The Vietnamese automotive market is poised for an exciting year in 2024 with the introduction of several new car models across different segments. Building on Vietnam's ongoing economic recovery and growth, these new offerings are expected to further energize passenger vehicle sales and choices for Vietnamese consumers.

Luxury SUV Segment to Welcome Lexus GX 2024

One of the most anticipated new SUVs set to arrive is the Lexus GX 2024 belonging to the luxury SUV class. The third generation Lexus GX made its global debut in June 2023 bringing a more mature and sophisticated design. Gone are the oversized and ostentatious design elements of prior models, replaced by a more squared yet elegant new look.

The signature Lexus spindle grille is smaller and integrated more seamlessly into the front fascia. Sleeker LED headlamps give way to a continuous full-width LED rear light bar, while more cruiser-inspired exterior mirrors complete the classic SUV stance. But the biggest change lies under the hood – the traditional V8 powerplant has been dropped in favor of a new 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 349 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, this engine now serves as standard across all variants together with full-time four-wheel drive.

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Expected as Well

Car distributor TC Motor has been steadily expanding Hyundai's SUV portfolio in Vietnam and introduced the Santa Fe hybrid variant last year pairing a gasoline engine with an electric motor. In August 2023, Hyundai unveiled the all-new 2024 Santa Fe globally sporting a boxier and more rugged appearance compared to the model currently sold locally.

Key design highlights are its completely new 'Parametric Jewel' grille and repositioned lower tail lamps creating varied opinions. Power comes from a forceful 2.5-liter turbocharged gas engine rated at 277 horsepower and 421 Nm of torque. A 1.6-liter turbo hybrid powertrain is also available. With its sophisticated new look and powerful yet efficient powertrains, the 2024 Santa Fe is anticipated to arrive in Vietnam later in the year through TC Motor.

Toyota Prepares Refresh for Popular Vios

The Toyota Vios failed to meet sales expectations in Vietnam last year, so the automaker is pinning hopes on a refreshed model to reclaim segment leadership. Revealed in Thailand and the Philippines, the new Vios sports a more modern and elegant exterior profile along with additional powertrain offerings.

These enhancements are expected to stir stronger demand when it likely launches in Vietnam in 2024. Toyota's perennial best-seller will seek to recapture customers who switched to newer competitors during its current generation run with more compelling styling and technology upgrades.

Hyundai Accent Facelift Could Also Join the Fun

Hyundai introduced the all-new 6th generation Accent sedan called 'Verna' in India this past February, featuring an all-new 'Sensuous Sportiness' design language. Larger in size and bolder in appearance, the Accent/Verna adopts Hyundai's latest styling cues and cab-rearward proportions.

Its interior sees a major upgrade with premium materials and the latest smartphone integrations. Hyundai's 'Smartstream' engine family now powers the Accent/Verna with a 1.5L naturally-aspirated motor producing 113 horsepower and a 1.5L turbo putting out 158 horses from its boosted unit. Both are available with either a CVT automatic or 6-speed manual depending on market.

With enhanced looks, quality, features and more fuel-efficient yet stronger engines, there is a chance the new Accent could be introduced locally in Vietnam sometime in 2024 following its ASEAN launches. This would breathe new life into Hyundai's compact sedan offering.

Corolla Cross Launches After Successful Run in Thailand

While Toyota Vietnam has yet to officially announce anything, dealers have begun taking pre-orders from interested customers for the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross reportedly arriving this May. Deposits can be placed now to secure priority delivery for the highly popular compact crossover SUV when stocks arrive.

Specifications and pricing remain under wraps for now but the facelifted Corolla Cross is expected to share similar updates from its debut in Thailand this February. There, Toyota refreshed the model with restyled exterior panels, new LED headlamps and active safety features - tweaks that should further strengthen the Corolla Cross' sturdy value proposition in Vietnam's burgeoning C-segment SUV field.

Concluding Thoughts

2024 shows strong promise for new vehicle diversity and choices as automakers strategically expand their lineups across various segments. With the expected launch of these attractive models from Lexus, Hyundai, Toyota and others, passenger vehicle demand in Vietnam looks set to maintain positive momentum through refreshed offerings, advanced technologies and competitive prices.

Vietnam's young population and growing middle class continue spurring automobile market expansion. The introduction of these new global nameplates alongside ongoing investments from manufacturers point to ever-increasing quality, features and after-sales care standards - further cementing Vietnam's stature as one of Southeast Asia's most promising emerging auto markets.