What’s the Best 7-Seater SUV for Around 1.5 Billion VND?

The D-segment SUV market in Vietnam has been vibrant recently, with new models being launched and “veterans” introducing new generations, upgrades, or additional versions. This provides Vietnamese customers seeking a 7-seat SUV in the range of 1.5 billion VND with a plethora of new options, including pure electric vehicles.

New Options Emerge

Recently, BYD introduced the Sealion 8, an electric SUV. This model underwent several name changes in Vietnam, initially known as the BYD Tang, then renamed to Tan EV, and finally settling on Sealion 8 as it is known today.

BYD Sealion 8 is the only electric SUV in the D-segment.

Priced at 1.569 billion VND, the BYD Sealion 8 is currently the most expensive model offered by the brand in the Vietnamese market. Despite having smaller dimensions than the Ford Everest but larger than the Hyundai Santa Fe, this D-segment electric SUV still offers 3 rows of seats, accommodating up to 7 passengers including the driver.

The BYD Sealion 8 is equipped with a dual-motor setup, delivering a maximum output of 509 horsepower and a peak torque of 700 Nm. The 108.8 kWh Blade battery pack provides a maximum driving range of 530 kilometers, as per the WLTP cycle.

With a high price tag for a Chinese vehicle, despite impressive performance specifications and ample features, the Sealion 8 may struggle to attract customers in this price range, where there are more competitive options from Japan, South Korea, Europe, and the United States.

Skoda also introduced the new generation of the Kodiaq, offering two versions priced at 1.45 billion VND and 1.48 billion VND, respectively. The new Skoda Kodiaq features exterior design adjustments for improved aerodynamics, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd.

The new Skoda Kodiaq debuts in Vietnam. Source: Skoda Vietnam.

The interior has also been upgraded, with both versions featuring AGR ergonomic seats with 8-way electric adjustment, 4-way lumbar pump, 3-position memory, and 3-level independent heating. The electronic gearshift has been moved to the steering column, freeing up space in the center console.

Both Skoda Kodiaq versions are powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch wet clutch transmission, producing a maximum output of 190 horsepower and a peak torque of 320 Nm.

Skoda, and the Kodiaq in particular, still need time to build brand recognition and affirm their quality before aiming for a top-selling position in the market.

Another notable D-segment SUV in Vietnam, the Mazda CX-8, also received a recent upgrade. Being a facelift, the changes in the 2025 Mazda CX-8 are primarily focused on the exterior. The grille now features a honeycomb pattern, and the front bumper has been redesigned.

The upgraded Mazda CX-8 is now available. Source: Thaco.

Mazda also renamed the version, changing it from 2.5L Premium AWD to 2.5 Signature AWD. The 6-seat variant of the Mazda CX-8 2.5L Premium AWD (6S) has been discontinued with this upgrade.

Currently, the Mazda CX-8 is offered in three versions in Vietnam, with a starting price of 969 million VND and a highest price of 1.149 billion VND.

The biggest advantage of the Mazda CX-8 and the Kia Sorento – another D-segment SUV distributed by Thaco – is that they are locally assembled, while most competitors, such as the Skoda Kodiaq, BYD Sealion 8, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Isuzu mu-X, GAC GS8, and even the Ford Everest, are imported.

Speaking of the Ford Everest, the best-selling D-segment SUV in Vietnam, it has just introduced a special Sport edition. This version features black accents on the exterior.

The Ford Everest Sport SE, unveiled in Vietnam, showcases a predominantly Snow White exterior, complemented by a black roof. Priced at 1.199 billion VND, it is 21 million VND more expensive than the standard Ford Everest Sport with a Black exterior.

The Ford Everest Sport SE is the newest version of the D-segment SUV in Vietnam. Source: Ford Vietnam.

With the introduction of the Ford Everest Sport SE, the SUV now has a total of five versions available in Vietnam. The advantage of having a diverse range of versions, along with a wide price range – from 1.099 billion VND to 1.545 billion VND – is expected to help the Ford Everest continue its dominance in the segment.

Ford Everest Remains the Segment Leader

In the D-segment SUV category, as reported by the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA) and TC Motor, the Ford Everest continues to showcase its strong sales performance, outpacing its competitors.

In the first quarter, the Ford Everest recorded sales of 2,134 units, just shy of the combined sales of 2,305 units of its six rivals, including the Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-8, Toyota Fortuner, Kia Sorento, Isuzu mu-X, and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Hyundai Santa Fe, the second-best seller in this segment, sold 789 units in Vietnam, falling further behind the Ford Everest. A similar trend is observed with the Mazda CX-8 (635 units in the first quarter), Toyota Fortuner (594 units), and Kia Sorento with 175 units sold so far this year.

The two remaining Japanese models, the Isuzu mu-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, currently occupy the bottom positions in the sales chart. Isuzu mu-X sold 64 units, while Mitsubishi delivered 48 units of the Pajero Sport to Vietnamese customers.

It is worth noting that some models, such as the Skoda Kodiaq and the Chinese duo of BYD Sealion 8 and GAC GS8, are not included in the sales figures mentioned above.

The GAC GS8 is a D-segment SUV from a Chinese automaker. Source: Phuc Hau.

Overall, the Ford Everest continues to showcase its strong sales performance in the D-segment SUV market. Achieving sales figures that account for nearly 50% of the total segment sales is an impressive feat that won’t be easily surpassed.

Ford Everest’s dominance is likely to persist, leading to a stagnant scenario in the 1.5 billion VND SUV segment in Vietnam unless competitors devise effective countermeasures.

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