Tata Motors has reached a major milestone in the Indian automotive market, with its two leading SUVs, the Nexon and the Punch, crossing significant sales marks. The Nexon has now surpassed 9,00,000 units since its launch in 2017, while the Punch has achieved over 6,00,000 units since debuting in October 2021. Together, these models account for more than 1.5 million vehicles sold, reinforcing Tata’s position in India’s growing SUV segment. The Nexon’s consistent performance over the years and the Punch’s rapid rise to popularity highlight a major shift in buyer preferences towards compact and mid-size SUVs. Both models cater to different ends of the market, yet share the same design philosophy, safety standards, and value-driven approach that has changed Tata Motors’ fortune in recent years.
How Nexon & Punch Became Popular
Tata Nexon, with 9,10,181 sales by September 2025, was the first Indian car to earn a 5-star Global NCAP rating in 2018. Over the years, the model has received multiple updates, including a comprehensive facelift in 2023, introduction of connected features, and multiple powertrain options like petrol, diesel, CNG and electric. The Nexon.ev and Punch.ev have helped Tata lead India’s electric car market with over 70 percent share. On the other hand, the Tata Punch entered as a micro-SUV and quickly became a top seller due to its SUV-like stance, and affordable pricing. Available in petrol, CNG and electric form, it crossed 6,26,000 sales in September 2025. In under four years, it has become the fastest Indian car to cross 6,00,000 sales. Its sales momentum has been supported by consistent monthly demand of around 14,000 to 16,000 units, which underlines its appeal among first-time buyers looking for a compact vehicle.
The Numbers Behind Tata’s SUV Growth
Tata Motors’ SUV strategy has played a central role in reshaping its market performance. In the financial year 2024-25, SUVs accounted for more than 55 percent of Tata’s total sales. The Nexon alone contributed nearly 30 percent of Tata’s overall volumes in FY2024, with the Punch following closely behind. The brand’s focus on safety, technology, and design has resonated strongly with buyers, helping it compete effectively against models like the Venue, Brezza, and XUV 3XO in the subcompact SUV category. The success of both Nexon and Punch also highlights the company’s ability to localize production and keep prices competitive. These figures reflect not only the popularity of individual models but also the changing dynamics of India’s passenger car market, which has seen SUVs steadily replacing hatchbacks as the preferred choice across segments.
Looking Ahead
In 2015, SUVs made up less than 20 percent of total passenger vehicle sales. In FY2024-25, that figure stands at over 65 percent, with compact and entry-level SUVs driving the majority of this growth. Looking forward, Tata Motors is preparing new models based on the same success formula, including the upcoming Sierra and Sierra EV. Tata recently updated its Nexon with the addition of Level-2 ADAS and new Red Dark Edition. The continued momentum of these SUVs could push Tata past new records. As the market shifts further toward electrification and advanced safety norms, the success of the Nexon and Punch may serve as a blueprint for India’s next generation of mass-market vehicles.
