Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet Drop Out of Best-selling SUV List in May 2025
Nexon, Venue, Sonet out of Best-selling SUV List in May 2025
The compact SUV segment saw a major power shift in May 2025. For the first time in years, three former segment leaders; the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet, were edged out of the top five. These nameplates, once synonymous with sub-4-metre SUV dominance, were outmanoeuvred by Maruti Suzuki’s sharp, dual-pronged strategy.
Maruti’s Double Blow That Changed the Game
May clearly belonged to Maruti Suzuki. The Brezza soared to the top spot with 15,566 units, while the Fronx stormed into fourth position with 13,584 units. What makes this feat more compelling is how Maruti split the market with intent. The Brezza, marketed as a dependable, family-first SUV, pulled in practical buyers. The Fronx, with its sloping roofline and flashier image, catered to urban taste and younger sensibilities.
This wasn’t an accident. By placing the two models at different ends of the style-practicality spectrum—and ensuring they didn’t cannibalise each other; Maruti effectively boxed out competitors who had no answer at either end.
Nexon, Venue, Sonet: The Struggle Is Real
The Nexon’s fall from grace has been coming for a while. It posted 13,096 units in May, a year-on-year improvement of 14 percent. But this also marked a continued monthly decline, with numbers slipping steadily from over 16,000 in March.
The Venue’s numbers, meanwhile, tell a tougher story. Sales dropped to 7,520 units, down 19 percent from the same month last year. The Sonet managed 8,054 units; technically showing 8 percent growth, but it still landed in ninth place. Helping Kia hold ground was the newly launched Syros, which clocked over 3,600 units and pushed the brand’s total compact SUV tally past 11,000.
What’s notable is how both Hyundai and Kia, once compact SUV titans, are now seeing a real erosion in their grip on the segment. The Venue, for example, had a 15 percent market share in 2021. That number has shrunk dramatically.
What Went Wrong?
In the Nexon’s case, the answer isn’t simple. It still carries a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating and a fairly loaded feature list. But user experience issues have crept in. The touchscreen-heavy dashboard, ergonomic complaints, and a less-than-refined turbo petrol engine have dented appeal. Heavy discounts, up to ₹1 lakh on some variants, hint at inventory pressure rather than robust demand.
The Venue’s age is showing. First launched in 2019 and updated in 2022, it now feels outclassed. Its interiors look dated, and a limited variant spread leaves buyers with fewer choices. With dealers offering ₹50,000 off without much haggling, it’s clear Hyundai knows it needs a rethink.
The Sonet, on the other hand, feels newer and ticks most feature boxes. But its pricing, especially for higher trims, might be holding it back. Maruti’s success with mid-level variants that offer just enough, without overwhelming buyers with flashy extras, could be the real lesson here.
Rising Newcomers Shift the Narrative
The reshaping of the compact SUV scene isn’t just about established players falling behind. New entrants have created fresh fault lines. The Skoda Kylaq, which offers European flair at under ₹15 lakh, sold nearly 5,000 units in early innings. The Kia Syros, sitting somewhere between compact and mid-size, is drawing attention from value-focused buyers.
Even Mahindra’s XUV 3XO, which came in with updated styling and tech like Level-2 ADAS and a panoramic sunroof, couldn’t avoid a 20 percent year-on-year sales drop. In a market this competitive, even well-specced updates can fall short.
Buyers Are Changing Faster Than the Cars
If there’s a theme emerging, it’s that today’s compact SUV buyer wants more than badges or brand history. Kylaq and Syros have chipped at established players with well-differentiated offerings.
Maruti’s Brezza, benefits from its well-rounded package. Add to that the six airbags now offered as standard, and it’s clear the brand understands exactly what buyers want.
Meanwhile, Renault and Nissan’s pricing tactics with the Kiger and Magnite have shifted the baseline. With competent, no-frills SUVs selling under ₹10 lakh, buyers are questioning the value of ₹14–15 lakh top-end trims that offer only marginal upgrades.
Can the Fallen Rise Again?
Maruti’s May performance isn’t just a blip; it reflects a deeper understanding of what buyers want right now. Backed by dominance in other segments, the company had the confidence to strike in the compact SUV space with precision. The Brezza and Fronx now anchor a broader strategy to take share from every direction.
For Hyundai, Kia, and Tata, the road to recovery will take more than mild cosmetic upgrades. The Venue is overdue for a complete redesign. The Sonet may need to reconsider how it prices its feature-loaded trims. And the Nexon must address its usability flaws while continuing to highlight its safety credentials.
Time hasn’t run out yet, but the runway is shortening. With newer models arriving every quarter, buyers have more power than ever, and they’re using it to choose differently.