KATHMANDU: Hyundai Creta has emerged as the dominant model in Nepal’s petrol-powered compact SUV segment, accounting for more than 59% of total imports during the first nine and a half months of 2026.
According to import data from January 1 to October 15, Nepal imported 975 units of petrol-powered compact SUVs. The Hyundai Creta topped the segment with 577 units, accounting for 59.2% of total imports.
The Kia Seltos ranked second with 316 units, capturing around 32.4% of the market. Together, the Creta and Seltos accounted for nearly 91% of total imports in the segment.
Monthly import figures: Crete and Seltos
Creta imports stood at 41 units in January, 53 in February and 55 in March. Imports declined to 39 units in April and 30 in May. The figure increased to 84 units in June and 58 in July. August recorded the highest monthly imports, with 118 units. Imports stood at 67 units in September and 32 units up to October 15.
The Kia Seltos recorded nine units in January, followed by 29 in February and 26 in March. Imports fell to 10 units in April and nine in May.
Seltos imports increased to 49 units in June and 36 in July before declining to 22 units in August. The figure rose sharply to 74 units in September, while another 52 units were imported by October 15.
Other competitors hold smaller shares
Other models have a relatively small presence in the segment. The Volkswagen Taigun recorded 50 units, accounting for around 5.1% of total imports.
Similarly, 27 units of the Skoda Kushaq were imported during the period, giving it a market share of around 2.8%. The Nissan Tekton, a new entrant in the segment, recorded only six units, accounting for around 0.6% of total imports.
The figures show that Hyundai and Kia continue to dominate Nepal’s petrol-powered compact SUV market. The three other models combined account for less than 9% of total imports.
