According to data from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), member companies sold 8,518 hybrid vehicles during the first five months of 2026, nearly double the 4,735 units recorded during the same period last year.

The figures reflect growing consumer acceptance of gasoline-electric hybrid technology.

Most hybrid vehicles currently available in Vietnam are based on established gasoline-powered models but feature electrified powertrains that improve fuel efficiency, provide smoother operation and reduce emissions.

Many consume less than five liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, giving them a clear operating-cost advantage over conventional gasoline vehicles in the same segment. As a result, hybrids are becoming increasingly popular and are expanding into a broader range of market categories.

Toyota Corolla Cross is widely regarded as the first mainstream hybrid vehicle to gain significant traction in Vietnam. Its Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) variant was introduced in 2020.

Positioned between the B- and C-segment SUV categories, the Corolla Cross ranked among Vietnam’s four best-selling vehicles between 2021 and 2023.

During the first five months of 2026, 2,216 units of the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV were sold, making it the country’s best-selling hybrid model.

The C-segment SUV and crossover category also includes several notable hybrid offerings such as the Honda CR-V e, Haval H6 HEV, BYD Sealion 6, Jaecoo J7 PHEV and Geely EX5 EM-i PHEV.

Most recently, the new Kia Sportage Hybrid joined the increasingly crowded segment.

The list is expected to grow further before the end of the year with the anticipated arrival of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Subaru Forester Hybrid and Jaecoo C7 SHS.

With close to 10 hybrid models either available or scheduled for launch, the C-segment SUV and crossover category currently offers the largest concentration of hybrid vehicles in Vietnam.

The B-segment SUV and crossover category also features a growing number of hybrid choices, including the Toyota Yaris Cross HEV, Nissan Kicks, Honda HR-V e and Omoda C5 SHS-H, which entered the Vietnamese market in March.

The segment is also expected to welcome the Jaecoo J5 Hybrid later this year.

Beyond SUVs and crossovers, the MPV segment has also embraced hybrid technology.

Notable examples include the Toyota Innova Cross HEV, Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid, Suzuki XL7 Hybrid and larger models such as the Kia Carnival HEV and BYD M9.

Industry analysts believe hybrid vehicles offer several advantages during Vietnam’s transition toward greener transportation.

With fuel prices remaining volatile, consumers are paying closer attention to fuel economy, while environmental requirements from regulators are becoming increasingly stringent.

For these reasons, hybrids are widely viewed as a practical solution for the Vietnamese market.

Drivers can continue using vehicles without changing their habits or relying on charging infrastructure, while still significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions compared with traditional internal combustion vehicles.

Hoang Hiep