Best Selling Used SUVs and MPVs in Chennai in 2024

Tamil Nadu’s 6.1% overall used car market share in India in 2024, made it an important contributor among used car sales in southern Indian states. Chennai remained one of the most active second-hand car markets in India last year. Playing a major role in the demand for pre-owned vehicles, used car buyers in the city chose them to tackle the bustling urban roads and to meet frequent intercity travel requirements.

Used SUVs and MPVs were a major contributor to second hand car sales due to their practicality and durability. CARS24’s 2024 used car market report highlights their demand in Chennai, fuelled by traits like spacious interiors, fuel-efficient engines, increased ground clearance and suitability for long-distance travel.

Top Selling Used SUVs and MPVs in Chennai in 2024

At CARS24, Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) are grouped under a single category of ‘SUVs’ due to their shared appeal in offering space, practicality, and reliability. The Ford EcoSport and the Hyundai Creta continued to be the best-selling used SUV in Chennai for consecutive years, in 2023 and 2024. The Renault Triber climbed the ranks to become the top used MPV in the city, overtaking the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which still saw strong demand.

Diesel models retained high demand in Chennai, particularly in SUVs like the Creta and EcoSport and the Ertiga MPV. Although, petrol variants still dominated used cars in Chennai. Manual transmissions were preferred by the majority of buyers in Chennai in 2024 with some models witnessing a higher uptake of automatics.

1. Ford EcoSport | 12% Used SUV Market Share in Chennai

Second hand Ford EcoSport cars in Chennai continue to be a preferred choice among compact SUV buyers in Chennai. Ford’s discontinued compact SUV continues to dominate across India, as the best selling used SUV in 2024. The EcoSport secured a 12% share in the used car market in Chennai in 2024. This is despite a slight drop of 2% from 2023; it remains popular primarily for its compactness, robust build quality, exciting engine and dynamic performance as well as its high safety ratings.

Used EcoSport buyers in Chennai showed a nearly equal preference for petrol and diesel variants, with 50.7% choosing the former while 49.3% chose the latter. This almost equal divide highlights the EcoSport’s engines’ versatile appeal in performance and fuel efficiency. A significant 84.2% of buyers preferred the compact SUV’s manual transmission variants over 15.8% who opted for the automatic transmission versions.

2. Hyundai Creta | 8.3% Used SUV Market Share in Chennai

Used Hyundai Creta cars in Chennai maintained its stronghold in the city’s used SUV market. It registered an 8.3% share in 2024, marginally growing from 8.2% in 2023. This reinforces the midsize SUV’s reputation for reliability, feature-packed interiors, and premium styling, making it a top pick for second-hand car buyers in the city.

67.9% of used car buyers in Chennai preferred the Creta’s petrol variants over 32.1% of whom preferred its diesel variants. The Creta has a solid reputation of being one of the best low maintenance SUVs in India which is a huge plus for a midsize SUV. Its manual transmission models remained the dominant choice with 69.7% opting it and a sizable 30.3% of its automatic variants were sold, reflecting the growing demand for convenience in Chennai’s urban commuting.

3. Renault Triber | 6.5% Used MPV Market Share in Chennai

The Renault Triber witnessed a surge in demand, securing 6.5% of the used MPV market in Chennai in 2024, up from 4% in 2023. Second hand Renault Triber cars in Chennai are popular due to its compact shape that still offers three-row seating. Its affordable pricing, spacious interior, and frugal engine contributed to its growing popularity among budget used car buyers.

All pre-owned Triber models sold in Chennai were 100% petrol-powered, since it only comes powered by one engine and lacks a diesel offering. Manual transmission remained the most common choice for used Tribers in Chennai, accounting for 75.6% of sales. Although, automatic variants saw a marked rise from 15% uptake in 2023 to 24.4% of the market in 2024. Due to its seven-seater capacity in its compact dimension, the Renault Tiber is one of the best family cars in India.

4. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | 6.2% Used MPV Market Share in Chennai

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, India’s best selling used MPV has remained a strong contender in Chennai, holding a 6.2% share in 2024, growing from 6.1% in 2023. This steady demand for used Maruti Ertiga cars in Chennai can be attributed to its spacious cabin, reliable performance, and affordability in ownership and running. It continues to be a top pick for large families and taxi operators thus being one of the best-selling MPV in India right now.

Among pre-owned Ertiga models sold in Chennai, diesel variants accounted for 50% of sales, while petrol variants made up 48%. Both its engines are extremely frugal, while the option of a factory-fitted CNG model lowers running costs further, but only managed to capture 2% of the market share. Buyers overwhelmingly preferred manual transmission, with 100% of used Ertigas in Chennai being sold with this option in 2024.

5. Tata Nexon | 5% Used SUV Market Share in Chennai

Pre-owned Tata Nexon cars in Chennai gained traction in the used SUV market, securing a 5% share in 2024, up from 4% in 2023. With its five-star GNCAP safety rating, modern features, and fuel-efficient engines, the Nexon appeals to a broad range of buyers looking for a used compact SUV.

As one of the best crossover cars in India, used Tata Nexons combine a feature-rich cabin, contemporary aesthetics and reliable performance from its choice of engines. The compact SUV’s petrol variants were the most sought-after, accounting for 79% of used sales in Chennai, while diesel models held a 21% market share. The Nexon's manual transmission variants remained the leading choice accounting for 63% of its used sales. Its automatic variants saw increasing popularity with 37% of used Nexon buyers opting for them.

Conclusion

Chennai’s used SUV and MPV market in 2024 reflected sustained demand for reliable, fuel-efficient, and practical vehicles. The Ford EcoSport led the market, followed by the Hyundai Creta and Renault Triber. Both the Triber and Maruti Ertiga continued to be popular MPV options for those seeking affordable family-friendly vehicles. 

Diesel-powered models remained popular in Chennai’s used SUV segment, especially in models like the Creta and EcoSport, while petrol variants dominated MPVs like the Triber and Ertiga. Manual transmission remained the top choice overall, but automatic variants gained polarity, particularly in used Creta and Nexon buyers in 2024.