The Top Affordable SUV/CUV Models Worth Buying in the Current Market

The biggest strength of SUV/CUV vehicles is their large ground clearance. This allows the vehicles to move flexibly on various terrains such as bumpy roads, rough roads, steep slopes, flooded roads, dirt roads, off-road… Meanwhile, low-bodied vehicles like sedans, hatchbacks, or MPVs are severely limited on these types of roads.

Furthermore, SUV/CUV vehicles have larger interior space and higher ceiling height compared to low-bodied vehicles like sedans or hatchbacks. SUV/CUV vehicles usually have configurations of 5 seats, 5+2 seats, or 7 seats. The seats are comfortable and can be flexibly folded to expand the luggage compartment.

Here are some popular SUV/CUV models currently available on the market:

1. Kia Seltos (639 – 759 million VND)

Since its launch in the Vietnamese market, Kia Seltos has become a highly popular compact SUV, creating fierce competition in terms of sales. The Kia Seltos 2022 is assembled and distributed domestically by THACO with 4 versions: 1.4L Turbo Deluxe, 1.4L Turbo Luxury, 1.4L Turbo Premium, and 1.6L Premium.

The design of the Kia Seltos is highly appreciated for its modern lines while still maintaining the distinctive characteristics of Kia cars. The exterior of the Seltos provides a youthful, dynamic, and masculine feeling.

Kia Seltos in Vietnam has 2 engine options:

Kappa 1.4L T-GDi (Turbo) engine with maximum power of 138 horsepower, maximum torque of 242Nm, combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Kappa 1.6L MPI engine with maximum power of 128 horsepower, maximum torque of 157Nm, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

2. Kia Sonet (499 – 624 million VND)

Consistently facing high demand since its launch, Sonet is another successful compact SUV from the Korean brand. From the beginning of the year until the end of August, Sonet achieved sales of nearly 6,400 units, ranking 4th in terms of sales for Kia Vietnam.

Belonging to the A-segment SUV/CUV, the Kia Sonet has a compact size with a wheelbase of 2,500 mm, similar to B-segment sedans like the Toyota Vios or Mazda 2. However, the ground clearance is impressive with a height of 205mm, higher than the Kia Seltos (190mm), and even higher than some C-segment crossovers like the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, or Honda CR-V.

Kia Sonet stands out with its compact, dynamic, and modern design. In terms of overall appearance, many reviews describe the Kia Sonet as a shrunken “Sorento” but with a more youthful touch.

The Kia Sonet in Vietnam is equipped with a Smartstream 1.5L gasoline engine producing a maximum power of 113 horsepower and a maximum torque of 144Nm, combined with a 6-speed manual transmission or a Smartstream IVT CVT automatic transmission.

3. Toyota Corolla Cross (746 – 936 million VND)

Although it has only been introduced to the Vietnamese market for less than 2 years, the Toyota Corolla Cross has proven its position by consistently being listed among the top 5 best-selling 5-seat SUVs every month, and even every year. Starting as a newcomer, the Toyota Corolla Cross quickly became the top choice in the current market in various aspects.

The design of the Corolla Cross is highly praised for its youthful, modern style while still conveying a strong sense of Toyota identity.

The Toyota Corolla Cross has 2 engine options:

1.8L gasoline engine with maximum power of 138 horsepower, maximum torque of 172 Nm.

Hybrid engine combining a 1.8L 2ZR-FE 4-cylinder inline gasoline engine with a maximum power of 138 horsepower at 6,400 rpm, maximum torque of 172Nm at 4,000 rpm, and an electric motor with a maximum power of 53 horsepower, maximum torque of 163Nm.

Both engine options are paired with a CVT automatic transmission.

4. Toyota Raize (547 million VND)

When talking about Kia Sonet in this list, it is impossible not to mention its rival – the Toyota Raize. Among nearly 20 Toyota models distributed in Vietnam, the Raize ranks 4th in terms of sales at the end of August. Introduced in 2021, this model has been well received by users and gradually become one of the main models of the Japanese brand.