The D-SUV Battle: Can the New Hyundai Santa Fe Overtake the Ford Everest?

The D-segment SUV market saw positive growth across all models in September 2024, but none could surpass the segment leader, Ford Everest.

D-segment SUV sales table for September 2024 (units: vehicles)

Ford Everest: 948 units

Ford sold 948 units of the Everest to Vietnamese customers in September, a growth of 16.7%. With these results, the Ford Everest maintains its position as the leader in the D-segment SUV market.

This achievement can be attributed to the attractive promotions with discounts of up to VND 109 million in September 2024. Ford continues these promotions in October to compete with domestically produced and assembled rivals.

The Ford Everest in Vietnam offers 6 versions with prices ranging from VND 1.099 billion to VND 1.545 billion. This “top-notch” SUV features a stunning design, spacious 7-seat interior, and comprehensive convenience and safety features.

The Ford Everest in Vietnam is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel engine in two variants. The first is a single-turbo engine that produces a maximum of 170 horsepower and 405 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The second is a bi-turbo engine that generates 210 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and exclusively offered in the high-end trims.

Hyundai Santa Fe: 758 units

Similar to its rival, the Hyundai Santa Fe also had a successful month in September 2024. This Korean model sold 758 units, a growth of 48.3%. As a result, the Hyundai Santa Fe ranks second in the D-segment SUV market in terms of sales.

The new generation Santa Fe, launched in Vietnam on September 18, is a key driver of this growth. It offers 5 versions with prices ranging from VND 1.069 billion to VND 1.365 billion. Compared to the previous generation, the price of this Korean model has increased significantly. However, it now boasts a redesigned exterior, enhanced interior features, and an upgraded engine.

Under the hood of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is a choice of two Smartstream 4-cylinder gasoline engines. The first is a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine that produces 194 horsepower and 246 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel or HTRAC all-wheel drive.

The second is a 2.5L turbocharged engine that delivers 281 horsepower and 422 Nm of torque. This engine is coupled with a wet 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and HTRAC all-wheel drive.

Thus, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe becomes the most powerful SUV in the D-segment. However, it no longer offers a diesel engine option, which is popular in the Vietnamese market.

Toyota Fortuner: 451 units

The Toyota Fortuner had the highest growth rate in the D-segment SUV market in September 2024. With sales of 451 units, a growth of 91.1%, the Toyota Fortuner ranks third in the segment.

The Toyota Fortuner in Vietnam offers 5 versions with prices ranging from VND 1.055 billion to VND 1.35 billion, similar to its competitors in the segment. For this price, customers will enjoy notable features such as a 9-inch touchscreen display and wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Toyota Fortuner in Vietnam is available with three engine options: a 2.4L diesel, a 2.8L diesel, and a 2.7L gasoline engine. The respective performance figures for these engines are 147 horsepower/400 Nm, 201 horsepower/500 Nm, and 164 horsepower/245 Nm. These engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel or 4WD.

Mazda CX-8: 319 units

Ranking fourth in the D-segment SUV market is the Mazda CX-8. In September, this model sold 319 units, a growth of 51.9%.

The Mazda CX-8 is currently one of the most affordable SUVs in the D-segment, with prices ranging from VND 949 million to VND 1.129 billion. Additionally, it benefits from the government’s 50% reduction in registration fees for domestically produced and assembled vehicles.

Beyond its competitive pricing, the Mazda CX-8 maintains stable sales thanks to its appealing design, spacious interior, and rich convenience and safety features. It is powered by a 2.5L Skyactiv-G gasoline engine that delivers 188 horsepower and 252 Nm of torque. This is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel or AWD.

Kia Sorento: 116 units

In September 2024, the Kia Sorento experienced significant growth of 87%. However, its actual sales were modest at only 116 units. Therefore, this Korean model has not been able to improve its ranking in the segment.

The Kia Sorento in the Vietnamese market offers a total of 12 versions with prices ranging from VND 964 million to VND 1.499 billion. It is the model with the most versions and the highest price in the D-segment SUV market.

The Kia Sorento also offers a diverse range of four engine options. The first is a 2.5 MPI Smartstream gasoline engine that produces 177 horsepower and 232 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The second is a 2.2 Smartstream diesel engine that generates 198 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque, combined with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The third option is a hybrid powertrain with a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine producing 178 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque. This is combined with a 60 horsepower/264 Nm electric motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Finally, there is a plug-in hybrid powertrain with the same 1.6L gasoline engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. However, it is paired with a more powerful 90 horsepower/304 Nm electric motor.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: 68 units

Following the Kia Sorento is the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, which continues to rank low compared to its competitors. It sold only 68 units, a growth of 41.6%.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is currently one of the D-segment SUVs with the largest promotions in October 2024. The company is offering to cover 100% of the registration fee, saving customers between VND 113 million and VND 136 million, depending on the version. Additionally, each purchase comes with a fuel voucher worth VND 35 million.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in Vietnam has two versions: Diesel 4×2 AT and Diesel 4×4 AT, with prices ranging from VND 1.13 billion to VND 1.365 billion. One disadvantage of this mid-size SUV is its less appealing design, which has not been upgraded in a while.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is equipped with a 2.4L MIVEC diesel engine that delivers 178 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. It offers two drivetrain options: 2WD and 4WD with a rear differential lock.

Isuzu mu-X: 36 units

The Isuzu mu-X remains the lowest-selling model in the D-segment SUV market in September 2024, with sales of only 36 units, a growth of 80%. It was also one of the 10 lowest-selling vehicles in the Vietnamese market last month.

To enhance its competitiveness, the Isuzu mu-X is currently being offered with significant discounts by dealerships. Some dealers in Hanoi are offering price reductions of up to VND 100 million to VND 215 million for this D-segment SUV. As a result, the actual selling price of the Isuzu mu-X at dealerships ranges from only VND 811 million to VND 1.04 billion.

Despite its attractive pricing, the Isuzu mu-X lacks strengths in terms of design and features. Additionally, it has not received any significant upgrades in a while.

The Isuzu mu-X is powered by a 1.9L 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 150 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. In the high-end version, the engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The other versions come with 2WD.