The CUV/SUV trend has been prevalent in the Vietnamese market over the past 3-4 years. While sedan sales have consistently declined, causing some models to exit the market due to slow sales, high-ground clearance segments, from small to mid-sized, continue to be the primary sales drivers and key growth engines for the entire industry.
In 2025, the most purchased car type by Vietnamese consumers was B-segment CUVs, with 77,636 units sold, a 55,2% increase compared to 2024. This is currently one of the most fiercely competitive segments, with the sales leader changing hands frequently. Past leaders include the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Mitsubishi Xforce, and now the VinFast VF 6.
Top-selling gasoline-powered models, such as the Xforce, Creta, and Seltos, all have starting prices of 599 million VND. The Toyota Yaris Cross, meanwhile, adjusted its price two times since its launch in the latter half of 2023.
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B-segment CUV - Mitsubishi Xforce - on the road in TP HCM. Photo: Thanh Nhan. |
According to industry experts, B-segment CUVs are a popular choice in the market due to their high ground clearance, versatility, advanced technology, and accessible pricing for first-time car buyers or those upgrading from small sedans. Sales of models like the Yaris Cross, Xforce, and Seltos are key drivers for their respective brands.
For the VF 6, the advantage of low operating costs due to its all-electric nature helps this model attract not only individual customers but also transportation service companies. Consequently, VinFast's sales for this model are much higher than the rest, which primarily serve daily commuting needs.
The introduction of affordable pure electric vehicle models from VinFast has disrupted many segments. Models like the VF 5 and VF 3 have propelled sales in segments such as A+-segment CUVs and Mini cars to the top of the market.
The third best-selling segment in the market is C-segment high-ground clearance vehicles, featuring models like the Mazda CX-5, Ford Territory, and Hyundai Tucson. This segment sees a dense concentration of products, similar to B-segment CUVs. With continuous price reductions, the segment's floor price has even dropped to B-segment levels. Demand for versatile, high-ground clearance models with spacious interiors and rich safety technology remains stable.
Among the five best-selling car segments, only small MPVs experienced a sales decline. This group has not yet seen any pure electric models enter. Sales in this segment reached 43,601 units in 2025, a 6,6% decrease compared to 2024. The top-selling model, the Mitsubishi Xpander, is seeing slower sales growth (a 2% increase in 2025 compared to 2024) after many years of previous boom.
If considering only the internal combustion engine segment, in addition to B-segment and C-segment CUVs, Vietnamese customers also favor small MPVs and pickup trucks.
B-segment sedans, where models like the Toyota Vios, Honda City, and Hyundai Accent are present, still attract considerable user interest, but their level of dominance and sales are no longer what they once were. In 2025, the B-segment sedan and hatchback group sold 39,303 units, a nearly 16% decrease compared to 2024.
Pham Trung
