SUVs - the new choice for Vietnamese people.

With a budget of around one billion VND, many customers are gradually shifting from traditional sedans to more versatile SUVs or crossovers.

Since early 2014, the Vietnamese automotive market has begun to develop in line with global trends, favoring high-ground-clearance vehicles. Traditional low-ground-clearance models like sedans and hatchbacks are gradually becoming less popular, ceding market share to SUVs, crossovers, MPVs, and pickup trucks.

Automotive market segments in Vietnam

An analysis based on sales figures for vehicles belonging to VAMA (Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association) shows that the C-segment SUV market share is gradually increasing, while the D-segment sedan market, including models like the Camry and Sonata, is shrinking. The C-segment crossover market, priced around one billion VND, reasonably meets the needs of both individuals and families. Representatives of this segment include...Honda CR-V,Mazda CX-5,Kia Sportage,Hyundai Tucson,Mitsubishi Outlander,Chevrolet Captiva.

1. Mazda CX-5

According to VAMA data, in the first six months of 2016, Mazda sold 3,859 CX-5 vehicles, leading the C-segment crossover market and far surpassing its closest competitor, the Honda CR-V.The CX-5 and Mazda3 are two models that have helped the Mazda brand grow strongly in the Vietnamese market over the past 2-3 years.

The CX-5's strengths in winning over customers lie in its design and features, although its driving experience may not be as exhilarating as the Honda CR-V. The car comes in three versions with 2 or 2.5-liter engines, priced from 1,039 to 1,098 million VND.

2. Honda CR-V

Like the CX-5, the Honda CR-V is a new trend-setting model, although its new rear design has sparked much debate. Some like it, some don't, but the cargo space is significantly more spacious. In the first half of 2016, 1,994 units were sold.

The CR-V comes in two versions: 2-liter and 2.4-liter. In terms of driving feel, the CR-V possesses qualities that its competitor, the CX-5, lacks: a sporty feel, responsive throttle, and precise steering comparable to German cars. The car is priced at 1,008 and 1,158 million VND for the two versions.

3. Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson is increasingly resembling its larger sibling, the Santa Fe. The Korean SUV competes with a fresh, fluid-sculpted design that's sleek and appealing to both men and women. While also offering many features, Hyundai tries to differentiate the Tucson by offering three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport, although the differences aren't significant.

The Tucson comes in two versions: a standard version priced at 905 million VND and a limited edition version priced at 995 million VND. The price may be more competitive compared to its two Japanese rivals, but the engine is smaller. Both versions use a 2-liter engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Sales figures for the Tucson are not publicly available, and Hyundai Thanh Cong, the distributor, is not a member of VAMA (Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association).

4. Kia Sportage

Despite sharing the same platform and technology as its sibling, the Tucson, the Sportage has failed to make as strong an impression as its competitors in the Vietnamese market. In recent years, Sportage sales have consistently been sluggish, sometimes even ranking among the slowest-selling cars in the market.

The Kia Sportage launched a new version in October 2015 with a controversial redesign that was both modern and somewhat quirky. However, in the first six months of the year, the new version hasn't shown any significant breakthroughs, with sales reaching only 99 units, making it the slowest-selling crossover in its segment. It uses the same 2-liter Nu engine as the Tucson. The price is 1.048 million VND.

5. Chevrolet Captiva

The Chevrolet Captiva is on its way to reclaiming its former glory. Once the best-selling SUV in Vietnam in 2007-2008, a series of issues including high fuel consumption, minor faults, and a lack of design and equipment updates caused the Captiva to gradually lose its appeal.

In its new generation, the Captiva boasts significant improvements, such as blind spot sensors and fairly good sound insulation for city driving, making it a strong contender. However, a drawback is the slight lag in acceleration, so the Captiva won't be the choice for those who like to aggressively accelerate and brake. Nevertheless, the new Captiva has initially shown positive changes, with sales reaching 402 units in the first half of 2016.

The Chevrolet Captiva is significantly more affordable than its competitors. It has a 2.4-liter gasoline engine and is priced at 879 million VND.

6. Mitsubishi Outlander

Globally, the Outlander Sport is a smaller version of the Outlander. The manufacturer positions the Sport version in the same segment as the Honda CR-V, despite its relatively smaller size.In the new 2016 version introduced in Vietnam on August 6th, the Japanese automaker dropped the Sport variant and brought in the Outlander instead.

The new Outlander retains its wheelbase of 2,670 mm, the same as the previous Outlander Sport, which is about 30 mm shorter than the CR-V and CX-5. Conversely, the vehicle's length is 4,695 mm, 115 mm longer than the CR-V.For the first time, the new Dynamic Shield design language has been applied to the Outlander. Now, the crossover's appearance looks relatively similar to its larger sibling, the Pajero Sport.

The car comes in three versions with two engine options: 2.0 CVT and 2.4 CVT. The prices are 975 million, 1.123 million, and 1.275 million VND respectively. The two lower versions are 5-seater, similar to competitors, while the top-of-the-line version offers 5+2 seats. With this pricing and design, the Outlander aims to compete in the same segment as the CR-V and even higher-end models like the Santa Fe.

According to VNE