If you’ve walked into a car showroom lately or even just spent some time on Indian roads, you know how obsessed we are with SUVs right now. For the longest time, one car seemed to have an untouchable throne in the mid-size segment: the Hyundai Creta. It was the “default” choice for families wanting tech, comfort, and style.

But as the 2025 year-end numbers came in for December, there was a major plot twist that has everyone in the industry talking.

The Mahindra Scorpio (which includes both the modern Scorpio-N and the forever-reliable Scorpio Classic) has officially moved into the top spot, outpacing the Creta. For anyone who follows the car market, this is a big deal. It signals a subtle but important shift in what Indian car buyers are looking for as we head into 2026.

Why is this happening? It seems like we are moving back toward that “macho” road presence. While the Creta is amazing for city drives and loaded with features, the Scorpio offers a different kind of emotion. It’s rugged, it has that “towering” view of the road, and it feels built for the unpredictable Indian terrains. Mahindra has managed to hit a sweet spot where they kept the legendary Scorpio toughness but added enough modern polish to make it a serious family car.

Of course, the Creta is still right there in the race, and it remains a massive favorite. But it’s not a two-horse race anymore. When you look at the top 10 mid-size SUVs for December, you see strong numbers from the Maruti Grand Vitara, the Kia Seltos, and the Toyota Hyryder. It shows that buyers now have incredible variety whether you want a hybrid that saves fuel, a tech-heavy cruiser, or a rear-wheel-drive beast.

What’s also interesting is that despite the rising costs of insurance and fuel, we aren’t shying away from bigger cars. The mid-size SUV segment is growing because it feels like the “right size” for Indian families.

So, if you’re planning to buy a car soon, these rankings tell an interesting story. If you want that refined, sophisticated vibe, you’re likely still looking at the Creta or Seltos. But if you’re among the thousands who pushed the Scorpio to #1, you’re probably looking for that unmistakable “Big Daddy” persona that commands respect on the highway.

The December sales report is more than just data; it’s a reflection of our personality on the road. And right now, it seems like we’re feeling a bit more adventurous.

Read More: Raw Power vs. Modern Tech : Why Indian Buyers Chose This Rugged SUV Over Everything Else