Top 15 SUVs- The Indian automotive industry has achieved a historic milestone in FY2025, with record-breaking exports of utility vehicles (UVs). A total of 362,160 made-in-India SUVs and MPVs were shipped to international markets, marking a 54% year-on-year (YoY) growth compared to FY2024. This surge was primarily driven by strong demand from Japan for models like the Maruti Fronx, Jimny (Nomade), and Honda Elevate (WR-V).
In this blog, we take a detailed look at the Top 15 SUVs exported from India in FY2025, analyzing their performance, key markets, and the factors driving their success.
FY2025: A Record-Breaking Year for UV Exports
India’s utility vehicle exports reached an all-time high in Top 15 SUVs FY2025, with 362,160 units shipped globally, up from 234,720 units in FY2024. This 54% YoY growth was fueled by:
- Increased demand from Japan (Maruti Fronx, Jimny, Honda Elevate)
- Expansion of Indian automakers in emerging markets (Africa, Latin America, Middle East)
- Strong production capabilities and competitive pricing
Key Highlights of Top 15 SUVs FY2025 UV Exports:
- Maruti Suzuki remained India’s top car exporter for the fourth consecutive year, shipping 330,081 passenger vehicles, including 157,000 UVs.
- Honda Cars India emerged as the No. 2 UV exporter, shipping 45,167 Elevate SUVs (rebadged as WR-V in Japan).
- Nissan Magnite secured the No. 3 spot with 29,155 units exported.
Top 15 SUVs Exported from India in FY2025
1. Maruti Fronx – 69,133 Units (364% YoY Growth)
- Key Markets: Japan, Latin America, Africa
- Engine: 1.5L petrol with mild hybrid tech
- Special Feature: AllGrid Select AWD (exclusive for Japan)
- Domestic Sales: 166,216 units (23% YoY growth)
The Fronx became India’s No. 1 exported SUV, surpassing Hyundai Verna. Its success in Japan was driven by smart marketing, including displays at Shinkansen (Bullet Train) stations.
2. Maruti Jimny (Nomade) – 47,982 Units (116% YoY Growth)
- Key Markets: Japan, Australia, South Africa, Mexico
- Engine: 1.5L petrol, 4WD
- Domestic Sales: 8,740 units (down 49% YoY)
Originally launched as a three-door model for exports, the five-door Jimny (Nomade in Japan) gained traction in Latin America and Africa.
3. Honda Elevate (WR-V) – 45,167 Units (340% YoY Growth)
- Key Markets: Japan (as WR-V), Southeast Asia
- Engine: 1.5L petrol
- Domestic Sales: 22,321 units (down 34% YoY)
Honda’s midsize Top 15 SUVs saw massive export demand, especially in Japan, where it is sold as the WR-V.
4. Nissan Magnite – 29,155 Units
- Key Markets: South Africa, Southeast Asia, Middle East
- Engine: 1.0L turbo petrol
- Domestic Sales: 42,000+ units
The affordable Top 15 SUVs compact SUV continues to be a strong export performer for Nissan.
5. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder – 27,623 Units (59% YoY Growth)
- Key Markets: Africa, Latin America
- Engine: 1.5L hybrid
- Domestic Sales: Strong alongside Innova Hycross
Toyota’s midsize SUV gained traction in emerging markets due to its hybrid efficiency.
6. Maruti Grand Vitara – 20,305 Units (Down 13% YoY)
- Key Markets: Africa, Latin America
- Engine: 1.5L strong hybrid
- Domestic Sales: Over 100,000 units
Despite a decline in exports, the Grand Vitara remains a key model for Maruti.
7. Maruti Ertiga – 18,426 Units (14% YoY Growth)
- Key Markets: Africa, Southeast Asia
- Engine: 1.5L petrol
- Domestic Sales: Over 75,000 units
The only MPV in the top 7, the Ertiga is a popular choice in budget-friendly markets.
8. Volkswagen Taigun – 14,903 Units (18% YoY Growth)
- Key Markets: Mexico, Middle East
- Engine: 1.0L & 1.5L TSI
- Domestic Sales: 45,000+ units
Volkswagen’s midsize SUV saw steady export growth, particularly in Latin America.
9. Kia Sonet – 13,762 Units (Down 55% YoY)
- Key Markets: Africa, Latin America
- Engine: 1.0L turbo, 1.5L diesel
- Domestic Sales: Over 120,000 units
Despite being Kia’s best-selling model in India, exports declined sharply.
10. Hyundai Alcazar – 9,129 Units (Down 16% YoY)
- Key Markets: Middle East, Africa
- Engine: 1.5L turbo diesel
- Domestic Sales: 25,000+ units
Hyundai’s three-row SUV saw reduced demand in export markets.
11. Hyundai Venue – 8,609 Units (Down 31% YoY)
- Key Markets: Africa, Latin America
- Engine: 1.0L turbo, 1.2L petrol
- Domestic Sales: Over 100,000 units
The Venue’s exports dropped, possibly due to newer rivals.
12. Kia Carens – 8,148 Units (Down 4% YoY)
- Key Markets: Africa, Middle East
- Engine: 1.5L petrol & diesel
- Domestic Sales: 50,000+ units
Kia’s family-friendly MPV maintained steady exports.
13. Mahindra XUV 3XO – 6,821 Units (New Entry)
- Key Markets: South Africa, Nepal
- Engine: 1.2L turbo petrol
- Domestic Sales: Strong since launch
Mahindra’s revamped compact SUV made a strong export debut.
14. Hyundai Exter – 6,114 Units
- Key Markets: Africa, Latin America
- Engine: 1.2L petrol
- Domestic Sales: Over 80,000 units
Hyundai’s micro-SUV gained traction in budget markets.
15. Mahindra XUV700 – 5,211 Units (28% YoY Growth)
- Key Markets: South Africa, Australia
- Engine: 2.0L petrol & diesel
- Domestic Sales: 50,000+ units
Mahindra’s flagship SUV saw steady export growth.
Key Takeaways from Top 15 SUVs Exports
- Japan’s Demand Boosted Exports – Models like Fronx, Jimny, and Elevate saw massive growth due to Japanese market demand.
- Maruti Dominates – With 4 models in the Top 10, Maruti remains India’s top exporter.
- Compact & Midsize SUVs Lead – 7 compact SUVs and 6 midsize SUVs dominated exports.
- MPVs Hold Steady – Ertiga and Carens remained popular in family-oriented markets.
FY2025 was a landmark year for Indian SUV exports, with Maruti Suzuki leading the charge. The Fronx, Jimny, and Elevate were the standout performers, driven by strong demand from Japan. With growing global interest in made-in-India SUVs, the future looks bright for Indian automakers.
Which Top 15 SUVs from this list do you think will dominate FY2026 exports? Let us know in the comments!