May 2025 painted a mixed but intriguing picture for the Indian Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment. While some models continued their reign, others faced headwinds, highlighting the dynamic nature of consumer preferences and market competition.
Maruti Ertiga: The Undisputed King Retains Its Crown
Once again, the Maruti Ertiga emerged as the undisputed leader of the MPV segment, showcasing its consistent appeal among Indian buyers. In May 2025, Maruti Suzuki sold a remarkable 16,140 units of the Ertiga. This not only signifies its continued dominance but also represents a healthy 16% year-on-year (YoY) growth compared to May 2024 (13,893 units). Month-on-month (MoM) sales also saw a slight uptick of 2% from April 2025 (15,780 units), indicating strong and sustained demand.
The Ertiga’s success can be attributed to its winning formula of affordability, spaciousness, fuel efficiency, and Maruti Suzuki’s widespread service network. It continues to be a preferred choice for both large families and fleet operators, solidifying its position as the MVP of the MPV segment.
Kia Carens: A Dip Amidst New Offerings
The Kia Carens, a strong contender in the premium MPV space, experienced a decline in sales in May 2025. Kia India dispatched 4,524 units of the Carens, marking a 15% decrease YoY compared to May 2024 (5,316 units) and a 14% MoM drop from April 2025 (5,259 units).
This decline, however, needs to be viewed in context. Kia India as a whole recorded a 14.43% YoY rise in domestic sales, driven by other models like the Sonet and the recently launched Syros. The introduction of the Carens Clavis, a new variant, in May 2025, might also have influenced sales as potential buyers awaited the new offering. Despite the dip, the Carens remains a significant player, known for its stylish design, feature-rich interior, and comfortable ride.
Maruti XL6: A Premium Niche with Fluctuations
The Maruti XL6, the more premium and 6-seater alternative to the Ertiga, showed a modest 8% YoY growth in May 2025, selling 3,507 units compared to 3,241 units in May 2024. However, it faced a 15% MoM decline from April 2025 (4,140 units).
The XL6 caters to a niche segment of buyers seeking a more sophisticated and comfortable MPV experience within the Maruti Suzuki portfolio. Its performance suggests that while it has a loyal customer base, it might be more susceptible to monthly fluctuations influenced by market dynamics or competitive offerings in the premium MPV space.
Maruti Invicto: Finding its Footing
The Maruti Invicto, Maruti Suzuki’s foray into the premium strong-hybrid MPV segment, is still in its early stages of market establishment. In May 2025, Maruti sold 223 units of the Invicto, which represents a 16% YoY increase compared to its nascent sales in May 2024 and an 11% MoM growth from April 2025 (201 units).
Being a rebadged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross, the Invicto aims to capture a share of the premium MPV market. While its sales numbers are significantly lower than the Ertiga or Carens, its gradual increase indicates that it is slowly gaining traction. Its strong hybrid powertrain and premium features are its key selling points, and it will be interesting to observe its growth trajectory in the coming months as more buyers consider electrified options in the MPV segment.
MVPs of May 2025:
* Maruti Ertiga: The undisputed Sales Champion due to its sheer volume and consistent growth, reinforcing its position as the go-to family and commercial MPV.
* Maruti Invicto: The “Growth Contender” for its significant percentage increase in sales, albeit on a smaller base, showing promising signs for a new entrant in the premium segment.
The MPV segment in India continues to evolve, with manufacturers offering a diverse range of options to cater to varying budgets and preferences. While the Maruti Ertiga remains a dominant force, the performance of models like the Kia Carens and Maruti Invicto will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of this vital segment.