The Mid-Sized MPV Battle Heats Up: Custin vs Innova Cross

The Evolution of the 7-Seater MPV Segment in Vietnam: Hyundai Custin and Toyota Innova Cross Lead the Pack

The 7-seater MPV segment in Vietnam underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of the Mitsubishi Xpander. Prior to its launch, the category was a close competition among the Toyota Innova, Kia Carens, and Nissan Grand Livina, with no distinct size differentiation. The entry of the Xpander prompted a shift, leading to the creation of a small MPV group, leaving the Toyota Innova as the sole contender in the medium-sized MPV segment for a while.

However, the landscape changed with the introduction of the Hyundai Custin and the Toyota Innova Cross, sparking a new rivalry in the medium-sized MPV market. In September, TC Motor reported sales of 302 Hyundai Custin units, bringing its year-to-date sales to 1,948 units. Meanwhile, the Toyota Innova Cross recorded monthly sales of 530 units, accumulating 3,270 sales since the beginning of the year. On the other hand, the Toyota Innova, once the dominant player in the segment, witnessed a decline, selling only 38 units in the same month. Its year-to-date sales stood at 472 units, further distancing itself from the top spot.

The battle for the leadership in this segment now lies between the Toyota Innova Cross and the Hyundai Custin, both of which are relatively new to the Vietnamese market. The Hyundai Custin was launched in September 2023, followed by the introduction of the Toyota Innova Cross a month later.

A year ago, the Toyota Innova Cross recorded sales of 529 units in its first three months, while the Hyundai Custin outperformed it with 1,662 units sold during the same period. With a limited number of options currently available in this segment, the head-to-head competition between the Hyundai Custin and the Toyota Innova Cross is expected to persist, at least until the end of this year.

The Hyundai Custin is offered in three variants in Vietnam, all of which feature turbocharged gasoline engines paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Two of the variants are powered by a 1.5T-GDi engine, delivering 170 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque. The third option is equipped with a 2.0L engine, generating 236 horsepower and 353 Nm of torque.

The Hyundai Custin’s engine options offer a balance between performance and efficiency.

In comparison, the Toyota Innova Cross comes in two variants: a pure gasoline model and a hybrid (HEV) version. The gasoline-powered engine produces 172 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque, while the HEV variant delivers 150 horsepower and 188 Nm of torque. Both options are paired with a CVT transmission.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Custin’s 1.5T variant boasts a combined fuel consumption of approximately 6.91 liters per 100 kilometers, while the 2.0T variant consumes 8.49 liters per 100 kilometers. The Toyota Innova Cross, on the other hand, has a more economical HEV variant, consuming just 4.92 liters per 100 kilometers. The pure gasoline model of the Innova Cross has a combined fuel consumption of 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers.

In terms of design, the Hyundai Custin offers the convenience of sliding doors, which may appeal to some customers. Additionally, the Hyundai Custin is locally assembled in Vietnam, while the Toyota Innova Cross is imported from Indonesia. Price-wise, the Hyundai Custin ranges from 820 million to 974 million VND, while the Toyota Innova Cross starts at 810 million VND for the gasoline model and goes up to 990 million VND for the HEV variant.

New Entrants to Spice Up the Competition

The medium-sized MPV segment in Vietnam is about to get even more exciting with the introduction of two new players: the BYD M6 and the GAC M6. Both vehicles are from Chinese brands and offer different propulsion options, with one being a pure gasoline model and the other a pure electric MPV.

The GAC M6 is set to make its debut at the upcoming Vietnam Motor Show 2024 (VMS 2024), and its launch is highly anticipated. On the other hand, the BYD M6 was just introduced to the Vietnamese market last week, alongside the BYD Han, a pure electric sedan.

The BYD M6 is the latest entrant to the medium-sized MPV segment, offering an electric option.

The BYD M6 enters the market with a competitive price of 756 million VND, undercutting the Toyota Innova Cross (810-990 million VND) and the Hyundai Custin (820-974 million VND). It also offers a similar price point to the Toyota Innova, which is priced at 755 million VND. The BYD M6’s advantage lies in its electric powertrain and modern technology, but it also faces challenges related to brand perception and the current state of charging infrastructure in Vietnam.

Overall, the arrival of the BYD M6 and the upcoming GAC M6 is expected to inject new life into the medium-sized MPV segment, much like how the Hyundai Custin and Toyota Innova Cross revitalized the market when they were introduced in the last quarter of 2023.

Looking ahead, it is anticipated that the Hyundai Custin will continue to pose a strong challenge to the Toyota Innova Cross, and the introduction of new entrants will prevent the segment from stagnating, paving the way for future growth.

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