Top-Selling Used SUVs of 2024: Everyone's Favorite!

As the Indian automotive market continues to evolve, the appeal for SUVs seemingly doesn’t diminish. It’s a segment that has seen the most growth over the years, and it has spawned multiple sub-segments that have gone on to cater to every practical need and requirement of the Indian buyer. As a direct consequence, the used SUV segment has gained a lot of traction too, and this was especially apparent in 2024. Demand for used SUVs surged, with their market share climbing from 12.6% to 16.7% between 2022 to 2024.

An SUV’s road presence, practicality, performance, and in the case of the used market, its affordability, all came together to make them popular among buyers.. A quick look at the highest-selling used SUVs in 2024 throws up a few surprises, but once we dive deeper into those vehicles, their success and popularity as value-centric purchases makes a lot of sense. In this article, we’ll run through the best-selling used SUVs in 2024 as per our used car market report, Gears of Growth, and why they would continue to make for solid, reliable and practical purchases even in 2025.

The Top Five Best-Selling Used SUVs in India in 2024

1. Ford EcoSport

The Ford EcoSport holds a special place in the Indian market as one of the pioneers of the compact SUV segment. It’s a testament to the EcoSports’s enduring legacy that, even after being discontinued in India, it remains the -selling SUV in the used market years later. 

In fact, our data shows us that 10% of all used SUVs sold in 2024 were EcoSports. Its great design, compact dimensions, and feature-packed interiors make it an easy car to consider, especially used. Its above-average handling and ground clearance further add to its appeal, particularly for urban buyers.

Standout Features

The EcoSport has plenty of useful features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a rear parking camera. Higher trims come with leather upholstery and advanced safety features, which enhance its value proposition.

Engine and Transmission Options

The EcoSport was offered with a range of engines, including the reliable 1.5-litre petrol, 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel. Transmission choices included a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Our data shows, however, that there was a clear trend emerging when it came to used EcoSports. 

In 2024, a majority (68% of used car buyers) preferred a diesel-powered EcoSport, while one specced with a manual transmission option was chosen by 89% of used EcoSport buyers. 

Fuel Efficiency

The EcoSport’s diesel variant is especially popular for its excellent fuel economy, delivering approximately 22 kmpl, while the petrol engines offer a reasonable 16-18 kmpl.

Reliability

Known for its sturdy build quality and durability, the EcoSport is a low-maintenance vehicle. On average, maintenance costs for the EcoSport run up to about ₹18,000 for five years, which is roughly ₹3,600 annually. Spare parts are still readily available through third-party suppliers and Ford’s service network.

Dealer Network

Although Ford no longer sells new cars in India, its extensive service network continues to support EcoSport and other Ford car owners, ensuring hassle-free maintenance and repairs.

2. Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta has been a consistent best-seller in India’s SUV market, and its popularity extends to the used car segment. In 2024, used Hyundai Cretas, comprised 9% of all SUVs sales in the pre-owned market. The Creta’s premium appeal, spacious interiors, and feature-rich offerings make it a favourite among families. Its versatility and strong brand reputation further solidify its position.

Standout Features

The Creta stands out with features like a panoramic sunroof (available on higher trims), wireless charging, ventilated seats, and a large touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Engine and Transmission Options

Available with petrol, diesel, and turbo-petrol engines, the Creta offered flexibility for various buyers. Transmission choices included a 6-speed manual, IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission), and a DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission). Here, there was a clear trend when it came to used Creta purchases in 2024. 

According to our data, the diesel was the preferred choice of fuel, with 57% opting for the cheaper fuel. Additionally, 76% of used Cretas purchased in 2024 were equipped with a manual transmission.

Fuel Efficiency

The diesel variant of the Creta delivers an impressive mileage of 19-21 kmpl, while petrol variants offer 16-18 kmpl, making it economical for long drives and city commutes.

Reliability

Hyundai’s renowned after-sales support and the Creta’s solid engineering ensure a dependable ownership experience. If you buy a used Creta, you can expect to pay about ₹21,000 for five years in maintenance costs (or roughly ₹4,000 annually), making it quite easy on the pocket.

Dealer Network

Hyundai’s widespread dealership and service network make the Creta easy to maintain, further adding to its popularity among used car buyers.

3. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is a compact SUV that has consistently been a top choice among Indian buyers. Its great design, practicality, and excellent resale value make the Vitara Brezza a favourite in the used car market. This is backed up by the fact that 7% of all used SUVs sold in 2024 were Brezzas, as per our internal data.

Standout Features

The Brezza offers features like a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, LED projector headlamps, and a multi-function steering wheel. Safety features include dual airbags and ABS with EBD.

Engine and Transmission Options

The Vitara Brezza comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. However, in its first-generation guise, the Vitara Brezza was offered with a 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced diesel engine, too. 

The diesel, as CARS24’s data indicates, was preferred by 89% of Vitara Brezza buyers in 2024, with 91% preferring a manual transmission.

Fuel Efficiency

The petrol engine delivers a fuel efficiency of up to 19 kmpl, while the diesel was reported to return about 24 kmpl, making it a cost-effective choice for urban and highway use.

Reliability

As a Maruti Suzuki product, the Vitara Brezza is known for its reliability and durability. It is easy to maintain, with maintenance costs running up to about ₹24,000 for five years or roughly ₹4,800 annually, and enjoys strong after-sales support.

Dealer Network

Maruti Suzuki’s extensive dealer and service network ensures that Vitara Brezza owners have access to affordable maintenance and repair services across the country.

4. Renault Duster

The Renault Duster revolutionised the mid-size SUV segment in India and continues to be a strong contender in the pre-owned market. Second hand Renault Dusters accounted for 6% of all used SUVs in 2024. The Duster’s rugged build, excellent ride quality, and powerful engines make it a favourite among adventure enthusiasts and daily commuters alike. 

Despite being discontinued in India in 2022, the Duster continues to be a sought-after pick in the used market in 2024, proving how far a well-engineered product can go.

Standout Features

The Duster is equipped with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, and automatic climate control. Higher variants offer AWD (All-Wheel Drive), enhancing its off-road capability.

Engine and Transmission Options

Available with both petrol and diesel engines, the Duster offered multiple configurations, including a CVT automatic for petrol and a 6-speed manual for diesel. However, our buying trends in 2024 reveal that only 10% of used Duster buyers opted for the petrol engine, while a whopping 93% opted for manual-equipped Dusters.

Fuel Efficiency

The diesel variant provides an impressive mileage of about 20 kmpl, while the petrol variant offers up to about 16 kmpl.

Reliability

Renault’s focus on quality and the Duster’s robust engineering ensure a reliable ownership experience. On average, the Duster has one of the lowest maintenance costs of the cars on this list, with owners having to spend an average of ₹19,000 for five years, or ₹3,800 per year.

Dealer Network

Although Renault’s dealer network is not as widespread as Maruti or Hyundai, it is sufficient to meet the needs of most Duster owners, particularly in urban areas.

5. Tata Nexon

Tata Motors debuted the Nexon back in 2017, and since then it’s been one of the standout performers in the SUV segment. What makes the Nexon such an appealing package is the fact that it manages to combine good looks, features, practicality, and ruggedness in one package. 

What also helps is that Tata Motors has gradually come to be known as a force to be reckoned with in the market, and with it has come better reach in terms of dealerships across the country, and the critical after sales experience for their vehicles. This has helped the Nexon transform into a top performer not just in the first hand market, but also in the used category. In fact, the Nexon accounted for 5% of all used SUV sales in 2024.

Standout Features

The Nexon comes equipped with features like a digital instrument cluster, a large infotainment system, 360-degree cameras (in the facelifted Nexon), and a lot more.

Engine and Transmission Options

Available with both petrol and diesel engines, the Nexon offered multiple configurations, including a manual and automatic option. However, our internal data points to the fact that a majority of used Tata Nexon buyers in 2024 preferred the petrol-engined variants (66%). 

Similarly, when it comes to transmissions, used Nexons equipped with manual transmissions were in high demand (73%) compared to their automatic counterparts. 

Fuel Efficiency

The petrol variant provides a mileage of about 17 kmpl, while the diesel variant offers up to about 23 kmpl.

Reliability

Tata’s recent focus on quality and the Nexon’s solid engineering ensure a reliable ownership experience. On average, the Nexon’s maintenance will run you back about ₹31,000 for five years, or ₹6,200 per year.

Dealer Network

Tata’s dealer network is one of the strongest across all manufacturers in India. The carmaker has in excess of 3,000 dealerships across the country, which means there are an ample number of service centres to ensure peace of mind during car ownership.

Benefits of Choosing a Used SUV

Used SUVs have a lot of positives attached to them, which is why they’re in such high demand.

• Cost-effective alternative to buying new SUVs
• Lower depreciation compared to new cars
• Access to premium models at a reduced price
• Variety of options in the market
• Tested reliability and proven track record
   

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Used SUV

While considering a used SUV has many advantages, you should keep an eye out for a few things before closing the deal.

• Vehicle history and service records
• Condition of the engine, transmission, and suspension
• Mileage and age of the vehicle
• Insurance and ownership documents
• Availability of spare parts and service network
   

How to Choose the Best SUV for Your Needs

It’s important to keep a few points in mind before committing to a used SUV. Following these points will ensure you pick the best SUV for your needs.

• Define your budget and prioritise what features you really need
• Consider the intended use (city, highway, or off-road)
• Evaluate seating capacity and storage needs
• Research resale value and maintenance costs
• Test drive to assess comfort and performance
   

Tips for Inspecting and Buying Used SUVs

Given the number of used options in the market today, it’s critical to keep these points in mind while surveying a second hand car.

• Check for visible damage and rust
• Verify the vehicle’s service history
• Inspect tyres, brakes, and battery condition
• Ensure the car has a clean legal title
• Get a professional mechanic’s opinion before finalising the deal
   

Conclusion

The used SUV market in India continues to thrive, offering a wide range of options for buyers. Models like the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Creta, Tata Nexon, Vitara Brezza, and Renault Duster remain top choices due to their reliability, features, and value for money. With proper research and a keen eye for quality, you can find the perfect SUV to suit your needs while saving significantly compared to buying new.

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