The VinFast VF9 is just starting to arrive at Ewing VinFast of Plano, which means that car journalists are also getting their chances to get behind the wheel to witness one of the first new automotive companies delivering cars to America in our lifetime. The VF9 is the latest and only true three-row EV SUV on the market, and it is already being viewed as a viable option for buyers who need a vehicle with at least six proper seats.
A Review by AutoWeek
Recently, AutoWeek had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a 2025 VF9 before it was delivered to a customer. They found the packaging and build quality quite good, which is saying a lot for a brand-new vehicle from a young car company. While the publication didn’t have a ton of time, they did have enough to take it for a good drive and sit in all of the seats while testing some of the features.
Power and Trim Levels
Even though the VF9 is brand new, VinFast has made sure to give customers a vehicle that won’t confuse or intimidate them. While most car companies offer their cars with a dozen trim levels and a thousand options, VinFast has chosen to keep it simple with just two trims for its models: the Eco and Plus. Eco will achieve 330 miles of range, with the Plus model delivering 291 miles. Both models come standard with dual motors, a 123-kWh battery, and all-wheel drive with 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. Almost every EV on the market offers a single motor with either front- or rear-wheel drive as standard, with dual motors and all-wheel drive being optional.
Unique Door Handles That Are Better Than a Tesla
Auto brands developing EVs are constantly trying to find new ways to engineer a vehicle with less aerodynamic drag. Less drag equals better range because the car is less encumbered by air resistance. This has led to the creation of pop-out handles in various fashions. One of the types that tends not to work as well are the handles on Tesla. AutoWeek immediately noticed how VinFast took a more innovative and less bothersome approach to their handles, saying, “When I went to drive the VF 9, the first thing I appreciated was the flip-out door handles. Push on one end, the handle pops out, and you open the door. It’s a clever way to reduce aerodynamic drag without resorting to Tesla’s pop-out electric door handles.”
Standard Head-Up Display
The VF9, like any modern car, features a host of technology and safety features. However, one thing VinFast ensures is standard on both the VF8 and VF9, no matter the trim, is the Head-Up Display (HUD). It’s very rare that any car, especially an EV, has this even as an option. AutoWeek was noticeably appreciative of the tech, saying, “In front of me, the head-up display was impressive, with numerous data sets available in a sharply focused, helpful display at the base of the driver’s field of view. A 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen worked well in the very brief time I had to try and sort it out. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly.”
Reasonable Performance
Modern EVs tend to focus too much on speed and performance to try and lure customers through the door. Instead of showing off the great experience they’ll have driving the car, automakers tend to convince buyers the car is great because of the speed. The VF9 is not a speed demon, but it will get out of its own way quite easily. The biggest thing is that VinFast wows with tech, safety, and a warranty that’s second to none. However, when it came time to drive the VF9 and use the power it has, the publication said, “Acceleration was more than adequate from the VF 9’s combined output of 402 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque from its dual electric motors … VinFast lists a 0-62 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the Eco trim and 6.7 for the PLUS. Top speed is 124 mph (which I didn’t verify).”
Sony RIDEVU
One of the single best things about the VF9 is the inclusion of Sony RIDEVU. Sony Pictures Entertainment and VinFast have partnered to bring RIDEVU to VinFast customers free of charge. This gives occupants the ability to watch 2,000 different Sony-owned movies and TV shows either on the main 15.6-inch infotainment screen when the vehicle is in park, or on any device that is attached to the in-car WiFi system. There are also six standard USB-A ports with one 90-watt USB-C port, which means two per row. When captain’s chairs are optioned, passengers will find two extra USB-A ports in the center console.
Amazing Safety Features
Safety is the name of the game these days, as well it should be. Cars are getting bigger, faster, and more usable. It makes sense that they protect occupants as much as possible. The VF9 offers tons of standard safety features such as 11 airbags, along with Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Centering Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Speed Recognition, Traffic Sign Recognition, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection, Door Opening Warning, Front Automatic Emergency Braking, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Front Parking Assist, Rear Parking Assist, backup camera, Automatic High Beam, and a 360-degree Surround View Camera system.
The Best Warranty in the World
Probably the single most significant aspect of the VF9 is its warranties. While most EVs carry a five—or ten-year warranty for the car and battery system, the VinFast VF8 and VF9 are the only vehicles with a 10-year, 125,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year, unlimited-mile battery warranty. This provides the ultimate peace of mind to anyone buying their first VinFast.
Why Choose Ewing VinFast
At Ewing VinFast of Plano, we have the best prices on dozens of new VinFast EVs and used cars. Our well-educated sales staff and finance department will happily assist you with your EV questions and needs. Our fantastic service department will ensure your vehicle stays in the best condition.
We look forward to serving you.