4.5m to 5m SUV Sales Aug 2026 – Scorpio, XUV7XO, XEV 9S, Harrier, Fortuner, Safari, Hector, Majestor, Sorento

Sales in this broad SUV category reached 43,054 units, with Mahindra accounting for over 71% – Five new entrants have expanded buyer choice over the past year

Following our coverage of sub-4m SUV sales and 4.2–4.5m SUV sales, the next size bracket also shows strong growth. The SUVs tracked in this 4.5–5.0 metre category recorded 43,054 units in August 2026, up 65.50% from 26,014 units a year earlier. Sales increased 5.59% over July’s 40,774 units.

This is a broad grouping rather than a list of direct rivals. It includes mainstream family SUVs, dedicated electric models, premium monocoque SUVs and larger ladder-frame offerings. MG Majestor measures 5,046 mm, slightly exceeding the bracket, but is included because it directly competes with Toyota Fortuner and recently replaced Gloster in MG’s lineup.

4.5m to 5m SUV Sales Aug 2026 – Mahindra Takes Top Three Positions

Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N together led with 15,576 units, registering 58.29% YoY growth over 9,840 units. The Scorpio family contributed 36.18% of the category’s volumes, although sales declined 2.70% from July. Mahindra XUV7XO followed with 8,541 units, up 72.34% against the corresponding year-earlier figure in the comparison.

XEV 9S secured third position with 4,508 units, growing 9.13% over July. XEV 9e contributed another 2,001 units, down 13.49% YoY but up 11.60% MoM. Together, the two dedicated electric SUVs sold 6,509 units, with XEV 9S accounting for the larger share. Across these four entries, Mahindra recorded 30,626 units, capturing 71.13% of the tracked category. Its additional volumes accounted for approximately 79% of the net YoY increase.

Harrier, Safari And Hector Grow

Among the mainstream family SUV offerings, Tata Harrier and Harrier EV together registered 3,577 units, up 15.87% YoY and 8.36% MoM. Safari sold 1,953 units, growing 31.16% annually and 34.41% sequentially. Safari sales are expected to get a boost post the launch of its EV version in coming months.

MG Hector and Hector Plus reached 1,177 units, more than tripling their low August 2025 base of 379 units. Sales also improved 65.08% over July’s 713 units. Hyundai Alcazar moved in the opposite direction, declining 27.89% YoY to 856 units. Its monthly performance was largely unchanged, down 0.70%.

Toyota Fortuner recorded 3,504 units, up 39.71% YoY and 9.88% MoM. It remained well ahead of the newly introduced MG Majestor, which sold 602 units, down 3.53% from July. These two cater to buyers seeking larger ladder-frame SUVs, making their comparison more relevant than positioning either directly against every monocoque model in the list.

Sorento Enters, Premium Models Remain Low-Volume

Kia Sorento made its first appearance with 365 units. These were dealer dispatches ahead of its September launch; customer deliveries began this month. Offered with diesel and hybrid powertrains, Sorento adds another choice in the premium monocoque SUV space.

Skoda Kodiaq recorded 115 units, followed closely by Jeep Compass at 114 units. Both grew YoY, as did Jeep Meridian, which sold 88 units. Volkswagen Tayron contributed 42 units, Honda ZR-V recorded 33, and Volkswagen Tiguan finished with two units. Citroen C5 Aircross recorded no sales, compared with one unit in July.

Five New Entrants, More Additions Ahead

XEV 9S, Majestor, Sorento, Tayron and ZR-V are the five new entries without an August 2025 base. Together, they contributed 5,550 units, or 12.89% of August volumes, with XEV 9S providing the bulk. Majestor’s replacement of Gloster means its contribution should not be treated entirely as additional market demand. Nevertheless, the wider choice of body styles and powertrains shows manufacturers continuing to invest in this category.

The lineup will expand further when MG Hector Tomahawk EV and PHEV begin recording sales in the coming months. August’s figures show a growing market, but also a concentrated one: Mahindra dominates volumes, while many premium alternatives remain niche offerings.