15.5 Lakh Hyundai Creta SUVs Sold In 10 Years: Why Is It Such A Hot Seller

Ten years ago, in July 2015, Hyundai launched a compact SUV that would rewrite the rules of the Indian car market. That SUV was the Creta. Fast forward to 2025, and the Creta has become one of the most recognisable names on Indian roads. With over 1.55 million units sold globally, the Creta has helped shape what Indian families want in a car.
In June 2025, the Creta became the highest-selling passenger vehicle in the country with 15,786 units sold. This was the third time this year it claimed that top spot, proving it is still going strong a decade after its debut.
When the first-generation Creta came out, SUVs made up only 14 percent of the market. Today, that number has grown to nearly 50 percent. The Creta arrived just when families began looking for vehicles that were good for both city drives and weekend trips.
The first Creta stood out with its proper SUV shape. It looked strong with its square design and 190mm ground clearance, yet it was easy to drive in cities. This made it popular with buyers who wanted a strong-looking car without the bulk of a full-size SUV.
Hyundai has always offered a wide range of engine options with the Creta, keeping in mind different types of drivers. From the original 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines to the current lineup, it has covered all needs.
Today’s Creta offers a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 115 PS, a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with 160 PS, and a 1.5-litre diesel with 116 PS and 250 Nm of torque. This means buyers can pick an engine that suits their driving style, whether it is city use, highway trips or fuel savings.
Hyundai also made sure there were many transmission options. From manual to CVT, torque converters to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, Creta buyers never had to compromise on driving comfort or performance.
Hyundai did not treat the Creta as just one model. Instead, it kept improving it every few years. The 2018 facelift brought in LED lights and better styling. The 2020 version introduced a bolder look, more space and BlueLink connected tech.
The 2024 facelift is the most advanced yet. It features connected LED headlights, a dual-screen setup with 10.25-inch displays and Level 2 ADAS for safety. Hyundai made sure the Creta stayed modern and appealing with each update.
The Creta has always offered features usually found in much more expensive cars. The panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, 360-degree camera and smart connectivity features have set it apart.
Hyundai also focused on the finer details. The cabin has ambient lighting, soft-touch materials and a user-friendly layout. It all adds up to a premium experience that does not break the bank. Today, more than half of all Hyundais sold come with a sunroof, thanks to the popularity of the Creta.
The Creta has become more than a car. It is a household name. Many people even refer to the compact SUV segment as the Creta segment, a sign of how deeply it has influenced buyers.
Hyundai’s COO Tarun Garg said it best. The Creta is now a cult brand. Owners often stick with Hyundai, upgrading to the Alcazar or Tucson later. That kind of brand loyalty is rare in the auto world.
Even though there is tough competition from the Kia Seltos, Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate and VW Taigun, the Creta continues to stay ahead. In FY2024, it sold over 1.62 lakh units, well ahead of rivals.
Its real strength lies in offering a complete package. Wide engine choices, latest features, solid after-sales support and regular updates make it hard for any one competitor to match everything it offers.
The Creta’s journey reflects a major change in India’s car market. SUVs now make up 68.5 percent of Hyundai’s sales, up from 63.2 percent last year. That share is expected to grow even more.
Yes, new rivals are on the way from Nissan, Renault and Maruti. But Hyundai has shown it understands what Indian buyers want and delivers it year after year.
As the Creta turns 10, it is not just marking a sales achievement. It has become a symbol of smart car design, evolving customer needs and a new way of driving in India. While many cars fade away with time, the Creta seems ready for another decade of dominance. A hybrid future for the Creta is in the works!