The new Renault Duster sold only 1,267 units in May 2026, marking a significant decline for the compact SUV. According to reports from ABP NEWS, this performance is particularly concerning for a new launch, suggesting potential market challenges. The low sales figure may be attributed to the absence of an automatic 1.0 turbo petrol option, which is commonly available in the SUV segment and typically drives consumer preference. As reported by ABP NEWS, the new Sierra has maintained a steady 6,606 units while the Victoris and Seltos maintain their strong positions.
While the new Duster struggled, Mahindra Victoris maintained steady sales of 10,853 units, benefiting from strong CNG demand and fuel-efficient hybrid versions. As reported by ABP NEWS, the Mahindra Seltos recorded 10,597 units, positioning it just behind the Victoris in the compact SUV segment. The Mahindra Sierra also performed well with 6,606 units sold during the month, maintaining its steady performance despite the new Duster's challenges.
In the larger SUV category, Tata Creta and Mahindra Scorpio continued to dominate with sales exceeding 15,000 units each. According to ABP NEWS reports, the Mahindra 7XO also performed well with 9,338 units sold, while the Maruti Grand Vitara recorded 9,366 units. These figures highlight the strong performance of established models in the premium SUV segment, with the Mahindra 7XO and Maruti Grand Vitara also showing solid numbers in the competitive market.
The sales data reveals that hype alone does not guarantee sales success in the competitive SUV market, with performance dependent on variant availability and fuel efficiency options. As reported by ABP NEWS, rising fuel prices have affected buyer interest, making fuel-efficient engines crucial for consumer preference. The absence of a hybrid variant in the new Duster may be impacting sales, while the Sierra EV is expected to boost total Sierra brand sales in India. The sales of compact SUVs show that CNG versions and diesel options also help in addition to fuel efficiency, demonstrating the complex factors influencing SUV market performance.
