Demand for strong hybrid cars has more than doubled in India during the first quarter of FY2026, showing a significant surge in a market increasingly focused on greener mobility solutions.
The Hybrid Boom Continues
While the spotlight often shines on electric vehicles (EVs), strong hybrid cars are quietly making a huge impact. Retail sales data from the Vahan portal reveals an impressive 26,460 strong hybrid units were sold between April and June 2025.
This marks a remarkable 118 percent year-on-year growth compared to the 12,111 units sold in the same period last fiscal year. This surge highlights a growing consumer preference for hybrid technology, offering a blend of fuel efficiency and environmental consciousness without range anxiety.
Who’s Driving This Growth? The Automaker Lineup
Three key players dominate the strong hybrid segment in India: Toyota, Maruti Suzuki, and Honda. Each has contributed to this robust growth, with Toyota maintaining a strong lead, followed by Maruti Suzuki and Honda.
Their diverse portfolios of hybrid models are clearly resonating with buyers looking for efficient and reliable vehicles.
- Toyota holds the lion’s share, capturing 81% of the market.
- Maruti Suzuki has made significant strides, securing an 18% market share.
- Honda, while smaller, contributes 1% to the total hybrid sales.
Toyota Leads the Charge
Toyota continues to be the undisputed leader in the strong hybrid space. The company’s retail sales for hybrids soared to 21,249 units in Q1 FY2026, marking a robust 100 percent year-on-year increase.
This strong performance is largely driven by its popular models like the Innova Hycross MPV, Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUV, Vellfire MPV, and the Camry sedan. The Innova Hycross, in particular, has been a major volume driver for the brand.
Maruti Suzuki’s Impressive Surge
Maruti Suzuki India has also demonstrated exceptional growth in the strong hybrid segment. The automaker sold 4,745 units of its strong hybrid models in Q1 FY2026, reflecting a staggering 263 percent year-on-year increase.
Their Grand Vitara and Invicto models, both equipped with Toyota’s hybrid system, have been key to this success. Maruti Suzuki also made the strong hybrid powertrain more accessible by introducing it in the new Delta+ trim of the Grand Vitara, previously only available in higher trims.
Honda’s Niche Contribution
Honda, with its single strong-hybrid offering, the City e:HEV sedan, also saw impressive percentage growth. The company retailed 226 units in Q1 FY2026, a 283 percent jump from the 59 units sold in the same period last year.
While its market share remains at 1 percent, this significant growth indicates a steady demand for the fuel-efficient City hybrid among its loyal customer base.
The consistent growth in strong hybrid sales underscores their increasing appeal as a practical and efficient alternative in the evolving automotive landscape.
