Seven models from Ford, Skoda, Jaecoo (Chery), BYD, Geely, Subaru, and Dongfeng are competing in the C-segment high-riding vehicle category. Chinese brands dominate the nominations, including the Jaecoo J7, BYD Sealion 6, Geely EX5, and Dongfeng Mage. The three other nominees are the Ford Territory, Skoda Karoq, and Subaru Forester. Here are the details of the nominees competing for the 2025 car of the year in the C-segment high-riding vehicle category:
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Ford Territory
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New Ford Territory. Photo: Luong Dung |
The new Territory debuted at Ford's 30th anniversary event in Vietnam on 15/8. The 2025 Territory is locally assembled and sold in three versions, priced from 762-896 million dong.
The new version of the Ford model features a refined exterior design. Its interior and engine remain unchanged from the previous model. For the first time, the American automaker offers a dedicated app for phone-connected vehicle management. The top-tier version includes an active safety system with multiple features.
Skoda Karoq
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Skoda Karoq 2025 on the road in Hanoi. Photo: Luong Dung |
The new Karoq version launched in the vietnam market in late may. The 2025 Karoq features design upgrades, additional safety features, new technology, and convenience equipment. It is sold in two versions with a slight price increase compared to the previous model. The 2025 Karoq's engine remains a 1,4-liter turbocharged unit, paired with an 8AT gearbox and front-wheel drive.
With a price exceeding one billion dong, the 2025 Karoq is more expensive than best-selling rivals in its segment, such as the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Territory. This poses a challenge for Skoda to attract customers, despite its European brand identity.
Jaecoo J7
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Jaecoo J7 during the Car Awards judges' car test, november 2025. Photo: Luong Dung |
The new Jaecoo J7, from a Chinese brand, launched in the C-segment high-riding vehicle segment in early 2025. The J7 is officially imported from Malaysia and sold in three versions. The J7 stands out with its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant, the first in its segment. It features a 1,5-liter petrol engine combined with an electric motor and an 18,3 kWh battery. According to official announcements, the J7 has a range of up to 1.300 km with a full tank and battery. In EV mode, it can travel 106 km.
The J7's exterior design is angular, adopting a European style. The interior features a large infotainment screen. Additionally, the car is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technology offering multiple features.
BYD Sealion 6
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BYD Sealion 6 during the Car Awards judges' car test, november 2025. Photo: Luong Dung |
Another new Chinese entrant, the BYD Sealion 6, launched in the market in april. This is the second PHEV model in the C-segment high-riding vehicle category, following the Jaecoo J7. The Sealion 6 is officially imported from Thailand.
The Sealion 6 features a rounded exterior design with a strong brand identity. Its interior showcases a distinctive Chinese automotive style. The PHEV powertrain offers versatile and fuel-efficient operation. Furthermore, the BYD model is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technology with many features.
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Geely EX5
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Geely EX5 during the Car Awards judges' car test, november 2025. Photo: Luong Dung |
The EX5 launched in the market in july, marking Geely's first electric vehicle in Vietnam. It is imported from China and sold in two versions.
The EX5's exterior design is rounded with simple, curved lines, distinguishing it from other electric vehicles in Vietnam. Its interior, however, is a highlight, featuring an attractive design, premium materials, and high-quality finishing.
Subaru Forester
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Subaru Forester during the Car Awards judges' car test, november 2025. Photo: Luong Dung |
The new generation Forester launched to vietnamese customers on 12/11. This generation is imported from Japan, a change from the previous generation which came from Thailand. It is sold in two versions, with a price increase of 200 million dong.
The 2025 Forester's design is more refined than its predecessor, yet it maintains a conservative, characteristically japanese appeal. The interior features a new design with a vertical infotainment screen and a dashboard displaying various parameters. The vehicle uses a new 2,5-liter boxer engine and is equipped with many safety features.
Dongfeng Mage
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New C-segment high-riding vehicle Dongfeng Mage. Photo: Dongfeng |
The new C-segment high-riding vehicle from China, the Dongfeng Mage, launched in the vietnam market in october. It is officially imported from China and sold in two versions.
The Mage's exterior design is sporty, rugged, and angular. The interior features a modern style with an electronic gear selector. It is equipped with a 1,5-liter turbocharged engine, and a hybrid version adds an electric motor. The vehicle includes many safety features.
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Luong Dung
