Even as the buzz around electric vehicles and the shortage of rare earth materials that can impact production gets louder, demand for strong hybrids has more than doubled in the first quarter of FY2026. As per retail sales numbers on the Vahan portal, a total of 26,460 units were sold between April-June 2025, up 118 percent YoY (Q1 FY2025: 12,111 units).
Strong-hybrid sales split between Toyota, Maruti and Honda
Toyota leads the way with 80 percent share
In India’s PV market, all the three carmakers with strong hybrid models – Toyota, Maruti Suzuki and Honda – are witnessing growing demand. Toyota has four models (Innova Hycross and Vellfire MPVs, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUVand the Camry sedan), Maruti Suzuki has two (Invicto MPV and Grand Vitara midsize SUV), and Honda one (City e:HEV sedan). With the strongest portfolio, Toyota has the largest market share of 81 percent. Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki has an 18 percent share and Honda has 1 percent share of total hybrid sales.
| Strong hybrid sales Q1 FY2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmaker | Q1 FY2026 | Q1 FY2025 | Difference | Market Share |
| Toyota | 21,249 | 10,745 | +100% | 81% |
| Maruti Suzuki | 4,745 | 1,307 | +263% | 18% |
| Honda | 226 | 59 | +283% | 1% |
| Total | 26,460 | 12,111 | +118% | 100% |
Toyota strong hybrid sales in Q1 FY2026
Innova Hycross was the volume driver
Riding on robust demand for its four-model-strong hybrid lineup, Toyota has doubled its retail sales to 21,489 units in April-June 2025 to maintain its over-80 percent share. This also translates to a 100 percent YoY growth compared to the same period last year. The biggest contributor was the popular Innova Hycross MPV. Toyota India has carried over the same momentum it displayed in FY2025, when it sold 68,231 strong hybrid vehicles and an 82 percent market share, in Q1 FY2026.
Maruti Suzuki strong hybrid sales in Q1 FY2026
Grand Vitara hybrid still bringing steady volumes
Maruti Suzuki India has registered retail sales of 4,745 strong hybrids comprising the Grand Vitara and the Unbeaten in Q1 FY2026. This translates into a 263 percent YoY increase (Q1 FY2025: 1,307 units) and an 18 percent market share in this vehicle category. Both these models are equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System.
Maruti even introduced a new Delta+ trim of the Grand Vitara with the strong hybrid powertrain, making it a little more accessible. Previously, this powertrain was offered only with the top-spec Zeta+ and Alpha+ trims.
Honda strong hybrid sales in Q1 FY2026
City alone flies the hybrid flag
Honda, which has only the City sedan on offer with strong-hybrid engine technology, has clocked retail sales of 226 units in Q1 FY2026, up 283 percent YoY on a low year-ago base of 59 units. This gives it a 1 percent market share, the same as it has in FY2025.
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