In a historic shift in India’s auto industry, Mahindra & Mahindra has ended Hyundai’s 25-year-long reign as the country’s No. 2 carmaker. Hyundai, once unbeatable since 2000, has now slipped to third place as Mahindra surged ahead in 2025.

Sales Data Reveals the Shift

Between January and July 2025, Mahindra sold 351,065 units, gaining a solid lead of 21,283 units over Hyundai’s 329,782. This is a dramatic reversal from last year when Hyundai had sold 358,785 units while Mahindra trailed with 291,971 units. Mahindra grew by 20.2% this year, while Hyundai dropped 8.1%.

Why Mahindra is Rising

Mahindra’s success is no accident. Its ICE models like the XUV 3XO, Thar and Thar Roxx, Scorpio and Scorpio-N, along with its EVs (BE 6 and XEV 9e), are driving growth. A strong product pipeline and upcoming launches are expected to further boost sales.

Hyundai’s Struggles

Analysts point to Hyundai’s overreliance on the Creta and product fatigue across its lineup. While Creta sales rose 20% in FY25 (from 162,773 units to 194,871), all other Hyundai models combined including i10 Nios, i20, Aura, Exter, Venue, Verna, Alcazar, Tucson, and Ioniq 5 fell 10% (from 451,948 units to 403,795).

The EV and ICE Advantage

Mahindra’s balanced focus on both ICE and EVs is paying off. With consumer demand strong for rugged SUVs and anticipation for new EVs, Mahindra is positioned to not only hold but expand its lead.

Monthly Sales Prove the Trend

Mahindra has already beaten Hyundai in monthly sales for five months of 2025 February, April, May, June, and July. This shows that the shift is not temporary but a sustained trend.

Maruti Still Leads, Tata in Fourth

At the top of the table remains Maruti Suzuki, despite a 1.9% drop in sales (from 1,036,368 to 1,016,481 units). Hyundai is now at third, and Tata Motors follows at fourth.

The End of Hyundai’s Era

Hyundai entered India in 1998-99 with the Santro and by 2000 dethroned Tata Motors to become India’s No. 2 carmaker. It held that spot for 25 years. But 2025 marks a clear break Mahindra’s rise signals the end of Hyundai’s long dominance.

FAQs on Mahindra vs Hyundai 2025 Shift

Q1: How did Mahindra overtake Hyundai in 2025?

Mahindra sold 351,065 units (Jan - July 2025), compared to Hyundai’s 329,782. Its 20.2% growth contrasted with Hyundai’s 8.1% decline.

Q2: Which Mahindra models are driving growth?

Popular ICE SUVs like the XUV 3XO, Thar, Thar Roxx, Scorpio, and Scorpio-N, along with EVs like BE 6 and XEV 9e, fueled Mahindra’s success.

Q3: Why is Hyundai slipping after 25 years?

Hyundai relied too heavily on the Creta. While Creta sales rose 20%, all other models dropped 10%, leading to overall decline.

Q4: How many months has Mahindra outsold Hyundai in 2025?

Mahindra outsold Hyundai in February, April, May, June, and July, showing a consistent winning streak.

Q5: Who is the market leader in India now?

Maruti Suzuki remains No. 1 with over 1 million units sold in 2025. Mahindra is now No. 2, Hyundai No. 3, and Tata Motors at No. 4.

Q6: Is Hyundai expected to recover soon?

Hyundai plans to launch an all-new Venue in October 2025, but analysts believe it will not be enough to overtake Mahindra this year.

Q7: Why is Mahindra’s lead significant?

It ends Hyundai’s 25-year dominance as India’s No. 2 carmaker, proving that Mahindra’s mix of ICE and EV innovation is winning over Indian buyers.