India’s Slowest-Selling Mass-Market Cars of 2025: 14 Models That Struggled for Buyers

Sales charts usually spotlight runaway successes, but the real market story often hides at the other end of the table. While India’s top 10 bestselling cars of 2025 averaged nearly 1.9 lakh units each, several models from mainstream manufacturers struggled to find even a fraction of those numbers.

Using SIAM’s 2025 sales data, here’s a detailed look at the lowest-selling cars from 14 mass-market brands. The list includes petrol, diesel and electric models that remained on sale during the year. Limited-allocation, sold-out products such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Skoda Octavia RS have not been considered.

1. Citroen – C5 Aircross (5 units)

Citroen’s C5 Aircross turned out to be the slowest-selling mass-market model of 2025, with just five units sold.

Priced at Rs 37.32 lakh (ex-showroom), it competes with far more established nameplates, including the Jeep Compass, which starts at under Rs 18 lakh. The absence of features such as ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera further weakens its case in a price-sensitive market.

Brand familiarity is another hurdle. Citroen is still building recognition in India, and buyers at this price point tend to prefer established badges. Still, the C5 Aircross offers standout ride comfort, a punchy diesel engine and distinctive styling.

2. Kia – EV9 (20 units)

Kia’s flagship electric SUV managed only 20 units in 2025.

Imported as a full CBU and priced at Rs 1.3 crore, the EV9 sits close to luxury EV offerings like the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 450. Buyers spending over a crore often lean toward globally established luxury brands, which likely impacted awareness and demand.

Despite the numbers, the EV9 impresses with its bold design, spacious six-seat layout, advanced technology and strong performance for a three-row electric SUV.

3. Jeep – Grand Cherokee (92 units)

Jeep sold just 92 units of the Grand Cherokee in 2025.

At Rs 63 lakh, it is positioned near the Wrangler but focuses more on comfort and features. However, it only offers five seats and lacks a diesel engine—both significant drawbacks in a segment where diesel-powered, large SUVs are popular. Jeep’s relatively limited dealership and service network may also influence buying decisions.

4. Hyundai – Ioniq 5 (234 units)

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 recorded 234 units in 2025.

After a promising start and even earning major accolades earlier, sales slowed as competition intensified in the premium EV space. Rivals from BMW, Volvo and Tesla have increased buyer options, and some customers perceive the Ioniq 5 as more crossover than full-size SUV.

Even so, it remains one of the most well-rounded EVs available in India.

5. Volkswagen – Tiguan (339 units)

Volkswagen introduced the new Tiguan in April 2025 exclusively in R-Line trim at Rs 49 lakh.

Powered by a 204hp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, the SUV struggled to excite buyers due to modest low-end punch and a relatively subdued driving character. It also misses out on features such as ventilated and powered front seats, rear sunblinds and a 360-degree camera. Discounts were introduced just months after launch, reflecting the lukewarm demand.

6. MG – Gloster (422 units)

MG Motor’s flagship ICE SUV sold 422 units.

The Gloster offers three-row seating, 4WD capability and even a twin-turbo diesel engine. However, it faces the towering popularity of the Toyota Fortuner, which continues to dominate this segment. Interestingly, MG’s Cyberster EV roadster outsold the Gloster from July 2025 onward. The company plans to replace it with the updated Majestor soon.

7. Toyota – Land Cruiser (558 units)

Toyota sold 558 units of the Land Cruiser in 2025.

Starting at Rs 2.16 crore and imported as a fully built unit attracting over 110 percent tax, it is the most expensive model on this list. Despite its niche positioning and strong luxury competition, these numbers are respectable given its flagship status.

8. Skoda – Kodiaq (1,477 units)

Skoda launched the second-generation Kodiaq in April 2025 at Rs 46.89 lakh, nearly Rs 7 lakh higher than its predecessor.

The three-row SUV offers a premium cabin and a 204hp turbo-petrol engine, but the price hike and absence of diesel or hybrid options likely affected sales. A new 5-seater base variant was later introduced at Rs 39.99 lakh, and the performance-focused Kodiaq RS is expected in 2026.

9. Mahindra – XUV400 (2,823 units)

Mahindra’s first electric SUV, the XUV400, recorded 2,823 units.

Built on an ageing platform that traces its roots to the XUV300 and SsangYong Tivoli, it struggled against more modern rivals like the Tata Nexon EV. Mahindra introduced the XUV 3XO EV in early 2026, which is likely to replace the XUV400 soon.

10. Maruti Suzuki – Invicto (3,946 units)

Maruti Suzuki’s premium MPV, the Invicto, sold 3,946 units in 2025.

Priced just under Rs 25 lakh, it has not matched the success of its sibling, the Toyota Innova Hycross. Despite offering similar underpinnings, brand perception appears to play a major role, as buyers at this price point often gravitate toward Toyota’s stronger premium image.

11. Renault – Kwid (5,500 units)

Renault’s entry-level Kwid completed 10 years in India in 2025 and sold 5,500 units.

Although it received a facelift in 2019, it has not seen a major update since. The entry-level segment had been slow for some time, though GST reforms in 2025 revived interest, helping rivals like the Alto K10 and S-Presso. For now, the Kwid continues with minor updates, but a generational change would likely help.

12. Honda – City (8,135 units)

Honda’s City, once the benchmark midsize sedan in India, managed 8,135 units.

Competition from the Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia, along with the overall shift toward SUVs, has reduced its dominance. It also ranked at the bottom of the midsize sedan sales chart in 2025.

13. Tata – Tigor & Tigor EV (12,859 units combined)

Tata Motors combines sales of the Tigor and Tigor EV, which together totaled 12,859 units.

Both models have been on sale for several years, facing newer rivals such as the latest Maruti Dzire and Honda Amaze. Additionally, Tata’s own SUVs like the Punch and Nexon attract buyers at similar price points, pulling attention away from the compact sedans.

14. Nissan – Magnite (22,493 units)

Nissan’s Magnite sold 22,493 units in 2025.

With the X-Trail discontinued, Nissan effectively became a one-model brand in India, making the Magnite both its highest and lowest seller. While competitively priced between Rs 5.62 lakh and Rs 10.76 lakh and praised for its styling, interior quality and turbo-petrol engine, it trails far behind segment leaders such as the Tata Punch, Maruti Brezza and Tata Nexon, each of which crossed 1.7 lakh units during the year.

New models like the upcoming Gravite and Tekton are expected to improve showroom traffic and boost overall brand visibility.

Source – (Autocarindia)