The question of how to unseat the Mitsubishi Xpander as the best-selling small 7-seater family car remains unanswered for its rivals. After the first half of 2026, Xpander maintains a significant sales lead over the Toyota Avanza and Veloz, its two primary competitors.

In the first six months of 2026, Xpander, including the Cross variant, sold 7,791 units. Despite a slight sales decrease of nearly 5% compared to the same period in 2025, the Mitsubishi model remains the segment's most popular vehicle. Xpander also ranked among the top 10 best-selling cars in the market during the first half of the year, securing the third position among internal combustion engine vehicles.

Xpander receives more frequent equipment and design updates than its two Toyota rivals, Veloz and Avanza. Mitsubishi also consistently offers promotions, such as 100% registration fee waivers or accessory packages for the Xpander, helping to maintain the "cash cow" model's competitiveness in the market.

Toyota's two models achieved 5,524 units in sales, marking an increase of over 48% compared to the same period last year. In their initial years on the market, the sales contribution ratio for Veloz and Avanza within Toyota's small MPV lineup was approximately 70:30. However, over time, the advantage has increasingly shifted towards Veloz.

Avanza is a more affordable version of the Veloz, offering fewer features. However, continuous price reductions have made the Veloz, with its enhanced amenities and modern exterior, a more attractive and cost-effective option, which customers generally prioritize over the Avanza.

Veloz currently accounts for approximately 92% of Toyota's small MPV sales, with Avanza contributing the remaining 8%. Over the past two years, these two models have not received significant upgrades. However, consecutive registration fee promotions and a more stable supply in 2026 have substantially boosted their overall sales by approximately 62% compared to the first six months of 2025.

Xpander 2026 at a dealership in Ha Noi. Photo: Luong Dung

Kia Carens also experienced a positive sales performance in the first half of 2026. The distributor, Thaco, streamlined the number of variants and reduced retail prices, providing a sales boost for the Carens, a model previously in the slow-selling category. Carens delivered 2,476 units to customers over the past six months, an increase of approximately 38% compared to the same period in 2025.

Other models, including the Hyundai Stargazer, Honda BR-V, Suzuki XL7, and Toyota Avanza, each sold no more than 2,000 units during the first six months of 2026. Among these, the Stargazer was the only model to experience sales growth.

The updated Stargazer was launched in 3/2026, preceded by dealers clearing existing inventory, which helped boost sales for the Korean MPV. Hyundai Stargazer's sales increased by approximately 14% in the first half of 2026.

Overall, the small MPV segment saw 20,045 units sold in the market during the first six months of 2026, a slight increase of 7,6% compared to the same period in 2025. Xpander holds the largest market share at approximately 39%, followed by Toyota Avanza and Veloz combined at 27,5%, and Carens at 12,4%.

Pham Trung