The Upcoming SUV Lineup: A Showcase of Automotive Excellence

Mitsubishi DST Concept

According to Mitsubishi Vietnam’s website, the DST Concept will be showcased in Hanoi in June. This 7-seater SUV was previously introduced in the Philippines in October 2024.

The Mitsubishi DST Concept is regarded as the 7-seat version of the Xforce. It is designed based on the “Gravitas & Dynamism” philosophy and shares many similarities with its smaller SUV sibling.

Based on a prototype spotted in Indonesia, the commercial version of the DST Concept is expected to feature a 5-dual-spoke alloy wheel design, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera system, and radar for ADAS functions.

Similar to the Xforce and Xpander, the DST Concept is also positioned as a strategic model for the Southeast Asian market. Experts believe that it is likely to replace the Mitsubishi Outlander, a 7-seater SUV that has not received any updates in Vietnam for a long time.

Hyundai Creta 2025

The mid-life facelift of the Hyundai Creta was spotted at an emissions testing center in Hanoi earlier this year. The current model has also been continuously discounted by tens of millions of VND, indicating a clearance sale to make way for the new model.

The Hyundai Creta 2025 features a rectangular grille and seamless LED lighting signatures at the front and rear. Inside, the highlight is the integration of the instrument cluster with the central screen, featuring improved graphics.

As it is just a facelift, the Creta’s powertrain remains unchanged. In Thailand, it is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine producing 113 hp and 144 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT transmission.

Suzuki Fronx

The Suzuki Fronx, an upcoming compact SUV for Indonesia and Thailand, is expected to enter the Vietnamese market in the future. It was previously spotted at an emissions testing center in Hanoi in April.

The Fronx is a stylish urban SUV with a sloping coupe-style roofline and a modern horizontal LED taillight design. The front features a two-tier lighting setup similar to the Grand Vitara and XL7.

In India, the Fronx is offered with two engine options: a 1.0L turbocharged mild-hybrid producing 99 hp, and a 1.2L naturally aspirated engine generating 89 hp. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

The Suzuki Fronx destined for Vietnam is likely to be imported from Indonesia. It will compete against rivals such as the Toyota Raize, Kia Sonet, and Hyundai Venue in the compact SUV segment.

Skoda Kushaq

The European-branded Skoda Kushaq, a B-segment SUV, was spotted testing on Vietnamese roads in March and is expected to be launched in Q2 2025. Notably, the Kushaq will be locally assembled at Skoda’s plant in Quang Ninh.

Referring to the Indian market, the Skoda Kushaq is available with two engine options: a 1.0L engine producing 115 hp, paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic; and a 1.5L engine generating 150 hp, mated to a 7-speed DSG. It remains to be seen which engine option will be offered in Vietnam.

Skoda Vietnam has not disclosed the pricing for the Kushaq yet. However, it is expected to be priced competitively in the range of 600-700 million VND, making it a strong contender against Korean and Japanese rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Mitsubishi Xforce, and Toyota Yaris Cross.