The Indian auto market continues to see strong growth in the SUV segment, especially in the 4.5m to 4.8m SUV category. In February 2026, total sales in this segment reached 39,638 units, marking an impressive 26.5% year-on-year growth. This surge clearly reflects the rising demand for premium SUVs and the growing shift toward electric mobility.
Mahindra Scorpio Becomes Segment Leader
The Mahindra Scorpio / Scorpio N once again secured the top position in the segment with outstanding performance. It recorded total sales of 14,665 units, showing a steady +7.69% YoY growth. The consistent demand highlights the strong brand value and trust that Indian buyers have in the Mahindra Scorpio lineup, making it a dominant force in the mid-size SUV market.
Mahindra XUV 7XO Holds Strong Second Position
The Mahindra XUV 7XO grabbed the second spot with an impressive sales figure of 9,112 units and a strong +22% year-on-year growth. Its modern design, advanced features, and powerful performance have helped it quickly gain popularity among buyers looking for a feature-loaded SUV in this segment.
Electric SUV Surge: XEV 9S Makes a Big Impact
One of the biggest highlights of February 2026 SUV sales is the rise of electric SUVs, led by the Mahindra XEV 9S. It recorded 3,539 units in sales with a massive +478% month-on-month growth. This strong entry allowed it to surpass established models like Tata Harrier and Tata Safari, clearly indicating the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in India.
Tata Harrier and Toyota Fortuner Maintain Stability
The Tata Harrier (including EV) posted solid numbers with 3,096 units, showing an impressive +125% YoY growth, reflecting its growing appeal. Meanwhile, the Toyota Fortuner maintained its consistent presence with 3,076 units and +6.95% growth, proving its continued dominance in the premium SUV segment despite increasing competition.
Performance of Other SUVs in the Segment
Other SUVs also contributed to the overall segment performance. The Mahindra XEV 9e recorded 1,889 units, while the Tata Safari sold 1,650 units. The MG Hector and Hector Plus saw a strong comeback with 1,204 units and an impressive +133% YoY growth. The Hyundai Alcazar registered 907 units, maintaining its presence in the competitive 3-row SUV segment.
Major Changes in the SUV Segment
Several key developments have reshaped the SUV market in India. The MG Gloster has been discontinued, and the Hyundai Tucson is currently off the market with expectations of a refreshed version. At the same time, the rapid rise of electric SUVs is significantly changing market dynamics and influencing buyer preferences toward sustainable mobility options.
Market Trends and Insights
The February 2026 SUV sales data clearly shows that Mahindra SUVs continue to dominate the segment, while electric SUVs are rapidly gaining traction. The competition between ICE SUVs and EV SUVs is intensifying, leading to better innovation, more features, and competitive pricing for customers.
Conclusion
The February 2026 SUV sales report highlights a major shift in the Indian automobile industry. While traditional models like the Mahindra Scorpio and XUV 7XO continue to lead, the emergence of electric SUVs like XEV 9S is reshaping the future of mobility. In the coming months, the competition is expected to become even more intense, offering more choices and value to customers in the Indian SUV market