2025 B-Segment SUV Showdown: Mitsubishi Xforce’s Historic Last-Minute Upset

All eyes were on two fierce rivals: Mitsubishi Xforce and Toyota Yaris Cross. After 11 months of trailing behind, a stunning last-minute surge completely flipped the script, leading to an unexpected upset.

Toyota Yaris Cross and Its Reign Over the Segment

Throughout most of 2025, the Toyota Yaris Cross demonstrated exceptional consistency and resilience. With relentless demand-stimulating strategies, including 50% registration fee discounts extended to 100% during slower months, the Toyota model consistently dominated the top spot. By November, with 13,208 units delivered, the Yaris Cross held a commanding lead of 1,100 units over its closest competitor. At that point, industry experts were certain Toyota had secured the segment’s crown.

Mitsubishi Xforce’s Record-Breaking December Surge

However, a seismic shift occurred in the December 2025 report. The Mitsubishi Xforce recorded a staggering 3,163 units sold, a 43.7% increase from the previous month. This marked the model’s highest sales since its launch in Vietnam, surpassing even the peak performance of its sibling, the Xpander. This extraordinary surge enabled the Xforce to stage a last-gasp comeback. By year-end 2025, Mitsubishi’s model achieved total sales of 15,254 units, overtaking the Yaris Cross (14,601 units) to claim the title of best-selling B-segment SUV in Vietnam for the second consecutive year.

The Game-Changing “All-In” Registration Fee Strategy

The Xforce’s remarkable success stemmed from Mitsubishi’s bold “all-in” strategy during the final quarter. From October to December 2025, the brand offered a 100% registration fee waiver across most variants, saving customers between 50 and 68 million VND. This aggressive pricing, coupled with a design appealing to younger buyers, sparked a buying frenzy. The surge in market share not only solidified the Xforce’s position but also reinforced Mitsubishi’s dominance in Vietnam’s urban high-clearance vehicle segment.

2026 Market Outlook: Pressure from Electric Vehicles

The year-end 2025 race between the Xforce and Yaris Cross underscores the cutthroat nature of today’s auto market, where a single strategic misstep can mean losing the top spot. In 2026, the B-segment SUV category is expected to face even greater challenges. Competition will intensify not only from traditional internal combustion engine models but also from emerging electric vehicles, which bring technological advantages and lower operating costs, promising a complete segment reshuffle.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)