Given the specific needs of Vietnamese customers, particularly multi-generational families, and ride-hailing businesses, the 7-seater segment has recently attracted significant attention. While entry-level models start around 600 million VND, vehicles offering adequate amenities typically fall within the 700 to 750 million VND range. In this price bracket, mid-size MPVs are the dominant choice, with CUVs being less common.

Chinese manufacturers account for the largest number of options, including models like the GAC M6 Pro, BYD M6, and MG G50. The Kia Carens, a compact MPV, stands out with its 1.4T Signature version priced at 769 million VND. Vietnamese automaker VinFast is set to join the race in 2025 with the Limo Green, designed primarily for commercial services. By early 12/2024, two more options were introduced to this segment: the Toyota Innova Cross 2.0G and the Mitsubishi Destinator Premium standard version.

Below are the 7-seater vehicle options, listed from lowest to highest price, all hovering around the 750 million VND mark:

Toyota Innova Cross 2.0G - 730 million VND

After discontinuing the old MT version, Toyota Vietnam introduced the 2.0G variant of the Innova Cross as a replacement, priced at 730 million VND. This model targets the MPV segment around 750 million VND, competing with gasoline and electric rivals.

Innova Cross 2.0G at a dealership. Photo: Nhat Cuong

Toyota omitted several features and safety technologies found in the V and HEV versions to offer a more accessible price for the G variant. The vehicle is built on the Japanese manufacturer's global TNGA platform and is imported from Indonesia.

The lowest-priced Innova Cross benefits from strong brand recognition and the spacious interior of a true 8-seater MPV. However, it offers fewer amenities compared to competitors in its price range.

Mitsubishi Destinator Premium - 739 million VND

The Destinator Premium (739 million VND, promotional price in 12/2024) is the only 7-seater crossover (CUV) available for under 750 million VND. Other 7-seater CUVs like the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan are priced above 1 billion VND.

Destinator at its launch event in TP HCM in early 12/2024. Photo: Thanh Nhan

With a design and features new to the segment, the Destinator blends CUV characteristics with MPV versatility. It is a multi-purpose vehicle designed to meet diverse family needs.

The Destinator Premium boasts a masculine design, high ground clearance, and multiple integrated driving modes. While its third-row space is not as generous as mid-size MPVs, it is adequate for adults on shorter journeys.

MG G50 1.5AT Luxury - 749 million VND

The top-tier G50 Luxury version, priced at 749 million VND, targets family buyers. Two lower versions are available for ride-hailing services, prioritizing low initial investment costs.

G50 Luxury version driving in Nha Trang. Photo: Thanh Nhan

The most expensive MG G50 offers both 7-seater and 8-seater configurations, both priced at 749 million VND. The 7-seater version features two captain's chairs in the middle row. The vehicle appeals to customers with its practicality, offering sufficient and user-friendly amenities, and ample space for adults across all three rows.

Among mainstream internal combustion engine MPVs, the G50's 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (automatic version) is a rare feature. A challenge for the MG model is its brand recognition, as it enters a segment long dominated by Japanese manufacturers.

VinFast Limo Green - 749 million VND

VinFast's sales volume is expected to increase with the introduction of the Limo Green, priced at 749 million VND. This model, with its adequate amenities, is primarily aimed at the ride-hailing sector. The Vietnamese company announced that a version for family customers will be launched soon.

Limo Green at a test drive event in Ha Noi. Photo: Luong Dung

The VinFast Limo Green offers fewer amenities and safety technologies compared to the BYD M6. However, it benefits from VinFast's extensive charging station network, which currently offers free charging to customers until 6/2027.

Similar to its BYD competitor, the Limo Green also offers advantages in acceleration and optimized operating costs for commercial use. In its first three months on sale, the VinFast model sold over 6,500 units, dominating the mid-size MPV segment and ranking second overall among MPVs, after the Mitsubishi Xpander (compact MPV).

BYD M6 - 756 million VND

China's largest new energy vehicle manufacturer is strengthening partnerships with transport service businesses and individuals in Vietnam with its all-electric MPV, the M6. Thanks to its lower operating costs compared to gasoline cars in the same segment, the M6 is an attractive option for customers seeking new experiences and prioritizing profit optimization for their businesses.

BYD M6 at its launch event in Ha Noi in 10/2024. Photo: Minh Quan

The BYD M6 is available in a single version priced at 749 million VND. It offers superior amenities and safety technologies compared to its gasoline-powered rivals in the segment. The multi-link rear suspension provides a smoother ride than most competitors that use dependent (torsion beam) suspensions.

A consideration for BYD M6 owners is the longer charging time, range, and a charging station network that is not yet as optimized or widespread as gasoline stations. Currently, BYD customers charge their vehicles at dealerships, at home, or at public charging stations developed and operated by third parties.

Kia Carens 1.4T Signature - 769 million VND

The 1.4T turbocharged engine variant is the most expensive version of the compact MPV, the Carens. Its price of 769 million VND enters the mid-size MPV segment, which typically features larger vehicles.

Carens 1.4T version at the Kia factory in Da Nang. Photo: Kia Vietnam

The 1.4T Signature version boasts the highest engine performance and the most extensive list of amenities and safety features among the Kia Carens options. Thaco positions the Carens as an SUV, despite its structure and functionality remaining purely MPV.

The higher price of the Kia Carens 1.4T Signature compared to many mid-size MPVs, coupled with its smaller interior space, is a key consideration for customers.

GAC M6 Pro - 699-799 million VND

Compared to its compatriot rival, the G50, the GAC M6 Pro is more distinctly aimed at family buyers, with both versions offering only a 7-seater configuration. The middle row features two captain's chairs, providing comfort for both short and long journeys.

M6 Pro at VMS 2024 in 10/2024 in TP HCM. Photo: Pham Trung

With prices set at 699 million and 799 million VND, a difference of 100 million VND, the lower-priced M6 Pro targets budget-conscious customers who prioritize practicality. The higher-end version offers a wider range of driving assistance technologies and abundant amenities.

The M6 Pro also faces challenges as a Chinese brand that has been in Vietnam for less than two years, meaning its product quality has not had sufficient time for verification. Compared to MG, which has an extensive dealership network across three regions, GAC's presence is more modest.

Thanh Nhan