Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) proudly celebrates a significant milestone — 10 years of the Hyundai CRETA in India. What began in July 2015 as a bold entry into the mid-SUV segment has evolved into a household name that symbolizes power, elegance, and aspiration for over 1.2 million families across India.
Since its launch, the CRETA has become an industry phenomenon. Its impact is so profound that the mid-size SUV category is now often referred to as the “CRETA segment.” Despite increasing competition, the CRETA has continued to lead, holding its top spot in the market every year
Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India Ltd., shared, “The Hyundai CRETA’s journey is a deeply emotional one, not only for us at Hyundai but for the millions of customers who’ve made it a part of their lives. It represents dreams, freedom, and progress. Over the last decade, CRETA has set the standard for the Indian SUV market, reflecting our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. As we celebrate this remarkable 10-year journey, we’re grateful for the unwavering trust and loyalty of our customers and remain committed to continually raising the bar.”
Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor India Ltd, added, “Hyundai CRETA is not just a vehicle; it’s a legacy in motion. Crafted with precision, driven by innovation, and backed by millions of loyal customers, it symbolizes ambition, progress, and trust. As India’s SUV aspirations grew, so did the CRETA, often setting the pace for the entire segment. From just 2 models in 2015 to 12 variants today, CRETA has led the way, setting new benchmarks for the industry and reaffirming Hyundai’s commitment to smart, sustainable, and customer-inspired mobility.”
Hyundai CRETA has experienced remarkable growth in its sales since its introduction, more than doubling its annual sales from 92,926 units in 2016 to an impressive 186,919 units in 2024. This significant growth highlights the rising demand and widespread appeal of the CRETA, setting new benchmarks for desirability in the mid-size SUV segment. Over the years, it has established itself as a key player in India’s SUV market, constantly meeting and exceeding consumer expectations.
In total, more than 1.2 million units of the Hyundai CRETA have been sold in India, solidifying its position as a standout model in the highly competitive mid-SUV category. This milestone underscores the vehicle’s long-lasting appeal and widespread acceptance among Indian customers. With more than 31% of the mid-size SUV market share, the CRETA has consistently outperformed its competitors, maintaining its dominance in a fast-evolving segment.
The popularity of the CRETA continues to grow with specific features also gaining traction among buyers. In the first half of 2025, sunroof variants contributed to nearly 70% of the total CRETA sales, further highlighting consumer preference for premium features. Additionally, the CRETA was the top-selling SUV in India for the first half of 2025, dominating the market by being the best-selling model in three out of the first six months. The growing appeal is also evident in the rise of first-time buyers, which increased from 12% in 2020 to 29% in 2024, a clear indication of the CRETA’s expanding customer base.
Beyond domestic success, the Hyundai CRETA has found a strong international presence. Manufactured in India, the CRETA is exported to over 13 countries, with more than 2.87 lakh units shipped globally. Offering a range of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, turbo, and electric versions with both manual and automatic transmissions, the CRETA appeals to a wide variety of customers. Its ability to adapt to different markets and meet the diverse needs of customers globally further underscores its reputation as a top-tier SUV.
Now in its second generation, the Hyundai CRETA continues to redefine standards, evolving from an industry game-changer to an iconic part of India’s SUV landscape. Over the past decade, its evolution has been marked by consistent updates to its features, technology, powertrain, and design — ensuring it meets the changing needs of modern consumers. In addition to regular upgrades, special editions like the Knight Edition and the Adventure Edition have been launched, appealing to diverse customer lifestyles and preferences.
Hyundai’s CRETA has long surpassed the role of just an SUV; it has become a symbol of aspiration for Indian consumers. Initially introduced in 2015 with the tagline “A Perfect SUV,” it quickly set new benchmarks for what an SUV could be. By 2020, with the introduction of its second generation, it redefined itself as “The Ultimate SUV.” Today, it stands proudly under the banner of “The Undisputed Ultimate SUV,” reflecting its continued leadership and dominance in the segment.
To mark the 10th anniversary of the Hyundai CRETA, the company has planned a range of exciting events for its loyal customers and fans. One of the highlights is the ‘CRETA X Memories’ UGC contest, where owners can share their most cherished memories with the SUV for a chance to win exclusive prizes, such as a meet-and-greet with actress DeepikaPadukone or an Apple iPhone. In addition, Hyundai will release a Manifesto Film that beautifully captures the legacy of the CRETA, supported by a comprehensive digital and print campaign to amplify the celebration.
A key feature of the celebrations will be the Legacy Drive, where 100 CRETA vehicles will take part in a grand convoy starting from the Hyundai Motor India Ltd. headquarters in Gurgaon on July 26, 2025. This drive aims to commemorate the CRETA’s journey over the past decade, bringing together fans and owners to celebrate the SUV’s iconic status and lasting impact on the Indian automotive landscape.
The success of Hyundai CRETA is a testament to Hyundai’s relentless focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. As the CRETA marks a decade of excellence, it not only stands as an icon of India’s SUV market but also sets the tone for the future of automotive innovation in the country.
