In the Vietnamese auto market, segments like B-segment sedans, B-segment MPVs, pickup trucks, and C-segment crossovers have seen consistent competition for years. Within the small 7-seater MPV segment, the Mitsubishi Xpander remains a dominant force.

In July, Mitsubishi's model continued to sell over 1,000 units per month, a feat few competitors in the segment achieve. Xpander ranked third in the list of best-selling gasoline and diesel vehicles in July, while its sibling, the Xforce, ranked sixth. As the market saw widespread discounts, the Japanese automaker also offered substantial promotions for its flagship MPV, covering 50% of the registration fee.

With discounts ranging from 28 to 35 million VND, the Xpander further solidified its competitive edge, building upon its leading appeal in the segment, maintained for years. Moreover, many distributors offered additional incentives to attract customers. The Japanese model holds a 44% market share, meaning nearly one out of every two MPVs sold is an Xpander.

The Mitsubishi model's strength overshadows its rivals. The Toyota Avanza and Veloz initially enjoyed strong sales upon the new generation's release, closely trailing the Xpander with combined sales of around 1,000 units per month or more. However, the competitiveness of Toyota's MPV duo has since declined.

The Veloz remains Toyota's main MPV, while the Avanza now sells slower than even those once struggling to find buyers, such as the Honda BR-V and Hyundai Stargazer. The combined sales of Avanza and Veloz after the first 7 months of 2025 totaled over 4,600 vehicles, representing approximately 21% of the market share.

From left to right: Xpander, XL7, Stargazer, Veloz. Photo: MMV, Thanh Nhan, HTC, TMV.

From left to right: Xpander, XL7, Stargazer, Veloz. Photo: MMV, Thanh Nhan, HTC, TMV.

The BR-V has seen the most significant improvement in both position and sales. Over the past 7 months, its cumulative sales exceeded 2,300 units, a 23% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

The Honda BR-V benefits from brand recognition and driving experience, but its smaller size results in a somewhat more limited interior space compared to competitors. Its higher price point also makes it less accessible to the masses, especially those in the service industry.

The Kia Carens offers a unique style in the segment, resembling a crossover (CUV/SUV) rather than a traditional MPV.

The Carens returned to the segment in late 2022, after Japanese rivals had already established their dominance. The budget-friendly segment, targeting service businesses, is largely held by the Xpander, Avanza, Veloz, and Ertiga. Families, meanwhile, have more choices, including the BR-V and Xpander. This makes it difficult for the Kia model to break into the top sales ranks.

The Hyundai Stargazer generated attention with its low pricing by Thanh Cong, its assembler and distributor. However, its polarizing exterior design has hindered its sales breakthrough.

The Suzuki XL7 experienced the second-largest sales decline (-24%) in the segment, after the Avanza (-39%). With increasing options for service businesses in the market, the XL7's price advantage has diminished.

The Suzuki model is currently the only vehicle in the segment equipped with a mild hybrid engine. After the Ertiga's discontinuation, the XL7 represents Suzuki's remaining hope in this top-selling segment. In late 2025, Suzuki will introduce the Fronx, an A+ segment CUV imported from Indonesia.

Pham Trung