India's growing preference for SUVs in the new-car market has also extended to the second-hand segment. Buyers who previously opted for hatchbacks are increasingly considering used SUVs for their ground clearance, road presence and cabin space. Despite the wider range of models available, a relatively small group continues to capture a substantial share of resale demand.
According to Cars24's internal transaction data covering its best-selling used SUVs, Mahindra commands the largest brand-level share of the used SUV market at 20%. Hyundai follows at 15.5%, while Tata accounts for 12.7%. Maruti Suzuki holds a 10.7% share, followed by Ford at 9.2% and Kia at 7.2%. Manual transmissions remain dominant across the segment, with automatic variants accounting for 25.4% of overall used SUV sales.
The Hyundai Creta occupies the top position among individual models, accounting for 9.7% of used SUV sales. Its spacious cabin, extensive feature list and Hyundai's strong resale reputation have made it a popular choice among families upgrading from hatchbacks or sedans. The model is available with petrol, diesel and turbo-petrol engines, offering one of the widest engine choices among the five leading SUVs. In 2026, manual variants accounted for three in every four used Cretas sold.
The Ford EcoSport ranks second with an 8.7% share, despite Ford discontinuing new-car sales in India in 2021. Its compact dimensions and above-average ground clearance helped establish its appeal for city driving, and that reputation continues to support demand in the used-car market. Among buyers looking for a used Ford EcoSport, manual variants remain the overwhelming preference, accounting for 84.5% of all EcoSport sales in 2026.
The Tata Nexon holds a 7.5% share of used SUV sales. Its position reflects Tata's expanding dealer network and the model's reputation for safety and ground clearance. With a ground clearance of 209 mm, the Nexon offers a relatively tall stance for buyers navigating poor roads and frequent speed breakers. Tata has also expanded its service footprint nationwide in recent years. Manual variants accounted for 70.3% of used Nexon sales.
The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza accounts for 6.7% of used SUV sales. Maruti's extensive dealer reach and the model's reputation for low running costs contribute to its position in the resale market. Its compact dimensions also make it easier to park and manoeuvre through dense traffic than larger SUVs, appealing to buyers seeking SUV styling without a bulky vehicle. In 2026, manual transmissions accounted for 89% of used Vitara Brezza sales, with buyers choosing them over automatic variants.
The Mahindra XUV500 completes the top five with a 6.4% share. Mahindra discontinued the model in 2021 in favour of the XUV700, but the XUV500 continues to feature prominently in used SUV transactions. Its sustained presence highlights the demand for an established, spacious seven-seater in the pre-owned market. Manual variants accounted for 87.9% of used XUV500 sales.
Together, the five models reveal common patterns in used SUV purchasing. Four are compact to mid-size SUVs positioned around practical ownership costs rather than outright luxury. The larger XUV500 has similarly built its appeal around durability and everyday usability rather than a premium cabin experience.
Manual transmissions dominate all five models, reflecting the strong position of manual variants in the platform's used SUV transactions. The continued popularity of these established vehicles also indicates that buyers are considering models with a proven record of real-world use rather than focusing exclusively on the newest options in their respective categories.
Cars24's transaction data therefore places the Hyundai Creta at the forefront of India's used SUV resale market, while the EcoSport, Nexon, Vitara Brezza and XUV500 collectively reinforce the concentration of demand around five established models. Their combined 39% share underscores their importance in the platform's pre-owned SUV market.
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