VinFast VF 7 Surges in Vietnam's C-Segment SUV Market

In the first half of 2026, the C-segment SUV market in Vietnam has seen a significant surge, with the VinFast VF 7 emerging as the second best-selling model, trailing only the Mazda CX-5. The VinFast VF 7 recorded the highest sales growth in the segment, increasing by 91% year-on-year to 6,849 units in the first six months of 2026, up from 3,586 units in the same period of 2025. This performance positions the VF 7 as a strong contender, with a gap of approximately 1,300 units separating it from the segment leader, the Mazda CX-5. The article suggests that the VinFast model has a non-negligible chance of seizing the top spot in the remainder of 2026. The robust sales of the VF 7 are attributed to strong support from various promotional programs, including cash discounts, vouchers, and free charging. Furthermore, Vietnam's 0% registration fee incentive for electric vehicles (EVs) significantly reduces the on-road cost by hundreds of millions of VND compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) rivals, providing a substantial advantage for the VF 7. The C-segment SUV remains one of the few categories where gasoline and diesel vehicles have not been entirely overshadowed by electric cars. This resilience is largely due to the consistent appeal of the Mazda CX-5 and a consumer preference that doesn't solely prioritize low running costs. The CX-5 has maintained its dominance for years, thanks to its accessible pricing, diverse trim options, widely appealing design, and comprehensive features. In the first half of 2026, the Ford Territory saw a modest sales increase of about 9% compared to the same period in 2025. The Ford model is also engaged in a price reduction and feature upgrade race, similar to the CX-5 in 2026. The Territory is currently Ford's second best-selling product after the Ranger. The Mitsubishi Destinator is a new entrant in the C-segment SUV segment for the first half of 2026. Replacing the Outlander, the model has sold nearly 5,200 units in the past six months. Alongside the growing popularity of the VF 7, the arrival of the Destinator has been a primary driver for the overall sales growth of the segment. Vehicles in this category sold a total of 35,239 units, an increase of nearly 46% compared to the same period in 2025. Among the three lowest-selling models in the segment – the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, and Kia Sportage – only the Kia Sportage experienced a sales decline (-10%). While a mid-cycle refresh was launched in early June, the preceding period saw supply constraints and inventory clearance for the Sportage, leading to lower sales in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. As one of Hyundai's two best-selling models (alongside the Creta), the Tucson's sales in the C-segment SUV category are not outstanding. The model ranks fifth in sales, ahead of the CR-V by nearly 1,000 units after the first half of 2026. Source: VnExpress