September 2026 brought a notable shift in India's best-selling car rankings, with the Maruti Suzuki Baleno jumping from ninth place in August to first. Its monthly sales rose by 9,646 units to 25,392, while several other models slipped down the list. But the combined sales of the top 10 cars increased by 8,295 units, from 1,83,037 in August to 1,91,332 in September.
However, it was interesting to see how close the competition was further down the list. The Tata Nexon finished just 123 units ahead of the Punch, while the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Creta were separated by 97 units. Moreover, the Fronx was the only model to retain its August ranking.
Here's a closer look at the top 10 best-selling cars in India in September 2026, including what distinguishes each model and the features buyers should know about.
Contents
The list of the best-selling cars in September 2026
The following table lists the best-selling cars in India in September 2026.
Sr. No
Car Name
Body Type
Units Sold (Sept 2026)
1
Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Premium Hatchback
25,392
2
Tata Nexon (ICE + EV)
Compact SUV
20,456
3
Tata Punch (ICE + EV)
Micro SUV
20,333
4
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Compact Crossover SUV
19,282
5
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
Hatchback
18,835
6
Maruti Suzuki Dzire
Compact Sedan
17,754
7
Hyundai Creta (ICE + EV)
Mid-size SUV
17,657
8
Maruti Suzuki Swift
Hatchback
17,399
9
Mahindra Scorpio (N + Classic)
SUV
17,313
10
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
MPV
16,911
1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno – 25,392 Units
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno went from ninth place in August to the top of the rankings in September, with sales rising from 15,746 to 25,392 units. It also sold almost twice as many units as it did in September 2025, when sales stood at 13,173. No other car in this month's top 10 recorded a higher year-on-year growth rate.
Starting at around ₹6.10 lakh (ex-showroom), the Baleno’s jump to the top spot is also proof that premium hatchbacks still have strong demand, especially in an increasingly SUV-leaning market. Moreover, for city-based buyers, a compact footprint, good fuel efficiency and everyday practicality generally matter more than extra ground clearance or a higher seating position. Plus, its 318-litre boot is an added bonus for daily commutes and weekend trips.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre Z12E petrol Transmission: 5-speed manual & 5-speed AGS (AMT) Mileage: 23.80 km/l (petrol manual), 24.77 km/l (petrol AGS), 33.61 km/kg (CNG manual) Airbags: 6 airbags as standard Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG Seating Capacity: 5 Body Type: Premium Hatchback
2. Tata Nexon (ICE + EV) – 20,456 Units
The Tata Nexon edged ahead of the Punch to take second place, but the gap was only 123 units. Its 20,456 sales in September were 2,025 units higher than in August, although still below its September 2025 total of 22,573. This puts it in an interesting position: it recovered month on month but has yet to match its sales from a year ago.
The Nexon's range of powertrains is a key distinction. Buyers can choose petrol, diesel or CNG versions, while the Nexon EV offers an electric alternative. That variety makes the model relevant to different driving needs, from regular long-distance travel to city use, where an EV may be more convenient.
Tata Nexon Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol | 1.5-litre diesel Battery (EV): Up to 45 kWh Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT & 7-speed DCA (depending on variant) 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
3. Tata Punch (ICE + EV) – 20,333 Units
The Tata Punch began August at the top of the rankings but slipped to third in September. Sales fell by 987 units to 20,333, although the model remained well ahead of its September 2025 figure of 15,891. Its 28% annual growth is proof that losing a few spots on the monthly chart does not necessarily indicate a broader loss of ground.
The Punch suits buyers who want an SUV-like stance in a relatively small vehicle. Its compact dimensions help with parking and navigating crowded city roads, while the higher seating position can be appealing to drivers upgrading from a hatchback. Petrol and CNG versions are joined by the Punch EV, which offers a way into electric motoring without having to choose a larger SUV.
Tata Punch Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol Battery (EV): Up to 40 kWh Transmission: 5-speed manual and AMT (petrol); single-speed automatic (EV) Mileage: 18.8-20.1 km/l (petrol), 26.99 km/kg (CNG) Range (EV): Up to 468 km Airbags: 6 airbags as standard Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG & Electric Seating Capacity: 5 Body Type: Micro SUV
4. Maruti Suzuki Fronx – 19,282 Units
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx was the only car in September's top 10 list to retain its August ranking, staying fourth with 19,282 units sold. Its sales rose by 552 units over the previous month and were up 40% year-on-year. It didn't need a dramatic jump to hold its position, unlike several other models that moved up or down the list.
The Fronx occupies an interesting middle ground in Maruti Suzuki's range. It shares its underpinnings with the Baleno but gets crossover styling and 190 mm of ground clearance for a more SUV-like look. Starting at around ₹6.85 lakh (ex-showroom), it also offers features such as a head-up display and a 360-degree camera on higher variants. Buyers looking for more performance have the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine to consider, while the CNG version caters to those focused on running costs.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol | 1.0-litre turbo petrol Transmission: 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT & 6-speed automatic (depending on engine) Mileage: 21.79 km/l (1.2-litre petrol manual), 22.89 km/l (1.2-litre petrol AMT), 21.5 km/l (turbo-petrol manual), 20.01 km/l (turbo-petrol automatic), 28.51 km/kg (CNG manual) Airbags: 6 airbags as standard Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG Seating Capacity: 5 Body Type: Compact Crossover SUV
5. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R – 18,835 Units
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R saw a decline in sales by 1,345 units. But its year-on-year performance was stronger, with sales up by 22% compared with September 2025. So while the car had a slower month than August, it remained ahead of its year-ago total.
The Wagon R has built its appeal around its tall-boy design and everyday usability. Its tall roof gives the cabin a roomy feel, while the upright seating position makes getting in and out relatively easy. Those qualities are useful for family errands, daily commutes and frequent trips around town. Starting at around ₹4.99 lakh (ex-showroom), it remains an accessible option for buyers who prioritise practicality over sporty styling.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Specifications:
Engine: 1.0-litre & 1.2-litre petrol Transmission: 5-speed manual & 5-speed AGS (AMT) Mileage: Up to 25.19 km/l (1.0-litre petrol AGS), 23.56 km/l (1.2-litre petrol manual), 24.43 km/l (1.2-litre petrol AGS), 33.47 km/kg (CNG manual) Airbags: 6 airbags as standard Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG Seating Capacity: 5 Body Type: Hatchback
6. Maruti Suzuki Dzire – 17,754 Units
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire was the only sedan in September's top 10 list, with 17,754 units sold. It finished sixth, just 97 units ahead of the Hyundai Creta. That is a particularly narrow gap given that the two cars have different body styles and serve different buyer needs.
The Dzire's separate boot is a practical advantage for people who regularly carry luggage, while its compact dimensions make it easier to manage in the city than a larger sedan. It uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine and comes with manual and AMT transmissions, along with a factory-fitted CNG option. That last choice can be relevant for fleet operators and drivers who cover long distances every day. Prices range from around ₹6.31 lakh to ₹9.41 lakh ex-showroom, depending on the variant.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre Z-Series petrol Transmission: 5-speed manual & 5-speed AGS (AMT) Mileage: 24.79 km/l (petrol manual), 25.71 km/l (petrol AGS), 33.73 km/kg (CNG manual) Airbags: 6 airbags as standard Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG Seating Capacity: 5 Body Type: Compact Sedan
7. Hyundai Creta (ICE + EV) – 17,657 Units
The Hyundai Creta closed the month with 17,657 units sold. While it moved only one spot higher than in August, a closer look at the numbers shows that it finished just 97 units behind the Dzire and only 258 units ahead of the Swift. That tight grouping meant a relatively small change in dispatches could have altered the order among these three models.
The Creta remained the highest-ranked mid-size SUV in September's top 10 list, reflecting its strong position in a competitive segment. Its spacious five-seat cabin and 433-litre boot suit family use, while the choice of petrol, diesel and electric versions gives buyers different options. Add to that features such as ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof on selected variants, and you end up with a more comfortable and convenient family SUV.
Hyundai Creta Specifications:
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol | 1.5-litre turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre diesel Battery (EV): Up to 51.4 kWh Transmission: 6-speed manual, IVT, 7-speed DCT and 6-speed automatic (ICE, depending on engine); single-speed automatic (EV) Mileage: 17.4 km/l (petrol), 21.8 km/l (diesel) Range (EV): Up to 510 km Airbags: 6 airbags as standard Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel & Electric Seating Capacity: 5 Body Type: Mid-size SUV
8. Maruti Suzuki Swift – 17,399 Units
The Maruti Suzuki Swift recorded 17,399 units in September, down by 2,433 from August. It slipped from third to eighth place, marking the sharpest month-on-month drop in the top 10 list. Yet it still sold 12% more units than in September 2025, so its annual performance was more positive than the monthly ranking suggests.
The Swift and Baleno make an interesting comparison within Maruti Suzuki's hatchback range. The Baleno is positioned as the more premium option, while the Swift has a sportier character and a compact footprint that suits newer drivers and people navigating busy city streets. Starting at around ₹5.84 lakh (ex-showroom price), its 1.2-litre petrol engine is available with manual and AMT transmissions, with CNG offered for buyers who want to keep fuel expenses down.
Maruti Suzuki Swift Specifications:
Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z-Series petrol Transmission: 5-speed manual & 5-speed AGS (AMT) Mileage: 24.8 km/l (petrol manual), 25.75 km/l (petrol AGS), 32.85 km/kg (CNG manual) Airbags: 6 airbags as standard Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG Seating Capacity: 5 Body Type: Hatchback
9. Mahindra Scorpio (N + Classic) – 17,313 Units
The Mahindra Scorpio moved from tenth to ninth place, adding 1,737 units to its August sales and reaching 17,313 in September. It finished just 86 units behind the Swift, despite the two models being very different in size, price and intended use.
The Scorpio-N offers turbo-petrol and diesel engines, a more modern cabin and an automatic transmission option. On the other hand, the Scorpio Classic retains a more traditional SUV design, with a diesel-manual powertrain. The former may suit buyers who want a larger SUV with more contemporary features, while the Classic appeals to those who prefer a more straightforward, rugged format.
Mahindra Scorpio Specifications:
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol | 2.2-litre diesel Transmission: 6-speed manual & 6-speed automatic Mileage: 17.3 to 11.7 km/l (Scorpio-N), 14.44 km/l (Scorpio Classic) Airbags: Up to 6 airbags Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel Seating Capacity: 6, 7, 9 (depending on model and variant) Body Type: SUV
10. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – 16,911 Units
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ended September in tenth place with 16,911 units sold. That's 1,605 fewer than in August, although its sales were up by 4,796 units compared with September 2025. Its 40% year-on-year growth was among the strongest in the list, even as it moved from fifth to tenth place month on month.
Compared with hatchbacks and SUVs, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga’s appeal lies in its seven-seater configuration. Its three-row cabin makes it a practical option for larger families, while the CNG variant suits commercial operators and households that use their vehicles frequently. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is offered with a manual or automatic transmission, while the CNG version uses a manual gearbox.
Best-selling cars in September 2026: A visual snapshot
Conclusion
September's results offered a reminder that a car's monthly ranking doesn't always tell the full story. The Baleno's jump to first place was the month's biggest shift, while the Ertiga and Swift recorded strong year-on-year growth despite falling down the rankings. At the same time, close sales figures between models such as the Nexon and Punch show just how competitive the top 10 remains.
There are also a couple of developments worth watching in the months ahead. The updated Baleno arrived in September, while the Dzire gained a CNG automatic option, giving buyers another transmission choice. Both add something new to established models, and October's sales figures will offer an early indication of how they perform in the market. It will be interesting to see whether the Baleno holds on to the lead it gained in September and whether the Dzire's expanded range gives it further momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few frequently asked questions and their answers about the best-selling cars in India in September 2026.
Which was the best-selling car in India in September 2026?
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno was the best-selling car in India in September 2026. It recorded sales of 25,392 units.
Which was the only sedan in the top 10 best-selling cars in September 2026?
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire was the only sedan in the top 10 best-selling cars in September 2026. It recorded sales of 17,754 units, securing sixth place in the rankings.
Which SUV recorded the highest sales in September 2026?
The Tata Nexon was the highest-selling SUV in September 2026, with 20,456 units sold, narrowly ahead of the Tata Punch, which recorded 20,333 units.
How many Maruti Suzuki cars featured in the September 2026 top 10 list?
Maruti Suzuki had six models in the September 2026 top 10 list: the Baleno, Fronx, Wagon R, Dzire, Swift and Ertiga.
How many MPVs made it to the top 10 sales list in September 2026?
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is the only MPV to feature in September's top 10 best-selling list. It sold 16,911 units and finished in tenth place.
Which is the cheapest car in the top 10 best-selling cars list in India?
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is among the most affordable models in the September 2026 top 10 best-selling list. Its starting ex-showroom price is listed at around ₹4.99 lakh.
Which is the most expensive car in the September 2026 top 10 best-selling cars in India?
The Mahindra Scorpio-N has the highest starting price among the models represented in the top 10 list, at approximately ₹13.69 lakh ex-showroom.
Which cars in the top 10 are suitable for fleet operators?
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Ertiga are popular choices for fleet operators. Key factors include a compact body, a fuel-efficient engine, and a seven-seat layout. Plus, both models offer factory-fitted CNG versions.
Did overall sales among the top 10 best-selling cars increase in September 2026?
Yes. Combined sales of the top 10 best-selling cars increased from 1,83,037 units in August to 1,91,332 units in September 2026, a rise of 8,295 units.
