The list of the best-selling cars in January 2026
The following table lists the best-selling cars in India in January 2026.
1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno – Around 21,000 Units
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is ready to maintain its streak through the new year. It continued its strong run into 2026, emerging as the best-selling car in India this January with around 21,000 units sold. While this was slightly lower than its December 2025 tally, which is typical for January, the Baleno still managed to stay ahead of its closest rivals, underlining its consistent demand in the premium hatchback segment.
January sales for the Baleno were supported by its strong brand recall, wide availability, and steady urban demand, even as year-end discounts tapered off. Priced in the ₹6.7 lakh to ₹9.9 lakh (ex-showroom) range, it continues to attract buyers looking for a spacious, feature-rich hatchback with low ownership costs. Its ability to retain the top position despite the seasonal slowdown highlights how firmly established the Baleno has become in the Indian car market.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine
Battery (EV): Not Applicable
Transmission: 5-speed manual & 5-speed AMT
Mileage: 22.35 – 22.94 km/l
Range (EV): Not Applicable
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Hatchback
2. Tata Nexon (ICE + EV) – Around 18,800 units
The Tata Nexon started 2026 on a strong note, recording around 18,800 units sold in January (combined ICE and EV) and securing the second position on the monthly sales chart. While there was a moderate drop compared to its December 2025 numbers, the Nexon remained one of the most in-demand compact SUVs in the country. In short, it still has a consistent pull across buyer segments, reflecting its strong brand image and value.
One of the key reasons behind the Nexon’s sustained performance is its diverse powertrain options, which include petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric versions. This allows Tata Motors to cater to a wide range of customers, from budget-conscious buyers to those looking to transition to electric mobility. Priced roughly between ₹8 lakh and ₹15.5 lakh (ex-showroom) for the ICE variants, the Nexon continues to benefit from its strong safety reputation and Tata’s growing EV ecosystem, helping it stay firmly among the top sellers even during the post–year-end slowdown.
Tata Nexon Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine | 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine
Battery (EV): 30 kWh & 40.5 kWh
Transmission: 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, 6-speed AMT, and 7-speed DCT automatic
Mileage: 17.44 km/l (petrol), 23.23 km/l (diesel), 26.99 km/kg (CNG)
Range (EV): 325 km & 465 km
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel, CNG, and electric
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Compact SUV
3. Maruti Suzuki Fronx – Around 18,200 units
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx recorded around 18,200 units in January 2026, securing the third position on the sales chart. Although the slowdown in sales compared to the previous month was in line with the typical post–year-end delice, the Fronx continued to outperform several established rivals.
Priced in the ₹7.5 lakh to ₹13 lakh (ex-showroom) range, the Fronx’s SUV-inspired design and easy-to-drive nature continue to attract urban buyers, helping it remain one of Maruti Suzuki’s most consistent volume models.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol engine | 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine
Battery (EV): Not Applicable
Transmission: 5-speed MT, 5-speed AMT & 6-speed automatic
Mileage: 22.89 km/l (petrol) & 28.51 km/kg (CNG)
Range (EV): Not Applicable
Airbags: Up to 6 airbags
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Compact SUV
4. Maruti Suzuki Dzire – Around 17,900 units
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire continued to hold its ground in January 2026 with around 17,900 units sold, making it the best-selling compact sedan in the country for the month once again.
Priced in the ₹6.8 lakh to ₹9.7 lakh (ex-showroom) range, the Dzire continues to benefit from strong demand across both private and fleet segments. Its high fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and proven reliability help it retain steady demand even as SUVs dominate the broader market.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E petrol engine
Battery (EV): Not Applicable
Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox & 5-speed AMT
Mileage: 24.79 – 25.71 km/l (petrol), 33.73 km/kg (CNG)
Range (EV): Not Applicable
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Compact Sedan
5. Maruti Suzuki Swift – Around 17,500 units
The Maruti Suzuki Swift recorded around 17,500 units in January 2026, keeping it firmly within the top five best-selling cars for the month. The Swift’s drop, as compared to December numbers, was moderate, highlighting its steady demand even without year-end discounts.
Priced between ₹6.5 lakh and ₹9.6 lakh (ex-showroom), the Swift continues to appeal strongly to younger buyers and urban commuters due to its sporty design, easy drivability, and strong fuel efficiency. Its long-standing reputation and low ownership costs remain key reasons behind its consistent monthly performance.
Maruti Suzuki Swift Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E petrol engine
Battery (EV): Not Applicable
Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox & 5-speed AMT
Mileage: 24.8 – 25.75 km/l (petrol), 32.85 km/kg (CNG)
Range (EV): Not Applicable
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Hatchback
6. Maruti Suzuki Brezza – Around 16,800 units
The Maruti Suzuki Brezza sold around 16,800 units in January 2026, maintaining its position at #6 overall in the monthly sales chart once again.
With prices ranging between ₹8.5 lakh and ₹14 lakh (ex-showroom), the Brezza continues to attract buyers looking for a practical and dependable family SUV. Its comfortable ride quality, strong resale value, and Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network remain key factors behind its steady demand.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza Specifications:
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine | 1.5-litre S-CNG petrol engine
Battery (EV): Not Applicable
Transmission: 5-speed MT & 6-speed torque converter automatic
Mileage: 17.38 – 19.89 km/l (petrol) & 25.51 km/kg (CNG)
Range (EV): Not Applicable
Airbags: Up to 6 airbags
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Compact SUV
7. Tata Punch (ICE + EV) – Around 16,200 units
The Tata Punch recorded around 16,200 units in January 2026 (both ICE and EV), remaining one of the most popular offerings in the micro SUV space. Its compact size, SUV-like stance, and strong safety credentials continue to resonate with buyers, particularly in city-focused markets.
Priced roughly between ₹6 lakh and ₹10.5 lakh (ex-showroom) across petrol, CNG, and electric variants, the Punch caters to a wide set of buyers looking for an affordable yet capable SUV-style vehicle.
Tata Punch Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol engine
Battery (EV): 25 kWh and 35 kWh
Transmission: 5-speed manual and AMT
Mileage: Up to 20.09 km/l (petrol) and 26.99 km/kg (CNG)
Range (EV): 315 km and 421 km
Airbags: Dual airbags
Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG & Electric
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Compact SUV
8. Maruti Wagon R – Around 14,200 units
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R recorded around 14,200 units in January 2026, continuing to be one of India’s most dependable high-volume hatchbacks. Despite increasing competition from entry-level SUVs, the Wagon R’s focus on space, ease of driving, and low running costs keeps it relevant, especially among first-time buyers and families looking for a practical city car.
Priced roughly between ₹5.5 lakh and ₹7.5 lakh (ex-showroom), the Wagon R benefits from Maruti Suzuki’s wide service network and strong resale value.
Maruti Wagon R Specifications:
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol engine | 1.2-litre petrol engine
Battery (EV): Not Applicable
Transmission: 5-speed MT, 5-speed AMT
Mileage: 23.56 – 24.43 km/l (petrol) & 34.05 km/kg (CNG)
Range (EV): Not Applicable
Airbags: Up to 6 airbags
Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Hatchback
9. Hyundai Creta – 15,500+ units
Through January 2026, the Hyundai Creta recorded around 15,000 units, maintaining its position as the best-selling mid-size SUV in the country. The Creta continues to attract buyers with its premium interior, comfortable ride quality, and wide choice of engine and gearbox options.
Priced roughly between ₹11 lakh and ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom), the Creta remains a popular upgrade choice for customers moving up from hatchbacks and compact SUVs, helping it maintain steady demand at the start of the year.
Hyundai Creta Specifications:
Engine: 1.5 litre petrol engine | 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine | 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine
Battery (EV): Not Applicable
Transmission: 6-speed MT, CVT, 7-speed DCT, & 6-speed AT
Mileage: 17.4 – 18.4 km/l for petrol & 19.1 – 21.8 km/l for diesel
Range (EV): Not Applicable
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Mid-size SUV
10. Kia Sonet – Around 12,300 units
The Kia Sonet closed January 2026 with around 12,300 units sold, securing the tenth position on the monthly sales chart. In a highly competitive compact SUV segment, the Sonet continues to stand out for its feature-rich cabin and multiple powertrain options, which appeal strongly to young and urban buyers.
With prices ranging between ₹8 lakh and ₹15 lakh (ex-showroom), the Sonet remains a consistent performer despite intense competition from rivals in the same price bracket.
Kia Sonet Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol engine | 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine | 1.5-litre diesel engine
Battery (EV): Not Applicable
Transmission: MT, iMT, AT & DCT
Mileage: 18.4 – 24.1 km/l (depending on engine)
Range (EV): Not Applicable
Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
Seating Capacity: 5
Body Type: Compact SUV
Conclusion
January 2026 reaffirmed Maruti Suzuki’s strong hold on the Indian car market, with the brand once again placing six models among the top 10 best-selling cars for the month. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno reigned as the best-selling car of the month, which is not much of a surprise if one pays attention to the numbers. Tata Motors continued to be a strong contender with the Nexon and Punch variants in line. Hyundai and Kia also sustained their presence in the list through the Creta and Sonet, respectively.
The sales data for January highlights a continued tilt towards SUVs and SUV-inspired vehicles, which formed the majority of top-selling models, even during a typically slower month. With demand holding steady after the year-end period, buyers appear to be favouring established models with proven reliability and predictable ownership costs at the start of the new year.
Frequently Asked Questions
