Hyundai Sunroof SUVs Dominate Sales as Premium Features Gain Popularity
Hyundai Sunroof SUVs Dominate Sales as Premium Features Gain Popularity
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Hyundai Creta with panoramic sunroof, one of the popular Hyundai sunroof SUVs in India | Photo Credit: Hyundai
Hyundai sunroof SUVs are experiencing unprecedented demand in the Indian market, with the South Korean automaker reporting that every second vehicle sold now features this premium addition. According to Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), which maintained its position as the second-largest passenger vehicle manufacturer in FY25, sunroof-equipped models now account for 53.2% of its total sales, highlighting the growing consumer preference for feature-rich vehicles in the Indian automotive market.
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Rising Popularity of Hyundai Sunroof SUVs
The surge in demand for Hyundai sunroof SUVs represents a significant shift in consumer preferences within the Indian automotive sector. Sunroof penetration across Hyundai’s lineup has reached an impressive 53.2%, with this feature now available in 12 out of the 14 models offered by the company in India. This widespread adoption of sunroofs in the Hyundai portfolio indicates that Indian consumers are increasingly seeking vehicles that offer premium experiences and features previously associated only with luxury segments.
“The doubling of ADAS variant contribution and the growing popularity of sunroof-equipped models reflect the rising aspirations of our customers and their readiness to embrace global technologies,” said Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Ltd.
The appeal of Hyundai sunroof SUVs extends beyond mere aesthetics. These features enhance the sense of spaciousness inside the cabin, improve ventilation options, and create a more premium driving experience that resonates with today’s status-conscious consumers. The increasing adoption rate also suggests that customers are willing to pay a premium for these features, indicating a maturation of the Indian automotive market.
SUV Dominance in Hyundai’s Portfolio
Alongside the growing popularity of sunroofs, Hyundai’s SUV lineup has emerged as the dominant force in the company’s sales portfolio. SUV models accounted for an impressive 68.5% of Hyundai’s total domestic sales in FY25, marking a substantial increase from 63.2% in the previous fiscal year. This data confirms that Hyundai sunroof SUVs are driving the company’s growth strategy in the Indian market.
The SUV trend isn’t unique to Hyundai but is part of a broader market shift where Indian consumers are increasingly gravitating toward vehicles that offer higher ground clearance, commanding road presence, and greater interior space. Hyundai has successfully capitalized on this trend by expanding its SUV portfolio across various price points, ensuring that it can cater to different customer segments while maintaining the premium features that consumers desire.
SUV Sales Growth
The 5.3 percentage point increase in SUV contribution to Hyundai’s overall sales (from 63.2% to 68.5%) demonstrates the accelerating pace at which Indian consumers are embracing this body style. Hyundai sunroof SUVs have been instrumental in driving this growth, combining the popular SUV form factor with desirable premium features.
Premium Features Driving Consumer Interest
Beyond sunroofs, Hyundai has reported significant growth in the adoption of other premium features, particularly Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The share of models equipped with ADAS more than doubled from 6.7% in FY24 to 14.3% in FY25, demonstrating the Indian market’s increasing appetite for advanced safety and convenience technologies.
This growing interest in premium features extends beyond traditional luxury segments and is now evident across various price points in Hyundai’s lineup. Hyundai sunroof SUVs equipped with ADAS represent the convergence of two major consumer trends: the preference for SUV body styles and the desire for advanced features that enhance safety, comfort, and convenience.
| Premium Feature | FY24 Penetration | FY25 Penetration | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunroofs | Not specified | 53.2% | Significant growth |
| ADAS | 6.7% | 14.3% | 113% increase |
| SUV Models | 63.2% | 68.5% | 5.3 percentage points |
Hyundai’s Market Position in FY25
Hyundai Motor India Ltd maintained its position as the second-largest passenger vehicle manufacturer in the Indian market during FY25, selling 598,666 units domestically. The company’s strong performance can be attributed in large part to the success of its Hyundai sunroof SUVs and the strategic focus on offering premium features across its model lineup.
Despite intense competition from both established players and new entrants in the Indian automotive market, Hyundai has successfully differentiated itself by understanding and capitalizing on evolving consumer preferences. The strategy of offering premium features like sunroofs and ADAS across multiple models and price points has clearly resonated with Indian consumers, helping Hyundai maintain its strong market position.
Market Performance
With nearly 600,000 units sold in the Indian market during FY25, Hyundai has demonstrated the effectiveness of its product strategy centered around Hyundai sunroof SUVs and premium features. This performance reinforces Hyundai’s understanding of the Indian consumer’s evolving preferences and aspirations.
Hyundai’s SUV Lineup and Key Features
Hyundai’s comprehensive SUV range, including the Exter, Venue, Creta, Alcazar, Tucson, and IONIQ 5, has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth in India. These models collectively account for two out of every three vehicles sold by Hyundai in the country. Among these, the Creta has been particularly successful, establishing itself as one of the best-selling Hyundai sunroof SUVs in its segment.
Each model in Hyundai’s SUV lineup targets specific consumer segments while maintaining the premium features that have become synonymous with the brand. From the compact Exter and Venue, aimed at first-time SUV buyers and urban commuters, to the more premium Tucson and the all-electric IONIQ 5, Hyundai offers sunroof options across most of its SUV range, catering to the growing demand for this feature.
- Exter: Hyundai’s newest compact SUV offering affordable entry to the SUV segment
- Venue: Compact SUV with connected car technology and premium features
- Creta: Mid-size SUV with panoramic sunroof and comprehensive feature list
- Alcazar: Three-row SUV offering extended versatility for larger families
- Tucson: Premium SUV with advanced ADAS features and luxury amenities
- IONIQ 5: All-electric SUV representing Hyundai’s cutting-edge technology
Diverse Powertrain and Transmission Options
Beyond body styles and premium features like sunroofs, Hyundai’s success can also be attributed to its diverse range of powertrain and transmission options. The company offers petrol, diesel, turbo petrol, CNG, and battery-powered vehicles, alongside various transmission choices including manual, intelligent Variable Transmission (iVT), conventional automatic (AT), Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), and Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).
This wide range of options allows consumers to select the Hyundai sunroof SUVs that best meet their specific needs in terms of performance, efficiency, and driving experience. The availability of multiple powertrain options within the same model also ensures that Hyundai can cater to diverse consumer preferences and use cases, from urban commuting to highway cruising.
Powertrain Flexibility
Hyundai’s strategy of offering multiple powertrain options across its SUV lineup allows consumers to prioritize factors like fuel efficiency, performance, or environmental impact while still enjoying premium features like sunroofs. This flexibility has contributed significantly to the broad appeal of Hyundai sunroof SUVs across different consumer segments.
Changing Consumer Trends in the Indian Automotive Market
The increasing demand for Hyundai sunroof SUVs and advanced features like ADAS reflects broader changes in the Indian automotive market. Today’s consumers are more informed, aspirational, and willing to invest in features that enhance their driving experience, comfort, and status. This shift is particularly noteworthy in a market that was traditionally known for its price sensitivity.
Several factors have contributed to this evolution in consumer preferences. Rising disposable incomes, greater exposure to global automotive trends through digital channels, and an increasing emphasis on vehicle features beyond basic transportation needs have all played a role in reshaping the Indian automotive landscape. Hyundai’s success with premium features like sunroofs demonstrates the company’s ability to anticipate and adapt to these changing consumer dynamics.
As the Indian automotive market continues to mature, the trend toward premium features is likely to accelerate further. Hyundai sunroof SUVs represent just the beginning of this shift, with advanced technologies like connected car features, electrification, and autonomous driving capabilities expected to gain traction in the coming years. Hyundai’s early success in introducing and popularizing features like sunroofs and ADAS positions the company well to capitalize on these emerging trends.
With Indian consumers increasingly seeking vehicles that offer a blend of practicality, status, and technological sophistication, Hyundai’s strategy of democratizing premium features across its lineup appears well-aligned with the market’s future direction. As competition intensifies, the company’s ability to continue introducing innovative features while maintaining its value proposition will be crucial in sustaining its strong market position.
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