In 2022, the Indian automobile industry had witnessed the highest ever sales of hybrid vehicles, with 19,556 units sold. Toyota Kirloskar Motor secured the top spot with 57% market share, followed by Maruti (35%) and Honda (7%). Toyota’s Hyryder emerged as the top-selling strong hybrid car in the country. With total numbers of 22,389 units, the strong hybrid sales reached an all-time high in the first quarter of 2023. Toyota continued to dominate the market with 83% market share (with sales of 18,584 units) and the Innova Hycross was the best-selling model.
Even if we look at sales figures of May 2023, the Japanese automaker retailed 7,776 units of the Innova and Innova Hycross, 3,090 units of the Hyryder, 142 units of Camry and 5 units of the Vellfire. While Maruti Suzuki managed to sell 8,877 units of the Grand Vitara (both strong hybrid and petrol variants), Honda retailed 1532 units of the City sedan.
India’s Top-Selling Strong Hybrid Cars
Toyota Innova Hycross
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
Toyota Hyryder
Honda City
More Strong Hybrid Cars Planned
With an aim to maintain its lead, Toyota Kirloskar Motor will bring in a new 7-seater SUV based on the Corolla Cross. It will be put up against the Mahindra XUV700 and Jeep Meridian. The model is likely to come with the 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol and 2.0L Atkinson cycle strong hybrid powertrains.
Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the Engage strong hybrid MPV on 10th July 2023. It’s the re-badged Toyota Innova Hycross with minor cosmetic changes. The three-row family car will share its features and powertrains with its donor model. The Indo-Japanese manufacturer has planned the new-generation Swift and Dzire with the strong hybrid setup. Both models will arrive sometime in 2024.
Honda Cars India has dropped the Elevate strong hybrid and plans to move towards electrification. The company has confirmed that the SUV will be offered with the City’s regular petrol engine and its electric version will hit roads in 2026.
