The Indian automotive industry continued its rapid evolution over the past year, driven by electrification, smarter packaging, and sharper product positioning across segments. From legacy carmakers reinventing their portfolios to new entrants challenging conventions, 2025 proved to be a year of meaningful progress. At CarBlogIndia, our Annual Auto Awards recognise the standout performers that have pushed the envelope, whether through innovation, design, value, or sheer impact on the market. Here are the winners of the CarBlogIndia Annual Auto Awards 2025:
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Car of the Year 2025: Hyundai VENUE
The second-generation Hyundai VENUE emerges as our Car of the Year 2025, thanks to its comprehensive evolution across design, technology, and overall usability. The latest iteration builds on an already strong formula with a sharper exterior, a more premium cabin, and a substantial leap in tech- including dual large displays, enhanced connected features, and Level 2 ADAS functionality.
What truly sets the Venue apart is how well it balances compact dimensions with big-car features, making it one of the most well-rounded urban SUVs in the market. Its continued refinement and feature-rich proposition ensure it stays ahead in one of India’s most competitive segments.
New Entrant of the Year: VinFast India
VinFast takes the New Entrant of the Year award for making a confident and ambitious entry into the Indian automotive space. The Vietnamese automaker has signalled serious intent with its EV-first strategy, global product lineup, and aggressive expansion plans. At a time when India’s EV ecosystem is still evolving, VinFast’s arrival adds fresh competition and accelerates innovation in the segment.
Its willingness to invest earnestly and bring globally benchmarked electric products makes it a brand to watch closely in the coming years.
EV of the Year 2025: Mahindra XEV 9e
The Mahindra XEV 9e wins EV of the Year 2025 for redefining what a modern mainstream electric SUV can offer in India. Built on Mahindra’s dedicated INGLO platform, the XEV 9e combines striking coupe-SUV styling with strong performance and long-range capability.
Add to this a tech-laden cabin, fast-charging capability, and a focus on driving dynamics, and the XEV 9e stands out as a genuinely next-generation product. It represents a major leap forward not just for Mahindra, but for the Indian EV ecosystem as a whole.
Industry Personality of the Year 2025: Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd
Tarun Garg is our Industry Personality of the Year 2025, marking a historic milestone for the Indian automotive sector. As the first Indian to take on the role of Managing Director & CEO at Hyundai Motor India, Garg’s appointment reflects both his leadership credentials and Hyundai’s growing localisation strategy.
Under his leadership, Hyundai has continued to strengthen its portfolio, accelerate its EV roadmap, and maintain its stronghold in key segments. His elevation is not just a personal achievement, but a significant moment for Indian leadership in global automotive corporations.
Design of the Year 2025: Mahindra BE 6
The Mahindra BE 6 takes home the Design of the Year award for its bold, futuristic approach to SUV styling. With its coupe-SUV silhouette, sharp surfacing, and distinctive lighting elements, the BE 6 represents a clear departure from conventional design norms. Built on a born-electric platform, its proportions and stance reflect a clean-sheet approach to design.
It’s not just eye-catching, it signals Mahindra’s new design language for the electric era, making it one of the most visually striking vehicles launched in recent times.
MPV of the Year 2025: Kia Carens Clavis
The Kia Carens Clavis wins MPV of the Year 2025 for redefining what a modern family mover should offer. Blending practicality with premium touches, the Carens Clavis stands out for its spacious cabin, flexible seating configurations, and feature-loaded interior. Kia has managed to elevate the MPV experience by combining comfort, technology, and design in a way that appeals to both families and urban buyers.
Its ability to deliver versatility without compromising on style or features makes it a deserving winner in this category.
Final Thoughts
The winners of the CarBlogIndia Annual Auto Awards 2025 reflect a clear shift in the industry, one towards electrification, design-led thinking, and feature-rich offerings across price points. From the all-round brilliance of the Hyundai Venue to the forward-looking innovation of Mahindra’s EV lineup and the strategic moves by industry leaders, the past year has set the stage for an even more exciting future. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, these winners exemplify the direction in which the industry is headed- smarter, cleaner, and more competitive than ever before.
