highlighting the continued demand for larger, feature-packed family SUVs even as prices across the segment have steadily increased.
Hyundai Creta Specifications:
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol | 1.5-litre turbo petrol | 1.5-litre diesel
Transmission: 6-speed manual, CVT, 7-speed DCT & 6-speed automatic
Mileage: 17.4 km/l (petrol), 21.8 km/l (diesel)
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Mid-size SUV
9. Maruti Suzuki Baleno – 15,746 Units
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno finished ninth with 15,746 units sold, ahead of several newer SUVs and crossovers. It also recorded a healthy 25% year-on-year increase, showing there is still considerable demand for premium hatchbacks.
The Baleno's place in the top 10 shows there is still room for premium hatchbacks in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs. For many city-based buyers, the combination of strong fuel efficiency, a relatively compact footprint, and lower ownership costs remains more important than extra ground clearance or a higher seating position.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol
Transmission: 5-speed manual & 5-speed AMT
Mileage: 22.35 km/l (petrol), 30.61 km/kg (CNG)
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Premium Hatchback
10. Mahindra Scorpio (N + Classic) – 15,576 Units
The Mahindra Scorpio rounded off the top 10 with 15,576 units sold and an impressive 58% year-on-year growth. It was also one of only two body-on-frame SUVs in this list and among the most expensive models featured here.
Prices for the Scorpio range from roughly ₹13.7 lakh to over ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom), yet demand remains strong. The availability of both the Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N allows Mahindra to cater to different types of buyers, from those looking for a rugged SUV for rougher roads to families seeking a larger vehicle for long-distance travel.
Mahindra Scorpio Specifications:
Engine: 2-litre turbo petrol | 2.2-litre diesel
Transmission: 6-speed manual & 6-speed automatic
Mileage: 12.2-15 km/l
Airbags: Up to 6 airbags
Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
Seating Capacity: 6, 7
Body Type: SUV
Best-selling cars in August 2026: A visual snapshot

Conclusion
August 2026 showed that sustained demand remains a key factor in the Indian car market. The Tata Punch, which has consistently ranked among the country's top-selling cars in recent months, reclaimed the number-one position in August. On the other hand, Maruti Suzuki continued its strong reign with six models featuring in the top 10 rankings.
Although the Maruti Suzuki Dzire dropped drastically to the seventh position, a closer look at the numbers showed that just 98 units separated the fifth-placed Ertiga from the seventh-placed Dzire, while the Nexon finished only 13 units ahead of the sedan. This shows that a relatively small change in monthly sales was enough to reshuffle multiple positions. With manufacturers already building inventory ahead of the festive season, the coming months could likely shake up the rankings once again.
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