Honda HR-V Crowned 2025 Car of the Year, Outshining Competitors

According to the organizers, the “Car of the Year” award is selected from the top models in each segment, as well as niche segments with only one or two new releases in the year. In the fiercely competitive market of 2025, the HR-V’s victory is attributed to its unique approach, focusing on a harmonious blend of design, features, and driving experience, rather than purely practicality, which sets it apart from the preferences of most Vietnamese consumers.

The Honda HR-V stands out with its philosophy centered around a user-friendly driving experience, smooth performance, and efficiency, thanks to its hybrid powertrain. This approach has helped the B-segment crossover carve out a distinct niche among urban customers, reflecting the growing trend of electrification in Vietnam.

With this victory, Honda has become the brand with the most “Car of the Year” titles since the Car Awards were established in 2021. Previously, in 2023, the Honda CR-V was also honored in the top category.

In the “Car of the Year by Segment” categories, the Skoda Slavia won in the low-floor B-segment; the Honda HR-V continued its winning streak in the B-segment crossover category; the Subaru Forester led the C-segment crossover category; the Lynk & Co 08 triumphed in the D-segment SUV/crossover category; and the VinFast Limo Green was recognized as the standout entry-level MPV. In the luxury segment, the Porsche Macan EV won in the small premium SUV category, the Volvo S90 was honored in the mid-size premium sedan category, and the Porsche 911 claimed the title of “Sports Car of the Year.”

In addition to vehicle awards, the 2025 Car Awards introduced the “Electrification Technology of the Year” category for the first time. This honor went to Lynk & Co’s EM-P Super Hybrid technology, currently featured in the Lynk & Co 08 available in Vietnam. The organizers noted that this new category was created in response to the increasing number of hybrid and electric vehicles with diverse technologies that enhance performance while reducing environmental impact. The selection criteria focused on innovation, industry trends, and adaptability to Vietnamese driving conditions.

The Car Awards, organized annually by VnExpress in collaboration with FPT Online since 2021, is Vietnam’s first professional program dedicated to recognizing outstanding automotive products. The awards are based on evaluations from experts and experienced users, providing a reliable and systematic reference for consumers.

According to the rules, the 2025 Car Awards evaluated vehicles launched between December 2024 and November 2025, with the “Car of the Year” title awarded only in segments featuring at least three new models. By November 2025, eight segments met this criterion, spanning from entry-level to luxury and sports cars.

Accompanying the awards ceremony was a series of specialized events, most notably the 2025 Vietnam Electrified Vehicle Exhibition, held from December 26th to 28th at the Vietnam Exhibition Center. The event drew significant attention from industry professionals and automotive enthusiasts, highlighting the accelerating shift toward electrification in Vietnam’s automotive market.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)