2023 VinFast VF9
Overview
Manufactured in Vietnam with styling by famed Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina, with the company headquarters recently moved to Singapore, the electric 2023 VinFast VF9 SUV is a global product with an estimated driving range of up to 369 miles per charge. If you’re wondering why you’ve not heard the name VinFast before, it’s because the company is still preparing to start selling its vehicles in the United States for the very first time. The VF9 is roughly the size of a Kia Telluride and offers three rows of seats in its well-equipped cabin. All models come with a 402-hp dual-motor electric powertrain and all-wheel drive. Tech features abound inside: all VF9 models come with a large 15.6-inch infotainment display and several driver-assistance features. When the VF9 goes on sale, it will compete with SUVs from other startup automakers such as the Rivian R1S as well as offerings from established brands, such as the upcoming Kia EV9.
What’s New for 2023?
While VinFast is a new automotive brand on North American shores, it’s been building and selling vehicles in Vietnam since 2017. The VF9 is being launched alongside the smaller VF8 SUV as the brand’s first U.S. offerings. The first run of SUVs will be built in Vietnam and imported, but the company has embarked on plans to build a factory in North Carolina intended to localize manufacturing in the U.S. starting in 2024.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Eco Standard Range
$78,000 (est)
$82,000 (est)
Eco Enhanced Range
$86,000 (est)
Plus Enhanced Range
$90,000 (est)
The VF9 is offered in either Eco or Plus trim with two different sizes of batteries. The Eco Enhanced range is the one with the longest driving range, but the Plus model delivers the most luxury features, including a panoramic glass roof, leather upholstery, and second-row captain’s chairs. The prices listed above are estimated based on the latest information from VinFast for the total cost of purchasing one a VF9 and its battery pack, but the company is also planning a unique option that reduces the price of the VF9 but adds in a separate monthly expense for what amounts to a battery rental fee.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
All models come with the same all-wheel-drive electric powertrain, which consists of two electric motors totaling 402 horsepower. We haven’t driven the VF9 yet, but we expect acceleration to be at least adequate. VinFast estimates that the VF9 should reach 60 mph in as little as 6.3 seconds. When we get a chance to test-drive the VF9 for ourselves, we’ll update this story with driving impressions and test results.
VinFast
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Driving range varies depending on which battery pack is onboard. Although we don’t know the size of either of the available battery packs, VinFast says the Standard Range battery can provide up to 272 miles of driving in the Eco trim, but that number drops to 262 miles for the Plus model. The Enhanced Range battery is more robust and offers an estimated 369 miles of driving in the Eco and 360 miles of driving in the Plus. Both packs are able to charge on a DC fast-charging connection, and VinFast says the smaller of the two can charge from 10 to 70 percent in 26 minutes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EPA hasn’t yet given an estimate for the VF9’s fuel-economy figures, but when we find out that information, we’ll update this story with details. We’ll also plan to take the VF9 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route to test its real-world efficiency. For more information about the VF9’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The VF9’s cabin looks fairly premium in photos, sporting a three-row layout and a design that wouldn’t look out of place in an Audi. Faux-leather power-adjustable seats with heat are standard, but the upscale Plus trims adds genuine leather upholstery, a massage feature, and second-row captain’s chairs. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard and features an air ionizer to help clean remove smells from the cabin; going with the Plus trim adds a third climate control zone for the rear passenger compartment. A power-operated rear liftgate will open hands-free if you kick your foot under the rear bumper, but we’re not yet sure how much cargo space we’ll find back there once the hatch is open.
VinFast
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
A large 15.6-inch dashboard-mounted display serves as infotainment touchscreen as well as digital gauge display, a design similar to that of the Tesla Model Y. A head-up display also projects critical information onto the windshield in front of the driver, so those who don’t like the idea of glancing to the right to keep an eye on speed will be able to have that info available straight ahead. A voice assistant is included to allow users to interact with the system without touching the display. There are other features to help pass time while charging, such as onboard video games and an e-commerce service embedded into the software.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
All VF9 models come with a comprehensive package of driver-assistance features, including some convenient ones such as automatic high-beam headlamps and traffic-sign recognition. For more information about the VF9’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control with lane centering
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
VinFast’s generous 10-year/125,000-mile warranty coverage should help assuage the fears that come with taking the plunge on an electric SUV from an unknown brand. Only the Genesis GV60 comes close with a 10-year warranty policy that extends to 100,000 miles.
Limited warranty covers 10 years or 125,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 125,000 miles Battery components are covered for 10 years or 125,000 miles
