2024 VinFast VF7
Overview
The Vietnamese startup VinFast has revealed the VF7 compact EV SUV, which it will be selling in the U.S. as a 2024 model. This new addition to its upcoming portfolio slots below the larger VF8 and above the subcompact VF6 SUV. The two-row VF7 is roughly the size of a Mazda CX-5 SUV. We had the opportunity to get up close to both the VF7 and VF6 during their dual debut at the 2022 Los Angeles auto show. The VF7’s smooth body lines and upscale interior looks promising. Performance figures weren’t provided, but we do know power outputs: 201 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque for the VF7 Eco, and 349 ponies and 368 pounds of twist for the VF7 Plus. The Eco model features a single motor, front-wheel drive configuration while the Plus model gets two motors and all-wheel drive.
What’s New for 2024?
The VinFast VF7 is completely new. It’s expected to go into production toward the end of 2023.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Eco
$37,000 (est)
Plus
$45,000 (est)
VinFast has yet to release pricing information for the VF7. With the automaker being such a young company with all-new products, we can’t offer a recommendation for which VF7 model offers the best value at this time. It’s worth noting that the VF7 will likely give shoppers a monthly battery subscription option which would be separate from the starting price of the base model.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Claimed outputs are 201 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque for the front-wheel-driven, single-motor Eco model, and 349 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque for the all-wheel-driven, dual-motor Plus model. Notably, the output of the VF7 Eco model is identical to that of the smaller VF6 crossover in Plus trim. While it’s safe to assume that the two share similar propulsion hardware, we don’t yet know the specs of the battery nor any of the drive components.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The VF7 may be an all-new model from an up-and-coming automaker, but the cabin should feel familiar to anyone who’s been inside a new, modern SUV. The simplicity of the exterior design is echoed in the electric crossover’s cabin, and the dashboard is highlighted by a large 15.6-inch touchscreen display. VF7 Eco models make do with cloth upholstery while Plus models are equipped with faux leather.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
The VinFast VF7 offers typical connectivity features such as Amazon Alexa voice-command plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, the automaker is also expected to implement two less common apps: what3words, which applies a unique combination of three words for every three square meters of the planet; and an in-car karaoke app. Because sometimes the only thing that can provide relief from traffic congestion is an enthusiastic jam session.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
VinFast has confirmed that the VF7, along with VF6, VF8, and VF9, will be backed by an impressive 10 year, 125,000-mile warranty, which would give it the best coverage in the biz. We’ll update this section with more precise details once they’re released.
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
Range, Charging, and Battery Life Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
