VinFast VF 9 (2025)
Spacious, powerful three-row EV with premium features, but notable refinement and reliability concerns.
The VinFast VF 9 (2025) is a full-size electric family hauler for people who need genuine three-row space, not another cramped crossover. Its strongest case is a quiet, feature-rich cabin, comfortable massaging second-row seats, and standard all-wheel drive with plenty of passing power. VinFast claims up to 330 miles of EPA range, and reviewers generally support its useful highway range, but real-world owners report bigger drops and charging that trails the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. The wide turning circle, cramped adult third row, uneven ride, and recurring software and hardware glitches also make its premium pricing difficult to defend. It looks most compelling as a discounted lease, where space and equipment outweigh risk. Overall appeal depends on value, reliability tolerance, and family practicality.
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Benefits
Adults get generous room to stretch out, while families gain genuinely usable everyday seating.
Smooth, quiet cruising makes long drives easier, especially with comfortable massaging second-row seats.
Strong all-wheel-drive power makes merging, hills, and carrying a full family feel effortless.
Soft-close doors, useful storage, and rear climate details make family routines feel simpler.
Trade-Offs
During parking-lot turns, the wide circle demands extra shuffling and makes tight spaces awkward.
On longer drives, harsh bumps and road noise can leave passengers less comfortable than expected.
Repeated screen, camera, warning, and control glitches make basic functions unreliable during ordinary drives.
When adults use the third row, limited support and access make longer rides uncomfortable.
Fast-charge stops take longer, making road-trip breaks less convenient than newer alternatives.
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Publications
3 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Driving.ca’s Jay Kana is deeply unimpressed with the 2025 VinFast VF 9, despite acknowledging modest progress over the VF 8. After nearly 500 kilometres, he experienced respectable range retention and appreciated features such as the head-up display, comfortable optional second-row captain’s chairs, and roomy second-row seating. But those positives are overwhelmed by sluggish acceleration, intrusive road noise, a harsh ride, poor visibility, unreliable blind-spot monitoring, and a frustratingly wide turning circle. The third row is especially compromised, with cramped, uncomfortable seating that Kana effectively recommends leaving folded. Interior technology also disappoints: the central screen lags, cameras are low-resolution, the audio system sounds flat, and several controls—including the turn signal and wireless charger—were unreliable. With pricing near $80,000, he considers the VF 9 poorly refined and fundamentally mispositioned as a premium SUV, especially beside the stronger Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9.
By Jay Kana
AutoGuide’s Kyle Patrick is cautiously negative on the 2025 VinFast VF 9, viewing it as improved but still outclassed. He credits its distinctive Pininfarina styling, calm highway ride, air suspension, useful range, spacious first two rows, and reasonably direct steering. However, the VF 9’s inconsistent throttle and regenerative braking, terrible turning circle, awkward controls, noisy massage seats, poor cameras, disappointing materials, and cramped third row undermine its appeal. Its lack of a proper driver display is another questionable decision. The biggest problem is value: at roughly $64,100 before options in the U.S., and even more aggressively priced in Canada, it costs about as much as the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 while offering slower charging, less refinement, and a less cohesive experience. Patrick considers it a solid, if unremarkable, family hauler—but difficult to recommend without substantial discounts.
By Kyle Patrick
Driving.ca’s Jay Kana is deeply unimpressed with the 2025 VinFast VF 9, despite acknowledging modest progress over the VF 8. After nearly 500 kilometres, he experienced respectable range retention and appreciated features such as the head-up display, comfortable optional second-row captain’s chairs, and roomy second-row seating. But those positives are overwhelmed by sluggish acceleration, intrusive road noise, a harsh ride, poor visibility, unreliable blind-spot monitoring, and a frustratingly wide turning circle. The third row is especially compromised, with cramped, uncomfortable seating that Kana effectively recommends leaving folded. Interior technology also disappoints: the central screen lags, cameras are low-resolution, the audio system sounds flat, and several controls—including the turn signal and wireless charger—were unreliable. With pricing near $80,000, he considers the VF 9 poorly refined and fundamentally mispositioned as a premium SUV, especially beside the stronger Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9.
By Jay Kana
AutoGuide’s Kyle Patrick is cautiously negative on the 2025 VinFast VF 9, viewing it as improved but still outclassed. He credits its distinctive Pininfarina styling, calm highway ride, air suspension, useful range, spacious first two rows, and reasonably direct steering. However, the VF 9’s inconsistent throttle and regenerative braking, terrible turning circle, awkward controls, noisy massage seats, poor cameras, disappointing materials, and cramped third row undermine its appeal. Its lack of a proper driver display is another questionable decision. The biggest problem is value: at roughly $64,100 before options in the U.S., and even more aggressively priced in Canada, it costs about as much as the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 while offering slower charging, less refinement, and a less cohesive experience. Patrick considers it a solid, if unremarkable, family hauler—but difficult to recommend without substantial discounts.
By Kyle Patrick
YouTube
10 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
AutoTrader CanadaAutoTrader Canada is clearly disappointed by the VinFast VF 9, despite recognizing its strengths. They appreciate its stylish design, smooth performance, standard AWD, spacious first and second rows, and sensible 6.7-second acceleration. However, the cramped third row, small turning circle, harsher ride, inconsistent regenerative braking, awkward touchscreen controls, glitches, poor camera quality, limited USB-C access, and clumsy seat folding make it feel unfinished beside the Hyundai Ioniq 9. The large battery and reasonable range are undermined by slower charging, while its high price further weakens the value case.
Roads UntraveledRoads Untraveled is cautiously impressed by the VinFast VF 9, but not ready to call it refined luxury. The spacious three-row cabin, comfortable ride, strong 402-hp AWD powertrain, quiet cruising, extensive features, and huge battery create a compelling family SUV, while the massage seats and clever technology add genuine appeal. Yet glitches, questionable fit and finish, sluggish steering, poor bump control, limited storage, and drive-mode resets undermine confidence. At roughly $70,000 in the U.S., it offers impressive equipment and range, but Kia’s EV9 and polished European rivals remain safer recommendations.
AutoTrader CanadaAutoTrader Canada is clearly disappointed by the VinFast VF 9, despite recognizing its strengths. They appreciate its stylish design, smooth performance, standard AWD, spacious first and second rows, and sensible 6.7-second acceleration. However, the cramped third row, small turning circle, harsher ride, inconsistent regenerative braking, awkward touchscreen controls, glitches, poor camera quality, limited USB-C access, and clumsy seat folding make it feel unfinished beside the Hyundai Ioniq 9. The large battery and reasonable range are undermined by slower charging, while its high price further weakens the value case.
Roads UntraveledRoads Untraveled is cautiously impressed by the VinFast VF 9, but not ready to call it refined luxury. The spacious three-row cabin, comfortable ride, strong 402-hp AWD powertrain, quiet cruising, extensive features, and huge battery create a compelling family SUV, while the massage seats and clever technology add genuine appeal. Yet glitches, questionable fit and finish, sluggish steering, poor bump control, limited storage, and drive-mode resets undermine confidence. At roughly $70,000 in the U.S., it offers impressive equipment and range, but Kia’s EV9 and polished European rivals remain safer recommendations.
AutoTrader CanadaAutoTrader Canada is clearly disappointed by the VinFast VF 9, despite recognizing its strengths. They appreciate its stylish design, smooth performance, standard AWD, spacious first and second rows, and sensible 6.7-second acceleration. However, the cramped third row, small turning circle, harsher ride, inconsistent regenerative braking, awkward touchscreen controls, glitches, poor camera quality, limited USB-C access, and clumsy seat folding make it feel unfinished beside the Hyundai Ioniq 9. The large battery and reasonable range are undermined by slower charging, while its high price further weakens the value case.
Roads UntraveledRoads Untraveled is cautiously impressed by the VinFast VF 9, but not ready to call it refined luxury. The spacious three-row cabin, comfortable ride, strong 402-hp AWD powertrain, quiet cruising, extensive features, and huge battery create a compelling family SUV, while the massage seats and clever technology add genuine appeal. Yet glitches, questionable fit and finish, sluggish steering, poor bump control, limited storage, and drive-mode resets undermine confidence. At roughly $70,000 in the U.S., it offers impressive equipment and range, but Kia’s EV9 and polished European rivals remain safer recommendations.
AutoTrader CanadaAutoTrader Canada is clearly disappointed by the VinFast VF 9, despite recognizing its strengths. They appreciate its stylish design, smooth performance, standard AWD, spacious first and second rows, and sensible 6.7-second acceleration. However, the cramped third row, small turning circle, harsher ride, inconsistent regenerative braking, awkward touchscreen controls, glitches, poor camera quality, limited USB-C access, and clumsy seat folding make it feel unfinished beside the Hyundai Ioniq 9. The large battery and reasonable range are undermined by slower charging, while its high price further weakens the value case.
Roads UntraveledRoads Untraveled is cautiously impressed by the VinFast VF 9, but not ready to call it refined luxury. The spacious three-row cabin, comfortable ride, strong 402-hp AWD powertrain, quiet cruising, extensive features, and huge battery create a compelling family SUV, while the massage seats and clever technology add genuine appeal. Yet glitches, questionable fit and finish, sluggish steering, poor bump control, limited storage, and drive-mode resets undermine confidence. At roughly $70,000 in the U.S., it offers impressive equipment and range, but Kia’s EV9 and polished European rivals remain safer recommendations.
AutoTrader CanadaAutoTrader Canada is clearly disappointed by the VinFast VF 9, despite recognizing its strengths. They appreciate its stylish design, smooth performance, standard AWD, spacious first and second rows, and sensible 6.7-second acceleration. However, the cramped third row, small turning circle, harsher ride, inconsistent regenerative braking, awkward touchscreen controls, glitches, poor camera quality, limited USB-C access, and clumsy seat folding make it feel unfinished beside the Hyundai Ioniq 9. The large battery and reasonable range are undermined by slower charging, while its high price further weakens the value case.
Roads UntraveledRoads Untraveled is cautiously impressed by the VinFast VF 9, but not ready to call it refined luxury. The spacious three-row cabin, comfortable ride, strong 402-hp AWD powertrain, quiet cruising, extensive features, and huge battery create a compelling family SUV, while the massage seats and clever technology add genuine appeal. Yet glitches, questionable fit and finish, sluggish steering, poor bump control, limited storage, and drive-mode resets undermine confidence. At roughly $70,000 in the U.S., it offers impressive equipment and range, but Kia’s EV9 and polished European rivals remain safer recommendations.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors are largely skeptical of the 2025 VinFast VF 9, despite some owners enjoying its space and low lease cost. It looks stylish, feels quiet, accelerates strongly, and can be economical for city driving. However, recurring complaints involve poor real-world range, slow charging, unfinished software, warning-system glitches, weak air conditioning, awkward maneuverability, inconsistent build quality, and frustrating service delays. Several owners report repeated failures involving windows, lights, signals, screens, and charging. A few satisfied lessees consider it worthwhile at heavily discounted prices, but the consensus is that buying one remains risky.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Spacious Family CabinRoomy first and second rows.
- •Strong AWD Power402-hp system delivers confident acceleration.
- •Quiet Highway CruisingCalm ride with comfortable low-speed manners.
- •Long-Range PotentialAdvertised up to 330 miles Eco.
Considerations
- •Unreliable Electronic SystemsGlitches affect screens, cameras, signals, and controls.
- •Inconsistent Ride QualityBumps, float, and road noise vary noticeably.
- •Cramped Third RowAdult comfort and cargo space are limited.
- •Slow Public ChargingFast-charge stops lag behind newer competitors.
VinFast’s flagship VF 9 aims to make a newer brand credible in the full-size electric-SUV market. Built for families and road trips, it combines standard dual-motor AWD with a 123-kWh battery, a spacious cabin, and premium touches that set it apart from the smaller VF 8 and put it alongside the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. Its appeal is clearest for buyers needing roomy first and second rows, available massaging captain’s chairs, and quiet highway cruising—but reviewers disagree about whether the suspension feels luxurious or unfinished. Strong acceleration and claimed range are balanced by inconsistent regeneration, slower charging, electronic glitches, and a wide turning circle. The third row, visibility, and real-world reliability deserve particular scrutiny before buying, especially at premium pricing. In short, the VF 9 brings flagship ambitions to family duty; now let’s see whether its hardware—or its growing pains—gets the final word.
Maneuvering and Visibility
The VF 9’s size provides cabin space but creates everyday parking challenges. Its wide turning circle is repeatedly criticized, requiring extra maneuvering in lots, narrow streets, and tight driveways. Rear visibility is limited by the full-size body, so the vehicle depends heavily on cameras and blind-spot monitoring, yet reviewers report low-resolution imagery and inconsistent alerts. The available head-up display is useful for keeping attention forward, but it cannot compensate for awkward geometry or unreliable assistance systems. Buyers should plan on needing more space and patience than the SUV’s premium positioning implies.
Power and Regeneration
The VF 9 has strong hardware, though its responses are not always as polished as its output suggests. Its 402-hp dual-motor AWD system provides confident acceleration and useful passing power, especially with a full cabin. VinFast estimates roughly 6.6 seconds to 60 mph, a claim broadly supported by reviewers who describe it as powerful, but some noticed sluggish throttle response. Regenerative braking is another weak point, with inconsistent behavior and creep or auto-hold quirks reported. The result is capable performance that can feel unpredictable in daily traffic.
Reliability and Build
Software and hardware reliability are the VF 9’s biggest confidence problems. The vehicle offers appealing technology, including a 15.6-inch touchscreen, head-up display, cameras, and extensive electronic controls, but reviewers and owners report lagging screens, warning errors, failed cameras, unreliable signals, windows, lights, charging functions, and key detection. These reports do not mean every vehicle will fail, yet the pattern makes the SUV feel unfinished. Service delays and limited coverage add risk, particularly for buyers rather than short-term lessees. Build quality appears improved in some examples, but it remains inconsistent.
Range and Charging
The VF 9 has road-trip potential on paper, but charging is less competitive in practice. Its 123-kWh battery supports a claimed EPA range of up to 330 miles in Eco trim, while Plus models are rated around 291 miles, and reviewers generally acknowledge useful highway range. Real-world owners have reported larger-than-expected range drops, however, making trip planning less reassuring. VinFast lists roughly 35 minutes from 10% to 70%, but experts consistently view its DC fast charging as slow beside the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.
Space and Seating
The VF 9’s spacious cabin is one of its most convincing strengths. Its long body supports generous first- and second-row room, while available six-seat captain’s chairs add power adjustment, ventilation, heating, and massage for a genuinely premium family experience. The third row is more complicated: some family testers found it useful for children, but other reviews describe limited thigh support, awkward access, and cramped adult seating. With only about 212 liters behind the third row, luggage space is also modest when all seats are occupied.
Ride and Suspension
The VF 9 can feel calm and comfortable, but its ride quality varies noticeably by road. VinFast’s air suspension helps deliver a quiet, settled highway experience, and several reviewers liked the relaxed cruising and low-speed comfort. Others reported harsh bump control, floaty body movement, and intrusive road noise, so it does not consistently feel like a polished luxury SUV. The mixed feedback matters because a large family vehicle should protect passengers from rough pavement without becoming unwieldy.
Conclusion
The VF 9’s final verdict is a spacious family EV with flagship ambitions—and noticeable growing pains. Its quiet highway manners and roomy first two rows suit families, while standard AWD delivers confident power; inconsistent throttle and regeneration make that strength less polished in traffic. Air suspension can feel comfortable, yet bump control, float, and road noise vary enough to undermine the luxury brief. More concerning are reported electronic glitches involving screens, cameras, signals, and other hardware, with service delays adding ownership risk. The 123-kWh battery offers useful advertised range, but slow charging and real-world range concerns weaken road-trip confidence. A wide turning circle and limited visibility complicate parking, while the third row is better for children than adults. The VF 9 makes sense for a patient lessee prioritizing space, features, and AWD—not a buyer demanding proven refinement. Its impressive ingredients are outweighed by execution and value concerns.
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
4/5
Charging Speed
2/5
Acceleration
3/5
Handling and Ride Comfort
2/5
Energy Efficiency
3/5
Battery Durability
3/5
Value
Purchase Price Competitiveness
2/5
Total Cost of Ownership
3/5
Resale Value
2/5
Design
Exterior Styling
4/5
Interior Space and Packaging
3/5
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
3/5
Sustainability
Lifecycle Emissions
3/5
Battery Recyclability
TBD
Use of Recycled Materials
TBD
Experience Style
Infotainment and Connectivity
3/5
Charging Ecosystem Integration
2/5
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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