The Rise of Compact High-Riders: A Shift in Automotive Preferences

When including the sales of the electric vehicle model, VinFast VF 6, the total consumption of the segment reached over 28,400 units, the highest half-yearly figure to date.

With their high ground clearance, modern designs, ample technological features, and competitive pricing, B-segment CUVs are increasingly favored by consumers, especially first-time car buyers. While traditional sedans in the same price range are witnessing a shrinking market share, with only the Toyota Vios maintaining its position in the top 10 best-selling vehicles across the market, CUVs like the VinFast VF 6 and Toyota Yaris Cross have made their way into this prestigious list.

The VinFast VF 6 has emerged as the best-selling model in the B-segment CUV category, with over 8,500 units sold, outpacing the second-highest gasoline-powered vehicle by approximately 3,100 units. With its reasonable pricing, low operating costs, waived registration fees, and complimentary charging at VinFast stations, this electric vehicle has attracted both individual customers and businesses alike.

Currently, the VF 6 holds approximately 43% of the market share in this segment, showcasing explosive growth within just a year of its market entry.

In the gasoline-powered vehicle group, the Toyota Yaris Cross took the lead thanks to extended promotional campaigns since the beginning of the year. With 5,420 units sold in the first half of 2025, the Yaris Cross experienced a 27% growth rate compared to the same period last year, the highest among its gasoline-powered competitors in this segment.

Its direct rival, the Mitsubishi Xforce, has adjusted its pricing in the past three months to maintain its position, but it still trails the Yaris Cross by 845 units. However, the gap is not insurmountable, and the sales race between these two Japanese models in the second half of the year remains full of variables.

The next two spots in the gasoline-powered vehicle category are occupied by the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Facing shifting consumer trends and intense competition from Toyota and Mitsubishi, analysts predict that the Korean duo will struggle to reclaim their previous leading positions without a more defined strategic approach.

The Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 continue to lag in sales performance. However, the overall segment’s growth has positively impacted both models, with the HR-V achieving sales of nearly 2,600 units (a 13% increase) and the CX-3 selling almost 1,600 units (an 8% increase) compared to the first half of 2024.

The first half of 2025 also witnessed the introduction of two new models in this segment: the Skoda Kushaq and Geely Coolray. Come July, the BYD Atto 2, an electric compact crossover, will join the market, further intensifying the competition in the urban CUV segment.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)