Hybrid Car Race Heats Up: New Contenders Emerge in October

The hybrid car market in Vietnam is experiencing a remarkable surge, with a plethora of new models introduced by leading brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BYD, and Suzuki this month alone.

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According to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA), hybrid vehicles continued their growth streak in September. VAMA members collectively sold 1,371 hybrid units, marking a 5% increase from the previous month.

The top-selling hybrid model has shifted. The Toyota Corolla Cross HEV saw a significant 40% sales surge, climbing from 218 units in August to 303 in September, propelling it to the top spot. This model starts at 905 million VND.

Toyota dominates Vietnam’s hybrid car market.

The Honda CR-V e:HEV RS delivered 273 units, a 2.2% increase, securing the second position.

Rounding out the top five are the Toyota Innova Cross HEV, Suzuki XL7 Hybrid, and Toyota Yaris Cross HEV, with 259, 249, and 122 units sold, respectively.

In the first nine months of 2025, the Toyota Innova Cross HEV leads the hybrid market with 2,111 units sold. Following closely are the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV (1,953 units), Suzuki XL7 (1,845 units), and Honda CR-V e:HEV RS (1,558 units).

The strong performance of the 7-seater Toyota Innova Cross HEV and Suzuki XL7 highlights the growing consumer demand for hybrid vehicles catering to families and passenger transport businesses.

The mid-size Innova Cross hybrid MPV is a popular choice.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV and Honda CR-V e:HEV RS are favored for their spacious designs, comfort features, and exceptional fuel efficiency, appealing to young families.

VAMA reports that in the first three quarters of 2025, its members sold a total of 9,785 hybrid vehicles, a 73% year-over-year increase, reflecting the growing consumer interest in hybrid technology.

Actual sales figures could be higher, as brands like Jaecoo, BYD, and luxury marques such as Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volvo have yet to disclose their hybrid sales data.

Since the beginning of 2025, the market has welcomed several new hybrid models. The Suzuki Fronx mild-hybrid, Volkswagen Golf eTSI, Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2025 with a 48V hybrid system, and BYD Seal 5 PHEV are set to join the hybrid lineup this month.

The BYD Seal 5, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), is the latest addition. Positioned in the C-segment sedan category, it becomes BYD’s second PHEV offering in Vietnam, alongside the Sealion 6 SUV.

The BYD Seal 5 is the first C-segment sedan with PHEV technology in Vietnam. It features BYD’s DM-i Super Hybrid system, already used in the SEALION 6.

The Seal 5 offers a 120 km all-electric range, ideal for daily urban commuting without fuel consumption. Its combined range reaches up to 1,200 km, ensuring peace of mind for long journeys.

With impressive dimensions, the Seal 5 boasts a 4,780 mm length and a 2,718 mm wheelbase, providing a spacious interior for both front and rear passengers, as well as ample luggage capacity.

The market’s demand is further evidenced by the potential introduction of “made in Vietnam” hybrid models in the near future.

At Toyota Vietnam’s 30th-anniversary celebration, CEO Nakano Keita announced: “Toyota Vietnam will modernize its headquarters and production facilities, launching its first hybrid production line with an investment exceeding 360 million USD.”

To date, Toyota has sold 18,731 hybrid vehicles in Vietnam since their introduction five years ago, solidifying its position as the market leader in this segment.

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