VinFast VF 8 (2025)
Quick AWD performance, roomy comfort, and generous warranty, but unfinished and best leased.
The VinFast VF 8 (2025) is a roomy electric SUV for commuters and families seeking confident all-weather traction without luxury-brand pricing. Its calling card is standard dual-motor AWD, quick acceleration, useful comfort features, and a claimed 256-mile EPA range, with fast charging and a generous warranty strengthening the pitch. Real-world feedback supports the quiet cabin, practicality, and occasional bargain lease appeal, but reviewers also report a bouncy ride, inconsistent throttle and braking, laggy software, and uneven build quality. At roughly $47,000-plus, it is difficult to justify over more polished rivals, though heavy discounts change the equation. Overall, its value depends on your tolerance for unfinished details, ownership uncertainty, and lease-versus-buy risk.
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Benefits
Dual-motor power makes merging and passing feel effortless, even with passengers aboard.
Roomy seating, useful comfort features, and quiet electric driving suit everyday family trips.
Fast DC charging can shorten stops, making longer drives easier to plan.
Five seats and generous folded cargo room handle groceries, luggage, and weekend gear.
A 10-year warranty offers extra reassurance while VinFast’s newer operation builds trust.
Trade-Offs
Uneven roads can leave passengers bobbing, making longer drives less comfortable.
Basic settings take extra taps, pulling attention from the road during ordinary adjustments.
Frequent alerts and startup resets interrupt conversations and require repeated disabling before driving.
Light steering and delayed responses can make lane changes feel less settled and precise.
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Publications
6 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Car and Driver views the 2025 VinFast VF8 skeptically, seeing promise but not enough proof to recommend it yet. Its competitive range, brisk acceleration, roomy cabin, all-wheel drive, and unusually generous 10-year/125,000-mile warranty are meaningful strengths. However, the review is weighed down by unresolved concerns from the earlier model: a bouncy ride, stiff steering, cabin and wiper noise, laggy infotainment, and driver-assistance alerts that beep incessantly and must be disabled after every startup. The VF8 also looks more upscale than it feels, while its $47,200–$53,000 pricing makes those shortcomings harder to excuse against established rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.4 and Nissan Ariya. Because Car and Driver has not tested the 2025 model, its verdict remains provisional, but the overall tone is clearly doubtful rather than enthusiastic.
By Austin Parsons
Driving’s Andrew McCredie sees the 2025 VinFast VF 8 as improved, attractive, but still not ready for primetime. His week-long test found meaningful fixes over the troubled pre-production model, including a better-built cabin, much less body roll, quick linear acceleration, useful Camp and Pet modes, a strong app, and an unusually generous warranty. He also likes the sharp styling and Sunset Orange paint. Still, the VF 8 falls behind rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, and Chevrolet Equinox EV. McCredie criticizes the overreliance on the touchscreen, awkward regen controls, inconsistent one-pedal driving, excessive highway wind and powertrain noise, and a puzzling lack of an audible seat-belt warning. The tone is fair and cautiously hopeful rather than dismissive: VinFast has made genuine progress, but the chassis, refinement, and everyday usability need further work before this $60,000-plus SUV becomes a compelling competitor.
By Andrew McCredie
Car and Driver views the 2025 VinFast VF8 skeptically, seeing promise but not enough proof to recommend it yet. Its competitive range, brisk acceleration, roomy cabin, all-wheel drive, and unusually generous 10-year/125,000-mile warranty are meaningful strengths. However, the review is weighed down by unresolved concerns from the earlier model: a bouncy ride, stiff steering, cabin and wiper noise, laggy infotainment, and driver-assistance alerts that beep incessantly and must be disabled after every startup. The VF8 also looks more upscale than it feels, while its $47,200–$53,000 pricing makes those shortcomings harder to excuse against established rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.4 and Nissan Ariya. Because Car and Driver has not tested the 2025 model, its verdict remains provisional, but the overall tone is clearly doubtful rather than enthusiastic.
By Austin Parsons
Driving’s Andrew McCredie sees the 2025 VinFast VF 8 as improved, attractive, but still not ready for primetime. His week-long test found meaningful fixes over the troubled pre-production model, including a better-built cabin, much less body roll, quick linear acceleration, useful Camp and Pet modes, a strong app, and an unusually generous warranty. He also likes the sharp styling and Sunset Orange paint. Still, the VF 8 falls behind rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, and Chevrolet Equinox EV. McCredie criticizes the overreliance on the touchscreen, awkward regen controls, inconsistent one-pedal driving, excessive highway wind and powertrain noise, and a puzzling lack of an audible seat-belt warning. The tone is fair and cautiously hopeful rather than dismissive: VinFast has made genuine progress, but the chassis, refinement, and everyday usability need further work before this $60,000-plus SUV becomes a compelling competitor.
By Andrew McCredie
Car and Driver views the 2025 VinFast VF8 skeptically, seeing promise but not enough proof to recommend it yet. Its competitive range, brisk acceleration, roomy cabin, all-wheel drive, and unusually generous 10-year/125,000-mile warranty are meaningful strengths. However, the review is weighed down by unresolved concerns from the earlier model: a bouncy ride, stiff steering, cabin and wiper noise, laggy infotainment, and driver-assistance alerts that beep incessantly and must be disabled after every startup. The VF8 also looks more upscale than it feels, while its $47,200–$53,000 pricing makes those shortcomings harder to excuse against established rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.4 and Nissan Ariya. Because Car and Driver has not tested the 2025 model, its verdict remains provisional, but the overall tone is clearly doubtful rather than enthusiastic.
By Austin Parsons
Driving’s Andrew McCredie sees the 2025 VinFast VF 8 as improved, attractive, but still not ready for primetime. His week-long test found meaningful fixes over the troubled pre-production model, including a better-built cabin, much less body roll, quick linear acceleration, useful Camp and Pet modes, a strong app, and an unusually generous warranty. He also likes the sharp styling and Sunset Orange paint. Still, the VF 8 falls behind rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, and Chevrolet Equinox EV. McCredie criticizes the overreliance on the touchscreen, awkward regen controls, inconsistent one-pedal driving, excessive highway wind and powertrain noise, and a puzzling lack of an audible seat-belt warning. The tone is fair and cautiously hopeful rather than dismissive: VinFast has made genuine progress, but the chassis, refinement, and everyday usability need further work before this $60,000-plus SUV becomes a compelling competitor.
By Andrew McCredie
YouTube
6 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Doug DeMuroDoug DeMuro is cautiously impressed by the updated VinFast VF 8, though he still wouldn’t buy one. He credits the 2024 model’s improved range, responsive infotainment, comfortable ride, strong acceleration, and surprisingly competent driver assistance, arguing it is far better than early reviews suggested. Still, anonymous styling, a generic interior, mediocre cargo practicality, awkward controls, limited brand confidence, and weak value versus the Tesla Model Y and other established EVs hold it back. His verdict is a decent first effort from VinFast—potentially appealing at a substantial discount, but unconvincing at sticker price.
DonutDonut is deeply unimpressed with the VinFast VF 8, portraying it as rushed and frustrating rather than a genuine bargain. Their hands-on test found confusing startup behavior, excessive warning chimes, unreliable lane assistance, poor turning radius, a harsh, nauseating ride, and severe accelerator lag. They also failed to reproduce the rumored catastrophic battery shutdown, and acknowledge that software updates may have fixed some issues. Still, the overall verdict is strongly negative: at roughly $50,000, the VF 8 combines the drawbacks of an EV with few compelling advantages, though Donut remains open to retesting an updated version.
Doug DeMuroDoug DeMuro is cautiously impressed by the updated VinFast VF 8, though he still wouldn’t buy one. He credits the 2024 model’s improved range, responsive infotainment, comfortable ride, strong acceleration, and surprisingly competent driver assistance, arguing it is far better than early reviews suggested. Still, anonymous styling, a generic interior, mediocre cargo practicality, awkward controls, limited brand confidence, and weak value versus the Tesla Model Y and other established EVs hold it back. His verdict is a decent first effort from VinFast—potentially appealing at a substantial discount, but unconvincing at sticker price.
DonutDonut is deeply unimpressed with the VinFast VF 8, portraying it as rushed and frustrating rather than a genuine bargain. Their hands-on test found confusing startup behavior, excessive warning chimes, unreliable lane assistance, poor turning radius, a harsh, nauseating ride, and severe accelerator lag. They also failed to reproduce the rumored catastrophic battery shutdown, and acknowledge that software updates may have fixed some issues. Still, the overall verdict is strongly negative: at roughly $50,000, the VF 8 combines the drawbacks of an EV with few compelling advantages, though Donut remains open to retesting an updated version.
Doug DeMuroDoug DeMuro is cautiously impressed by the updated VinFast VF 8, though he still wouldn’t buy one. He credits the 2024 model’s improved range, responsive infotainment, comfortable ride, strong acceleration, and surprisingly competent driver assistance, arguing it is far better than early reviews suggested. Still, anonymous styling, a generic interior, mediocre cargo practicality, awkward controls, limited brand confidence, and weak value versus the Tesla Model Y and other established EVs hold it back. His verdict is a decent first effort from VinFast—potentially appealing at a substantial discount, but unconvincing at sticker price.
DonutDonut is deeply unimpressed with the VinFast VF 8, portraying it as rushed and frustrating rather than a genuine bargain. Their hands-on test found confusing startup behavior, excessive warning chimes, unreliable lane assistance, poor turning radius, a harsh, nauseating ride, and severe accelerator lag. They also failed to reproduce the rumored catastrophic battery shutdown, and acknowledge that software updates may have fixed some issues. Still, the overall verdict is strongly negative: at roughly $50,000, the VF 8 combines the drawbacks of an EV with few compelling advantages, though Donut remains open to retesting an updated version.
Social
1 INFLUENCER REVIEW
elle alderElle Alder is sharply negative about the VinFast VF 8, comparing its build quality to outdated Ladas and Tempos. At only 3,000 kilometres, the test vehicle showed loose, shedding carpet, poorly secured floor mats, ill-fitting plastics and visors, and a window and sunshade that needed calibration. More seriously, Alder experienced unreliable turn-signal registration and drive-selector buttons that sometimes failed to register during manoeuvres, creating potential safety risks. The VF 8’s BMW-derived components offer little reassurance when basic functions work inconsistently, leaving her frustrated and questioning how such fundamental quality-control issues reached production.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors are largely skeptical of the 2025 VinFast VF 8, despite some enthusiasm for heavily discounted leases. Owners and shoppers appreciate its roomy cabin, features, AWD, range on paper, and occasionally pleasant driving experience, especially at bargain prices. Still, widespread complaints involve poor efficiency, suspension inconsistency, laggy cameras and software, uncomfortable ergonomics, weak refinement, and dated build quality. More seriously, users describe power loss, brake delays, malfunctioning safety systems, and frustrating dealership or customer-service experiences. A few believe newer models may improve, but the prevailing view is that the VF 8 is overpriced, unreliable, and difficult to recommend over established alternatives.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Quick dual-motor powerAWD delivers strong acceleration for passing.
- •Roomy comfortable cabinSpacious seating and useful comfort features suit families.
- •Competitive range chargingAdvertised to reach 256 miles with fast DC charging.
- •Long warranty coverageCompany highlights its 10-year/125,000-mile warranty.
Considerations
- •Unsettled ride handlingBouncy suspension, vague steering, and body roll recur.
- •Inconsistent driving responsesThrottle, braking, and gear selection can behave unpredictably.
- •Laggy software controlsTouchscreen delays, alerts, and camera glitches frustrate users.
- •Uneven build qualityHard plastics, rattles, and loose trim reduce confidence.
The 2025 VinFast VF 8 is an ambitious EV from a young brand still earning trust in a crowded market. Positioned as a value-minded alternative to the Tesla Model Y, Ioniq 5, and similar rivals, it targets families and commuters seeking standard dual-motor AWD, quick acceleration, and useful everyday space. Its up to 256-mile EPA range, fast charging, and five-seat cabin make it appealing for suburban travel and occasional road trips, while the generous warranty adds reassurance. Yet the hardware tells only part of the story: expert and owner feedback raises questions about ride composure, throttle and braking consistency, cabin finish, and 15.6-inch touchscreen usability. We’ll also examine real-world efficiency, charging, and highway noise—areas where the VF 8 can look stronger on paper than it feels in practice. If discounted leasing is tempting, these details are where the bargain either earns its keep or starts making strange noises.
Powertrain Braking Response
The VF 8 is genuinely quick, but its controls do not always feel as finished as its hardware. The Plus produces 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft, while the Eco still offers strong acceleration and smooth electric power. Reviewers praise the natural regenerative braking in some drives, yet others report delayed throttle response, inconsistent one-pedal behavior, braking irregularities, and occasional gear-selection glitches. That contrast matters: brisk passing ability is a real strength, but predictable responses are more important for everyday confidence.
Noise Isolation
Quiet electric power is one of the VF 8’s better everyday traits, but isolation is inconsistent. Owners often appreciate the quiet electric driving experience around town, and the comfortable seats help the cabin feel relaxed during commuting. Expert drives have nevertheless recorded highway wind, tire, wiper, and powertrain noise, particularly at speed. That matters because the VF 8’s family-oriented layout suggests long-distance use. It is not uniformly loud, but established rivals generally deliver a more settled and thoroughly insulated ride.
Range Charging Performance
The VF 8’s range and charging figures are competitive, though real-world efficiency can dilute the advantage. The Eco is rated for up to 256 miles of EPA range, compared with 235 miles for the Plus, using an 87.7-kWh battery. VinFast quotes roughly 10% to 70% DC charging in 31 minutes at around 150–160 kW, which supports road trips. User feedback points to poor efficiency and weaker cold-weather charging, so owners should treat the headline range as a planning ceiling rather than a guarantee.
Cabin Build Materials
The cabin is roomy and well equipped, but perceived quality varies sharply between the feature list and lived experience. Useful touches include heated and ventilated seats, a head-up display, wireless smartphone integration, and flexible two-row cargo space reaching 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Some reviewers found newer cabins better assembled, while others noted hard plastics, creaks, rattles, loose trim, ill-fitting panels, and poorly secured mats. Those basic quality-control complaints make the generous equipment feel less reassuring than it looks on paper.
Infotainment Usability
The VF 8’s large screen delivers useful technology, but software remains a recurring ownership concern. Its 15.6-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and some reviewers find the system responsive enough for daily use. Others describe lag, text-heavy menus, slow startup, crashing displays, and too many taps for ordinary vehicle settings. Driver-assistance alerts can also reset after each startup, while camera glitches and missing guidance lines complicate parking. Updates may improve individual issues, but the experience still feels unfinished.
Ride Steering Handling
The VF 8’s ride and steering remain its biggest quality question. VinFast improved body control over earlier examples, and some drivers find the highway ride comfortable, but testing still reports a bouncy, busy suspension, heavy or nonlinear steering, and noticeable body roll. The 19-inch-wheel setup and 175 mm clearance suit ordinary roads, yet vague responses can make lane changes feel less settled. Its standard dual-motor AWD is useful in poor weather, though it does not transform the VF 8 into a polished handling benchmark.
Conclusion
The VF 8’s paper strengths become a real-world trade-off: dual-motor AWD delivers quick acceleration, but throttle, braking, and gear-selection inconsistencies can erode confidence. Its 256-mile EPA range and fast charging support commuting and occasional road trips, though poor efficiency and cold-weather charging may narrow the margin. The cabin is spacious and well equipped, yet uneven build quality—from hard plastics to rattles and loose trim—makes the value feel less secure. The 15.6-inch system offers useful smartphone integration, but laggy infotainment and finicky cameras add daily friction. Even noise isolation is mixed: quiet around town, less settled at highway speed. The VF 8 suits lease shoppers and practical families willing to accept unfinished details; buyers seeking polished handling, predictable controls, and proven ownership should look elsewhere. Its generous warranty and bargain pricing help, but the unresolved fundamentals make it a cautious, not compelling, recommendation.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Driving Range
3/5
Charging Speed
4/5
Acceleration
4/5
Handling and Ride Comfort
2/5
Energy Efficiency
2/5
Battery Durability
4/5
Value
Purchase Price Competitiveness
2/5
Total Cost of Ownership
3/5
Resale Value
1/5
Design
Exterior Styling
3/5
Interior Space and Packaging
4/5
Ergonomics and Controls
2/5
Health
Cabin Air Quality
TBD
Low-Toxicity Materials
TBD
Safety
Crashworthiness
TBD
Active Safety Systems
2/5
Battery Safety Systems
TBD
Sustainability
Lifecycle Emissions
3/5
Battery Recyclability
TBD
Use of Recycled Materials
TBD
Experience Style
Infotainment and Connectivity
3/5
Charging Ecosystem Integration
3/5
Customization and Driving Modes
3/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
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