You shouldn’t buy the VinFast VF8. Get that thought out of your mind, no matter how good the offer seems. My goal is to make our reviews as honest as if I were giving a true opinion to a friend, and I will say this. The VF8 is a bad deal at any price, and its starting price of $46,000 is unbelievable. If VinFast can’t fix its mistakes, it may struggle to succeed in the US EV market. But it would be a mistake to count VinFast out just yet. But is this EV really worth buying?
In the next section, we will provide a full review of the VinFast VF8, so be sure to read on.
Basic Functions Don’t Work Reliably
A car experience is not just about liking or disliking; what matters is that every feature works properly. The VF8 had several issues that affected everyday driving.
In some vehicles, the turn signals were not working properly, while the HVAC system only provided cool or warm air. The temperature control did not work properly despite changing the settings several times. In one VF8, the climate control automatically reset to 80 degrees every time the car was turned off and on again, which caused inconvenience to users.
The navigation system was also not entirely reliable. The map was visible on the screen, but the system kept showing “offline.” The blind spot monitoring feature also often didn’t work. Sometimes it would give unnecessary alerts, while most of the time it was completely silent.
VinFast VF8 : Great Range, Strong Performance & Mega Warranty
The VF8 is a modern electric SUV that was introduced with a powerful battery and new features. Its Eco model comes with 349 horsepower, while the Plus version offers more power and premium features.
The City Edition was introduced specifically for early buyers, but its battery range remained lower than that of the regular models. VinFast later announced the introduction of a new CATL battery, which is expected to improve driving range. According to the company, the new battery will provide more mileage; however, the range in real use may vary.
VinFast VF8 ups and downs
The VF8 Plus performs well with a powerful engine and quick acceleration, especially when overtaking on the highway. The throttle feels quite quick in Sport mode, while the steering feels unnecessarily heavy.
The real problem lies in its ride quality. On a smooth road, the car feels fine, but on rough roads, the suspension becomes unbalanced. Sometimes it feels too stiff and sometimes too soft, which reduces driving confidence. The experience on the highway is better, but on the broken city roads, the VF8 is more disappointing.
What Vinfast VF8 trims are available?
The one I tested was the VF8 Plus model, which starts at around $60,700. It comes with several modern features, including larger 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate, premium seats, and power adjustments.
The vehicle also included an additional power pack, which increases power to 402 horsepower. This makes acceleration feel quicker than before, especially on the highway. The Eco model comes with relatively less power, but is said to have better range. Both models have a larger 87.7-kWh battery and offer good towing capacity.
The Things We Did Like
The VF8 definitely has some weak points, but there are also some qualities that make it interesting. Its adaptive cruise control and steering assist system work quite well, even better than many of the big companies’ cars.
The car’s displays are quite modern and clear. The large screen provides quick response, while the wireless Apple CarPlay also performs well overall. The VF8 feels quite spacious inside, and the cargo space is also suitable for everyday use. The braking system is particularly impressive as the transition between regenerative and mechanical brakes is kept very smooth.
The battery and charging system also seem to be quite good. The new Standard Edition models have been given more range, while fast charging allows the battery to be charged in a short time. Talking about performance, every VF8 comes with all-wheel drive, and the car feels quick and powerful both in the city and on the highway.
For How Much?
The VF8 certainly has some good qualities, but its flaws still seem quite prominent at its current price. That’s why many buyers might think twice before buying one. The car is currently only available on lease, with the Eco version costing around $399 to $414 per month, while the Plus version costs $499 to $528 per month.
According to the company, the VF8 Standard Edition Eco will start at around $49,000 in the future, and the Plus version at $56,000. If the software and driving issues are fully resolved by then, it could rival the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. VinFast’s battery leasing plan is also unclear. The company has put the plan on hold for now to make it more efficient and viable.
Conclusion
The VF8 isn’t a complete failure in terms of first-time performance, but it hasn’t quite reached “prime time,” or fully competitive standards yet. It doesn’t stand up to competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, VW ID.4, and Chevrolet Equinox EV.
VinFast is currently expanding its lineup with the VF9 and the upcoming VF6 and VF7 models, and hopefully, the VF8’s weaknesses will be addressed in future versions. For now, VinFast is a promising brand, but it still needs to improve to become a truly strong contender.
FAQs
What is special about the VF8?
With excellent range, fast charging, and access to over 90,000 public chargers across North America, this VinFast SUV becomes a reliable and convenient option for every journey.
Why is VinFast failing?
VinFast’s journey from noodle business to car manufacturing has been unique, but the company faced difficulties in 2025. Several dealerships closed, and sales in the US also declined, which is being caused by rising market pressure and import tariffs.
