VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker, is gearing up to enter the electric vehicle market in the US with their upcoming VF8 SUV, which will be produced at a new factory in North Carolina. The company claims that both the VF8 and the three-row VF9 SUVs will be manufactured at this facility.
Although pricing and full specifications have not yet been released, we have tested an Eco prototype that boasts 348 horsepower and found it to be comparable in size to a Ford Bronco. We have also had the opportunity to test a higher-powered Pro prototype that boasts 402 horsepower.
VinFast has stated that the VF8 SUV will be available in the US with all-wheel drive and a choice between two battery packs, which will determine the vehicle’s maximum range of 248-292 miles. However, unlike other electric vehicles such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Tesla Model X, the VF8 will require a battery subscription in addition to the initial purchase price. The battery subscription service will cost around $35 per month, similar to the cost of a smartphone. Both limited and unlimited mileage plans will be available, covering the battery pack for as long as the customer continues to pay for coverage.
2023 VinFast VF8 Price
A 2023 VinFast VF 8 will set you back at least $40,700 at the base price. There is a $7,500 federal tax credit for this electric SUV with five seats that were made in Vietnam. This summer, test drives in California will begin.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Each VF8 has a pair of electric motors that power all four wheels. A minimum of 348 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque are desirable for the Eco base model. The Plus model’s increased output of 402 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque makes it considerably quicker. These numbers come from brief rides in prototypes during a visit to VinFast’s headquarters in Vietnam, but official data and test results from mass-produced vehicles destined for the American market are on the way.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Two different types of batteries, with ranges of 248 miles and 292 miles, will be available for lease through VinFast’s battery-subscription service. However, VinFast claims that its Eco battery can be charged via DC fast charging from ten to seventy percent in just twenty-six minutes, though battery size and charging power have yet to be disclosed.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
If and when we hear back from the EPA with an estimate of the VF8’s fuel economy, we’ll be sure to let you know. We also intend to put the VF8 through its paces on our highway fuel economy route, putting it through its paces at 75 miles per gallon.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
It’s been announced that the VF8 will be a two-row, five-seat SUV, similar in size to the Ford Bronco. That places it alongside other electric vehicles like the BMW iX and the Tesla Model X in the electrified mid-size crossover and SUV market. Pininfarina was responsible for designing the VF8. Instrumentation, much like a Tesla, is centered around a central screen and head-up display. Although the interior is rather conservatively designed and relies quite heavily on plastic, a sizable sunroof helps brighten the pleasant cabin. If you need more storage space than what’s available in the VF8’s hatchback, you can access the frunk.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Like the Tesla Model Y, the massive 15.6-inch display is mounted on the dashboard and functions as both an infotainment touchscreen and a digital gauge display. Also, a head-up display can be used to project important data directly onto the windshield in front of the driver, making it unnecessary to look to the right for information like speed. The built-in voice assistant facilitates hands-free operation by allowing users to issue commands without touching the screen. While charging, you can enjoy other features like built-in video games and shopping services.
VinFast VF8 Mileage
| Variant | Expected Mileage |
|---|---|
| VF8 Eco | 264 miles (EPA estimate) |
| VF8 Plus | 243 miles (EPA estimate) |
VinFast VF8 Top-speed
here is the expected top speed of the VinFast VF8:
- VF8 Eco: 130 mph (209 km/h)
- VF8 Plus: 121 mph (195 km/h)
VinFast VF8 Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Airbags | 6 airbags |
| Seat Belt Warning | Yes |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Yes |
| Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) | Yes |
| Engine Immobilizer | Yes |
| Security & Locks | |
| None | None |
| Comfort & Convenience | |
| Parking Sensors | Yes |
| Doors, Windows, Mirrors & Wipers | |
| Anti-glare Mirrors | Yes |
| ORVMs | Yes |
| Boot-lid Opener | Yes |
| Door Handles | Yes |
| Interior Door Handles | Yes |
| Door Pockets | Yes |
| Lighting | |
| Headlight Height Adjuster | Yes |
| Tail Lights | Yes |
| Cabin Lamps | Yes |
| Seats, Upholstery & Storage | |
| Seat Upholstery | Leather |
| Driver Height Adjustable Seat | Yes |
| Front Passenger Seat Adjustment | Yes |
| Rear Passenger Seats | Yes |
| Interiors | |
| Interior Colours | Black |
| Cup Holders | Yes |
| Entertainment, Information & Instrumentation | |
| Instrument Cluster | Yes |
| Trip Meter | Yes |
| Tachometer | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Standard Warranty (Years) | 3 |
| Standard Warranty (kilometers) | 100,000 |
| Technology features | |
| Infotainment system | Yes |
| Navigation | Yes |
| Driver assistance features | Yes |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes |
| Lane Departure Warning | Yes |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Yes |
VinFast VF8 Specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 187 inches (4750 mm) |
| Width | 76.1 inches (1934 mm) |
| Height | 65.6 inches (1667 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 inches (2950 mm) |
| Curb Weight | 2200 kg (4850 lbs) |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches (220 mm) |
| Capacity | |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| No. of Seating Rows | 3 |
| Boot Space | 23.3 cubic feet (659 liters) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gallons (70 liters) |
| Engine | |
| Displacement | 106.8 cubic inches (1.7 liters) |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged 3-cylinder |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Valves | 12 |
| Max Power (BHP) | 349 BHP |
| Max Torque (NM) | 369 NM |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 243 miles (EPA estimate) |
| Transmission Type | 4-speed automatic |
| No. of gears | 4 |
| Engine type: | Turbocharged 3-cylinder |
| Transmission: | 4-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph: | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gallons (70 liters) |
| Suspensions, Brakes, Steering & Tyres | |
| Suspension Front | MacPherson strut |
| Suspension Rear | Multi-link |
| Front Brake Type | Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Disc |
| Steering Type | Electric power |
| Spare Wheel | Yes |
| Wheel Size (inches) | 19 |
| Tyre Size Front | 255/45 R19 |
| Tyre Size Rear | 255/45 R19 |
VinFast VF8 Competitors
| Model | Engine | Power Output | Torque | Transmission | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Fuel Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | 3.5-liter V6 engine | 295 hp | 263 lb-ft | 8-speed automatic | 194.9 in | 76.0 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 23 MPG (combined) |
| Ford Explorer | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine | 300 hp | 310 lb-ft | 10-speed automatic | 198.8 in | 78.9 in | 69.9 in | 119.1 in | 23 MPG (combined) |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 3.6-liter V6 engine | 310 hp | 266 lb-ft | 9-speed automatic | 204.3 in | 78.6 in | 70.7 in | 120.9 in | 22 MPG (combined) |
| Honda Pilot | 3.5-liter V6 engine | 280 hp | 262 lb-ft | 9-speed automatic | 196.5 in | 78.6 in | 70.6 in | 111.0 in | 22 MPG (combined) |
| Hyundai Palisade | 3.8-liter V6 engine | 291 hp | 262 lb-ft | 8-speed automatic | 196.1 in | 77.8 in | 68.9 in | 114.2 in | 21 MPG (combined) |
| Kia Telluride | 3.8-liter V6 engine | 291 hp | 262 lb-ft | 8-speed automatic | 196.9 in | 78.3 in | 68.9 in | 114.2 in | 21 MPG (combined) |
VinFast VF8 Pros and Cons
pros and cons of the VinFast VF8
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sleek and modern design | Questionable build quality |
| Spacious interior | Infotainment system can be buggy |
| Long electric range | Overzealous driver-assistance features |
| Long-lasting warranty | Limited availability |
| Competitive price | New brand with limited service network |
VinFast VF8 FAQs
Q: What is the release date of the VinFast VF8?
A: there was no official release date available for the VinFast VF8. However, it was expected to be released in the near future.
Q: Where is the VinFast VF8 made?
A: The VinFast VF8 is expected to be manufactured in Vietnam, where VinFast is headquartered.
Q: What is the expected price of the VinFast VF8?
A: The official price for the VinFast VF8 was not available as it had not been released yet. However, it’s expected to be competitively priced compared to other midsize SUVs in its class.
Q: What engine will the VinFast VF8 have?
A: The VinFast VF8 is expected to be offered with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which is expected to produce up to 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Q: What safety features will the VinFast VF8 have?
A: The VinFast VF8 is expected to come with a range of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
Q: Will the VinFast VF8 be available outside of Vietnam?
A: VinFast has expressed interest in expanding its global presence, but it’s not yet clear if the VF8 will be available outside of Vietnam.