In february, as the overall market experienced a sales decline due to the Tet Lunar New Year holiday break, the C-segment CUV category followed suit. Sales rankings for models in this segment remained largely unchanged compared to january, with the exception of the VinFast VF 7, which climbed to become the third best-selling vehicle.

The Mazda CX-5 continued to demonstrate its strength and strongest customer appeal in the segment. This Mazda model alone achieved sales in the thousands within the segment and entered the top 10 best-selling vehicles across the entire industry.

The CX-5 is a consistently strong seller, having been the most popular name in the C-segment CUV group for the past six consecutive years. Its neutral exterior, sufficient features, and one of the most attractive price points in the segment make the CX-5 appealing to both male and female customers. While competitors frequently update their designs and features, the Mazda CX-5 has undergone fewer changes. In its newest generation (set to be sold in 2026), apart from the interior, the CX-5's exterior resembles a mid-cycle refresh. The CX-5 is not flashy, but its design endures over time.

In contrast to the CX-5's leading appeal is the flagging performance of the Kia Sportage. This Korean model is also assembled and distributed by Truong Hai (Thaco), but it recorded the lowest sales in the segment. According to a former sales manager at a Korean car dealership in TP HCM, Vietnamese consumers tend to prioritize Japanese cars over Korean ones when there is not a significant difference in price or features. The CX-5 is currently priced from 749 million dong, while the Sportage starts from 779 million dong.

The Sportage at the Kia factory premises in Da Nang (formerly Quang Nam). Photo: Thaco.

In february, the Sportage sold 77 units, making it the only model with sales not reaching the hundreds. The Kia model recorded the lowest sales in the segment and also saw the largest decrease, at 58,2% compared to january.

The C-segment is becoming accustomed to the VinFast VF 7's position among the three best-selling products. The gap between the Vietnamese model and the Hyundai Tucson is very narrow, promising significant fluctuations in the near future. Meanwhile, the Ford Territory continues to pursue the CX-5, although its chances of dethroning the segment leader are slim.

The Honda CR-V received a minor update and transitioned from imported to locally assembled for its hybrid version in early 2026, resulting in limited supply and sales at the lower end of the segment. Mitsubishi Destinator sales are stagnating after two booming months due to supply shortages.

Pham Trung