Vietnamese automaker VinFast made a bold entrance into the U.S. market last year with the launch of its first model, the VinFast VF8 electric crossover.
Aiming to compete with the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Nissan Ariya, the VF8 arrived with a lot of promise, but also some significant shortcomings.
For 2024, VinFast has addressed some of the VF8’s key issues, most notably by outfitting the Eco and Plus trims with a larger, more efficient battery pack that boosts the estimated range to between 243 and 264 miles. The company has also made changes to the suspension in an effort to improve the VF8’s lackluster driving dynamics.
However, the core issues that plagued the 2023 VF8 – a laggy infotainment system and an unbalanced ride quality – remain, making it a tough sell against the more polished competition in the electric crossover segment.
Detailed Specification 2024 VinFast VF8
Here is the detailed specification table for the 2024 VinFast VF8 Plus”
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon |
| Price | Base: $53,000 / As Tested: $53,750 |
| Options | Deep Ocean Metallic paint, $750 |
| Powertrain | |
| Front Motor | Permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 201 hp, 228 lb-ft |
| Rear Motor | Permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 201 hp, 228 lb-ft |
| Combined Power | 402 hp |
| Combined Torque | 457 lb-ft |
| Battery Pack | Liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 87.7 kWh |
| Onboard Charger | 11.0 kW |
| Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate | 160 kW |
| Transmission | Direct-drive |
| Chassis | |
| Suspension, Front/Rear | Struts/Multilink |
| Brakes, Front/Rear | 14.8-in vented disc/13.4-in vented disc |
| Tires | Goodyear Eagle Touring 245/45R-20 103V M+S |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 in |
| Length | 187.0 in |
| Width | 76.1 in |
| Height | 65.6 in |
| Frunk Volume | 3 ft³ |
| Cargo Volume, Behind 1st/2nd Row | 48/13 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 5,771 lb |
| Performance | |
| 0-60 mph | 5.0 sec |
| 1/4-Mile | 13.9 sec @ 98 mph |
| 100 mph | 14.9 sec |
| 120 mph | 26.2 sec |
| Rolling Start, 5-60 mph | 5.2 sec |
| Top Gear, 30-50 mph | 2.1 sec |
| Top Gear, 50-70 mph | 3.0 sec |
| Top Speed (mfr’s claim) | 124 mph |
| Braking, 70-0 mph | 181 ft |
| Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad | 0.84 g |
| Fuel Economy and Charging | |
| Observed | 57 MPGe |
| 75-mph Highway Range | 210 mi |
| Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10-90% | 85 kW |
| DC Fast-Charge Time, 10-90% | 52 min |
| EPA Fuel Economy | |
| Combined/City/Highway | 80/82/78 MPGe |
| Range | 191 mi |
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2024 VinFast VF8 is available in two trim levels: Eco and Plus.
The Eco model starts at $47,200, while the more premium Plus trim carries a base price of $53,000. Both models come standard with all-wheel drive.
For those looking to maximize range, we’d recommend the Eco model, which is estimated to deliver 264 miles of range on a single charge. The Plus trim, on the other hand, sacrifices 20 miles of range (243 miles) in exchange for a more luxurious interior, including features like a panoramic glass roof, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated rear seats.
What’s New for 2024?
The biggest changes for the 2024 VinFast VF8 come in the form of a new battery pack and suspension updates.
The 2023 VF8 models were equipped with an 82.0-kWh battery pack, which provided a relatively modest range of just over 200 miles. For 2024, VinFast has replaced this with a larger, 87.7-kWh battery sourced from Chinese battery giant CATL. This new battery pack helps the Eco and Plus trims achieve their significantly improved range estimates.
VinFast has also announced that it is making changes to the VF8’s suspension setup in an effort to improve the crossover’s ride and handling characteristics, which were criticized in reviews of the 2023 model. However, we haven’t had a chance to test the updated suspension yet, so we’ll have to wait and see how effective these changes are.
EV Performance and Driving Dynamics
The 2024 VinFast VF8 uses an all-wheel-drive electric powertrain with two electric motors. In the base Eco trim, the system produces 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Step up to the Plus model, and output increases to 402 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque.
This extra power helps the Plus model accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, making it one of the quicker electric crossovers on the market. However, the VF8’s road manners have been a point of criticism, with reviewers noting that its ride and handling don’t quite measure up to segment leaders like the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
VinFast claims it has made changes to the VF8’s suspension for 2024, but we’ll have to wait until we can get behind the wheel of an updated model to see how effective those changes are.
Range, Charging, and Efficiency
As mentioned earlier, the 2024 VinFast VF8 Eco model is estimated to deliver 264 miles of range, while the Plus trim is rated at 243 miles. Both models utilize the same 87.7-kWh battery pack.
VinFast says the VF8’s battery can be charged from 10% to 70% in just 31 minutes using DC fast charging. The EPA has not yet released official efficiency ratings for the 2024 VF8, but we’ll update this story once that information becomes available.
Interior and Cargo Space
The VinFast VF8 is a two-row, five-seat electric crossover, with ample passenger space in both rows.
However, the interior quality doesn’t quite match the luxury levels of competitors like the BMW iX, with a heavy reliance on plastic materials.
One bright spot is the large, 15.6-inch central touchscreen display, which serves as the main infotainment interface as well as the digital gauge cluster.
This setup is similar to that of the Tesla Model Y, though the VinFast system has been criticized for being laggy and unintuitive.
The VF8 also offers a front trunk (or “frunk”) for additional cargo space, in addition to the rear hatch area.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The VinFast VF8’s 15.6-inch central touchscreen display is the centerpiece of the crossover’s tech features. In addition to serving as the infotainment system, it also acts as the digital gauge cluster, displaying critical driving information.
A head-up display is also included, projecting key data directly onto the windshield in front of the driver. Voice controls are available to allow users to interact with the system without having to touch the screen.
The infotainment system also includes built-in video games and an e-commerce service, allowing passengers to pass the time while the vehicle is charging. However, as mentioned earlier, the system has been criticized for its laggy and unintuitive performance, which may frustrate tech-savvy buyers.
Warranty And Maintenance Cost
Here is the additional information on the warranty and maintenance costs for the 2024 VinFast VF8 Plus:
| Warranty | |
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 8 years/100,000 miles |
| Battery | 8 years/100,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 7 years/Unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years/Unlimited miles |
| Maintenance | |
| Recommended Service Intervals | Every 6 months or 6,000 miles |
| Typical Annual Maintenance Cost | $500 – $800 |
| Included Maintenance | 2 years/20,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance |
| Maintenance Items | Oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, etc. |
Key points:
- Comprehensive warranty coverage, including 8-year/100,000-mile powertrain and battery warranties
- Roadside assistance for 5 years/unlimited miles
- Recommended service every 6 months or 6,000 miles
- Typical annual maintenance cost of $500 – $800
- 2 years/20,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance included
The extensive warranty and relatively low maintenance costs of the VinFast VF8 Plus help offset some of the initial higher purchase price compared to other electric crossovers in the segment.
Specifications
2024 VinFast VF8 Plus
Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
Price: Base/As Tested: $53,000/$53,750
Options: Deep Ocean Metallic paint, $750
Powertrain
Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC; 201 hp, 228 lb-ft
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC; 201 hp, 228 lb-ft
Combined Power: 402 hp
Combined Torque: 457 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 87.7 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 160 kW
Transmissions: direct-drive
Chassis
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.8-in vented disc/13.4-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle Touring 245/45R-20 103V M+S
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 116.1 in
Length: 187.0 in
Width: 76.1 in
Height: 65.6 in
Frunk Volume: 3 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 48/13 ft³
Curb Weight: 5,771 lb
Performance
60 mph: 5.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.9 sec @ 98 mph
100 mph: 14.9 sec
120 mph: 26.2 sec
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 124 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 181 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.84 g
Fuel Economy and Charging
Observed: 57 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 210 mi
Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 85 kW
DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 52 min
EPA Fuel Economy
Combined/City/Highway: 80/82/78 MPGe
Range: 191 mi
FAQ
What are the key differences between the VinFast VF8 Eco and Plus models?
The main differences are:
Range: The Eco model has an estimated range of 264 miles, while the Plus is rated at 243 miles.
Power: The Eco produces 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the Plus makes 402 hp and 457 lb-ft.
Luxury features: The Plus trim includes a panoramic glass roof, leather upholstery, and heated/ventilated rear seats.
Price: The Eco starts at $47,200, while the Plus is $53,000.
How does the VinFast VF8’s performance and driving dynamics compare to other electric crossovers?
The VF8’s performance is respectable, with the Plus model hitting 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. However, its handling and ride quality have been criticized as not quite meeting the standards set by segment leaders like the Ford Mustang Mach-E. VinFast claims to have made suspension updates for 2024, but we haven’t yet had a chance to test the updated model.
What are the main downsides of the VinFast VF8?
The key issues with the VF8 include its laggy and unintuitive infotainment system, disappointing fit and finish compared to the competition, and mediocre driving dynamics. While VinFast has addressed the range and suspension issues for 2024, the core problems with the vehicle’s tech and overall refinement remain.
Should I buy the VinFast VF8, or consider alternative electric crossovers instead?
Unless VinFast has made significant improvements to the VF8’s infotainment system and overall build quality, we’d likely recommend looking at other options in the electric crossover segment, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya, or even the Tesla Model Y. The VF8 has potential, but it still feels a bit unfinished compared to the more polished competition.