The D-Segment SUV Sales Leader for August 2024: Hyundai Santa Fe Remains a Strong Seller Ahead of New Generation’s Debut

In August 2024, most models in the mid-size SUV segment saw a decline in sales. The Isuzu mu-X was the only vehicle to post growth. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Santa Fe continued to sell well before the launch of the new generation model.

Mid-size SUV Sales Table for August 2024 (units: vehicles)

Ford Everest: 812 units sold

In August, the Ford Everest sold 812 units, a decrease of 14.6% compared to the previous month. However, this American model still outsold its competitors and led the segment in terms of sales. Additionally, the Ford Everest made it to the top 10 best-selling vehicles in the overall market.

This September, Ford is offering incentives for the Everest. The base Ambiente trim comes with a 100% rebate on registration fees, valued at VND 110 million. The Sport, Titanium 4×2, and Titanium 4×4 trims of this mid-size SUV are offered with a VND 22 million cash bonus. This program is expected to help maintain the Ford Everest’s market position.

The Ford Everest is available in Vietnam with six trim levels, priced from VND 1.099 billion to VND 1.545 billion. Despite the premium price, this SUV remains popular due to its attractive design, spacious 7-seat interior, and extensive convenience and safety features.

This mid-size SUV is equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel engine in two states of tune. The first is a single-turbo unit producing 170 hp and 405 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The second is a bi-turbo engine that generates 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This more powerful engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and is exclusive to the high-end trims.

Hyundai Santa Fe: 511 units sold

News about the introduction of the new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe in Vietnam in the third quarter of 2024 has been circulating for a few months. Nevertheless, Vietnamese consumers continue to flock to the previous generation model. As a result, the Hyundai Santa Fe recorded 511 sales, maintaining its performance from the previous month.

On September 18, 2024, the new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe was officially launched in Vietnam, with five trim levels and prices ranging from VND 1.069 billion to VND 1.365 billion. Compared to the previous generation, the starting price of the new model has increased by VND 90 million. Meanwhile, the price of the highest trim has gone up by VND 96 million.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe for the Vietnamese market no longer offers a diesel engine option. Under the hood, it features two gasoline engine choices. The first is a 2.5L naturally aspirated Smartstream Theta III 4-cylinder engine that produces 194 hp and 246 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

On the other hand, the top-of-the-line trim is powered by a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 281 hp and 422 Nm of torque. This engine is coupled with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission and sends power to all four wheels.

In addition to the new engines, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has undergone a complete transformation in terms of design, convenience features, and safety equipment, offering a more premium experience. However, the exterior design of this SUV, particularly the rear end, has sparked some controversy.

Toyota Fortuner: 236 units sold

August 2024 was not a favorable month for the Toyota Fortuner, as it recorded 236 sales, a decrease of 34%. With this result, the Fortuner ranked third in the mid-size SUV segment.

The Toyota Fortuner received a minor update earlier this year, with prices ranging from VND 1.055 billion to VND 1.35 billion for five trim levels. The updated model includes additional features such as a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and support for wireless connectivity with smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In Vietnam, the Toyota Fortuner is offered with three engine options: a 2.4L diesel, a 2.8L diesel, and a 2.7L gasoline engine. The respective power and torque outputs of these engines are 147 hp/400 Nm, 201 hp/500 Nm, and 164 hp/245 Nm. These engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and are available with either rear-wheel drive or 4WD.

Mazda CX-8: 210 units sold

Compared to its competitors, the Mazda CX-8 experienced a more modest decline in sales. In August 2024, 210 units of the CX-8 were sold, representing a decrease of 1.8%.

The Mazda CX-8 is currently one of the most affordable mid-size SUVs in Vietnam, with prices ranging from VND 949 million to VND 1.129 billion. In addition to its attractive pricing, the CX-8 also boasts a sleek design, spacious interior, and a comprehensive list of convenience and safety features.

Under the hood of the Mazda CX-8 is a 2.5L Skyactiv-G gasoline engine that produces 188 hp and 252 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the trim level.

Kia Sorento: 62 units sold

Following the overall market trend, the Kia Sorento also witnessed a decline in sales last August. Its sales figures stood at 62 units, representing a decrease of 19.4%.

The Kia Sorento is available in the Vietnamese market with a total of 12 trim levels, the most in this segment. Its prices are also among the highest, ranging from VND 964 million to VND 1.499 billion.

Furthermore, the Kia Sorento offers the widest range of engine options in the mid-size SUV segment. The first is a 2.5 MPI Smartstream gasoline engine that produces 177 hp and 232 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The second is a 2.2 Smartstream diesel engine that generates 198 hp and 440 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Sorento is also offered with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, both featuring a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers 178 hp and 265 Nm of torque, along with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid versions have an electric motor that produces 60 hp and 264 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid versions utilize a more powerful electric motor that generates 90 hp and 304 Nm of torque.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: 48 units sold

Mitsubishi has been consistently offering promotions for the Pajero Sport throughout 2024. However, this SUV’s sales performance remains modest. In August 2024, it sold 48 units, a decrease of 17.2%.

This September, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport continues to benefit from a manufacturer-backed incentive program. Customers can receive a 100% rebate on registration fees, resulting in savings of up to VND 113-136 million, depending on the trim level. Additionally, the brand is offering fuel vouchers worth up to VND 35 million to purchasers of the Pajero Sport.

In Vietnam, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is available in two trim levels: Diesel 4×2 AT and Diesel 4×4 AT, with prices ranging from VND 1.13 billion to VND 1.365 billion. The less competitive pricing, along with the lack of recent updates to its design and features, have hindered the Pajero Sport’s sales performance within the segment.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is equipped with a 2.4L MIVEC diesel engine that produces 178 hp and 430 Nm of torque. It offers a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with a rear differential lock.

Isuzu mu-X: 20 units sold

The Isuzu mu-X was the only SUV in the mid-size segment to post positive sales growth. It sold 20 units, representing an increase of 11.1%. However, due to its low sales volume, the Isuzu mu-X remains at the bottom of the segment and is among the worst-selling vehicles in the overall market.

The Isuzu mu-X faces challenges due to its less appealing design and relatively modest features. Additionally, it has not received any significant updates in recent times.

The Isuzu mu-X is powered by a 1.9L 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 150 hp at 3,600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque between 1,800 and 2,600 rpm. In the highest trim level, this engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD system. The lower trim levels feature rear-wheel drive.

In Vietnam, the Isuzu mu-X is priced between VND 911 million and VND 1.25 billion.