Autoweek Gets Behind the Wheel of the VinFast VF9

2025 VinFast VF9 Front Side View

2025 VinFast VF9 Front Side ViewThe 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.  

2025 VinFast VF9 Interior Dash ViewA 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.  

2025 VinFast VF9 Shift ButtonsPower 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.  

2025 VinFast VF9 Door HandleUnique 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.” 

2025 VinFast VF9 Panoramic RoofReasonable 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).” 

2025 VinFast VF9 Rear Cargo CapacitySony 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.  

2025 VinFast VF9 Rear Side ViewWhy 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. 

Top Seven Questions People Have About the VinFast VF9

2025 VinFast VF9 Front View

2025 VinFast VF9 Front ViewWhenever a new vehicle comes out, it is customary to have some questions—especially when it’s a vehicle that’s debuting for the first time, like the VinFast VF9. Since its debut, people have been wondering about the VF9, considering it’s one of only a few true three-row all-electric SUVs, and it costs considerably less while still packing the similar features, a better warranty, and amazing leasing options. So, let’s take a deep dive into some questions you may have about this brand-new family EV SUV.  

What Is the VF9? 

The VF9 is a three-row SUV that runs completely on electric power. Unlike some other brands that tend to confuse and then intimidate buyers with a dozen trim levels and a thousand options, VinFast has chosen to keep it simple with just two trims: the Eco and Plus. Eco models will give owners 330 miles of range, while the Plus model delivers 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. Between its power and range, the VF9 is able to compete well against other SUVs in the market, whether gas, hybrid, or electric.  

New VinFast VF9 Interior Dash ViewHow Much Does the VF9 Cost? 

The VF9 has a starting price of just $69,800. When compared to vehicles like the Kia EV9 that starts at $56,395, you need to spend more than $70,000 to get a model with options that rival the VinFast. While most automakers try to lock people into a cheaper vehicle with fewer options and less value, VinFast offers the VF9 pretty much fully loaded as a base Eco model, which includes a Head-Up Display (HUD), something the EV9 only includes on the top trim that will have you spending nearly $80,000. 

What Kind of Tech Does the VF9 Have? 

When it comes to technology, there is no other SUV of its size that has what the VF9 has. The VinFast VF9 comes standard with a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen display that allows the driver and front passenger to see and change pretty much everything about the vehicle. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, the VF9 gives owners the freedom to use their preferred system.  

More Technology 

Probably the most amazing piece of technology in the VF9 is Sony RIDEVU. Sony Pictures Entertainment provides RIDEVU as a way of giving VinFast customers 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 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. 

2025 VinFast VF9 Drive ButtonsHow Fast Can the VF9 Charge? 

The VF9 has the ability to charge from 10% to 70% in just 35 minutes when using a Level 3 DC fast charger. And thanks to the VinFast smartphone app, you won’t have to download every single public charging company’s app, as most of them are built into the VinFast app, allowing you to get charging quickly and easily. Also, it’s one less place that’s storing your sensitive payment information that can be hacked and stolen.  

Does VinFast Make a Charger, or Do I Have to Find One? 

Yes, VinFast does have its own charger that you can buy. In fact, it is one of the more affordable and advanced chargers on the market. The VinFast charger features a max power of 12 kW, or 240 volts, and 50 amps. The VinFast charger allows you to use WiFi, Bluetooth, or ethernet to connect to the charger and monitor the vehicle’s state of charge. Using the VinFast mobile app, the vehicle’s state of charge can be tracked easily from anywhere. As a Level 2 charger, the VinFast Home Charger is eight times faster than plugging the vehicle into a standard 120-volt wall outlet. 

2025 VinFast VF9 SeatingHow Safe Is the VF9? 

Safety features are one of the top reasons why buyers choose one car over another. The VF9 comes standard with 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. 

Is the VF9 Big Enough for My Family? 

Size matters when you’re talking about vehicles that are being purchased for use by families. The VF9 does not disappoint, as it can seat up to seven people. With the third row in place, customers will have 7.48 cubic feet of trunk space and 32.7 cubic feet with the third-row folded down. Plus, there is an extra 3.5 cubic feet of space in the front trunk, or frunk. The VF9 can also tow up to 4,000 pounds, which means you can take your family and some jet skis to the lake and have a great time for the day, or pull a modest camper for a nice trip away from home.  

A Warranty Like No Other 

When thinking of buying or leasing a VinFast VF9, it is important to know that no other automaker has a better warranty. While most EVs have a five- or ten-year warranty for the car and battery system, the VinFast VF8 and VF9 are the only vehicles that have a 10-year, 125,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year, unlimited-mile battery warranty.  

2025 VinFast VF9 Rear ViewThe Best Leasing Special You’ll Find 

Right now, VinFast is offering the VF9 for just $599 a month with ZERO dollars down for 24 months, with 10,000 miles per year. Oh, and you also get the $7,500 federal tax credit; name another EV that is this inexpensive with all the standard features available. In our Dollars and Cents comparisons, the VF9 always seems to come out on top simply because of what it offers buyers compared to the competition.  

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. 

​​VinFast’s Focus on After-Sales Service​

VinFast VF8 at a Dealership

VinFast VF8 at a DealershipVinFast vehicles are gaining traction in the United States, with deliveries up 115% in the third quarter of 2024 versus the same time period in 2023. Even better, the company was actually on pace to meet its goal of 80,000 vehicles sold for 2024. While we won’t have the exact figures for a few more weeks, it is worth noting that VinFast reported their Q3 revenue was better than what they estimated it would be, which was up 42% compared to Q2.  

A Car’s Only as Good as Its Warranty 

While it is obvious that positive buzz and excellent lease pricing are certainly a big part of the company’s success, it is also thanks to their after-sales service that has industry analysts and buyers really excited about the future of VinFast. As part of the after-sales service, VinFast offers the world’s best warranty with a 10-year, 125,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year, unlimited-mile battery warranty. No other company offers anything competitive. Not Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Tesla, Volvo, Rivian, Chevrolet, Ford, none of them. “Unlike traditional automakers that prioritize sales figures, VinFast has adopted a customer-centric approach by investing heavily in after-sales services. This strategic move not only boosts sales but also fosters long-lasting relationships with customers,” explained Phan Thanh Man, an auto market analyst.  

VinFast at CESMore Dealers for People to Find the Right Car 

VinFast has also been making great strides in its dealer network. While Ewing VinFast of Plano was one of the first VinFast dealers in the country, the Vietnamese brand now has 36 dealerships across 15 states, which they were able to do in less than two years on the market. That is remarkable. This is something that customers seem to prefer as they enjoy going to a physical store to get their eyes and hands on a VF8 or VF9 to truly understand what is so special about these Pininfarina-designed electric SUVs.  

VinFast Smartphone AppAn Excellent and Feature-Rich Smartphone App 

VinFast has also worked tirelessly on its smartphone app, which not only allows you to schedule service appointments but also tracks the status of your booking, pays for any repairs or service items, and more. There is one feature that no other automaker has yet to adopt, which is the ability to use a single app to easily pay for charging at most public chargers around the country.  The VinFast app is equipped for this.  Most of the time, you need to download that specific charging company’s app to pay for your charge, leaving you exposed if that data is ever stolen. There are more than a dozen charging companies across the U.S. Each one has a separate app that requires you to enter your credit card information to be stored in the app. VinFast makes it so you won’t need to do that.  

This Will Be the Best Year Yet 

2025 is already shaping up to be a brilliant year for VinFast, and it is down to how hard they are working to foster relationships and build brand loyalty with every person that buys or leases one of their vehicles.  

VinFast Infotainment ScreenWhy 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. 

Car Seat Safety: Tips for Keeping Kids Safe on the Road

Rear Facing Car Seats

2025 VinFast VF9 Charging at HomeSUVs are wise purchases for couples looking to start families or for growing families. The VinFast VF8 and VF9 SUVs are priced perfectly for family buyers looking to get into their first EVs or their next EV SUVs. Having a family, though, means using car seats, and there seems to be an endless number of options and types. What does it all mean? Let’s break it down.  

Rear Facing Car SeatsThe Different Types of Car Seats 

As you already know, car seats are specifically made to keep children safe and secure when driving. Modern car seats are crash tested to make sure they offer reasonable amounts of safety (along with the vehicle) in the event of an accident. There are three main types of car seats that you can buy to use in your VinFast, including rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster. Rear- and forward-facing seats, the best seats for younger children, come in the same specifications listed below.  

Rear- and forward-facing car seat: 

  • Infant car seat – Specifically designed for newborns.  
  • Convertible seat – Has the ability to be rear- or forward-facing as a child gets bigger.  
  • All-in-one seat – This seat allows for multiple uses as a kid grows up, from rear- or forward-facing to even becoming a booster. 

Booster seat: 

  • Booster seat with high back – This type of booster is meant to increase a child’s height so that he or she can fit best in the seat with a seatbelt. This type of seat also protects kids’ necks and backs during crashes. It is good for vehicles that don’t have headrests or high seat backs.  
  • Backless booster seat – Like the previous booster, this, too, is meant to boost the height of a child sitting in this seat. However, this booster is better for cars with high seat backs and headrests.  

Front Facing Car Seat and Booster SeatWhat Ages to Use Which Car Seats 

There are specific seats designed for each age group, as follows: 

  • Birth to 12 months – Children in this age-range need to sit in a rear-facing car seat. A convertible 3-in-1 is a good choice as it has higher heigh and weight limits so you can use it longer. A rear-facing seat helps to move with the child in an accident to reduce the amount of injury to the neck and spine of a baby. 
  • 1-3 years – If your child still fits in the height and weight category of the rear-facing seat, then you should use that as long as possible, as it’s the best and most protective. Once your kid grows to be too big, then you can switch to a forward-facing car seat that has a harness and tether that limit the child’s movements in a crash.  
  • 4-7 years – Once again, like before, keep your child in the same seat for as long as possible until he or she has outgrown what you have. At this age range, it is possible for your child to move into a booster seat, if his or her height and weight allow.  
  • 8-12 years – Again, use that booster seat for as long as you can, as it will be extremely safe for your child in any collision. Check on the height and weight limits to see if your child can graduate to sitting in the car without a booster. This means making sure that the seatbelt is securely over the child’s chest and waist areas. It is always safest to keep your kid in the back seat versus letting him or her ride up front.  

Second Row Seats in the 2025 VinFast VF9Learning Before Buying 

If you are nervous about which car seat to buy, it’s always helpful to look into reviews by Consumer Reports, or go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website (NHTSA) to learn more about the different types of seats and if there are any recalls on brands and models you’re looking at buying.  

Come By to Test Your Car Seat in Our Cars 

More than anything, if you already have a car seat and you would like to see how well it fits in a VinFast VF8 or VF9, then please feel free to come down to Ewing VinFast of Plano. You are welcome to come in without an appointment, or you can call us to schedule a visit with one of our trusted sales consultants to help you through the process. We aim to make every experience trouble-free and friendly. Buying or leasing a new car can be a daunting task, but our team is here to help make it the easiest decision of your life.  

VinFast VF8 AribagsWhy 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. 

Tesla Lease Up? Why You Should Choose a VinFast Instead

New Vinfast VF9 on the Road

New Vinfast VF9 on the RoadLeasing a Tesla used to be the easiest electric vehicle decision a customer could make, mainly because it was the only real EV on the road for a number of years. Add in the Tesla-only Supercharger Network, and it was pretty much a done deal when shopping for your first or your tenth electric car. Now, though, more car manufacturers are making better EVs than ever, and young companies like VinFast are engineering and building competitive cars within the first few years of production. Throw in the fact that there are nearly 200,000 public charging ports in the United States, and there’s never been a better time to ditch a Tesla and check out what’s out there.  

Vinfast VF8 Plus Interior Dash A Tesla Doesn’t Age So Well 

There are many reasons not to buy or lease another Tesla that go beyond the current political landscape and any opinions of Elon Musk you may have. While a Tesla is still a good car, it has gotten a little long in the tooth in terms of styling. The Model Y and Model X, especially, have not aged well from a design standpoint. The Model X was the first major 3-row electric SUV out there, but now VinFast makes the VF9 that doesn’t look like a design accident.  

Vinfast VF8 at Charging StationA Historic Design Company 

Instead of developing their electric vehicles around a modern theme that EVs must be radically different looking to conventional gas-powered cars, VinFast took a different approach by looking to famed Italian car designer Pininfarina to craft the essence and beauty of the VF8 and VF9. While some may balk at the idea that a design firm founded in 1930 can dictate the future of EV design, it should be noted that almost every automobile on the road since the 1950s owes some part of its design to a car Pininfarina created. They’ve only styled some of the most influential and beautiful vehicles ever for Ferrari, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac, Maserati, Volvo, Jaguar, of course VinFast, and more.  

Cargo Space in the Vinfast VF9A Tesla Warranty Isn’t So Special 

A key reason to move away from a Tesla and into a VinFast is the warranty. Tesla’s battery warranty is eight years and anywhere from 100,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on the car you have. That’s weird, don’t you think? So, if you buy a rear-wheel drive Model 3 or Model Y, they only warranty the battery up to 100,000 miles? That seems like it’s saying something about what they believe will happen to that car, because an all-wheel drive Model 3 or Model Y has a 120,000-mile warranty for the battery, and the Models S and X and the Cybertruck carry a 150,000-mile warranty. Makes complete sense… to no one.  

A VinFast Warranty Is Special 

VinFast gives every EV in their current lineup a 10-year, unlimited-mile battery warranty, as well as a 10-year, 125,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.  Every Tesla has a 4-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty. That’s the same warranty duration and mileage luxury gas-powered car manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz give their cars. That means Tesla doesn’t consider itself better than the status quo. VinFast believes in their cars so much they’ll prove how good they are by offering the best EV warranty in the world.  

Rear View of the VinFast VF8 with the doors openTeslas are Pointlessly Fast, VinFast Cars Are Usefully Fast 

It has been well established at this point that all Teslas are fast. Realistically, they are faster than they really need to be. A ludicrously fast 0-60 time is great and all, but the real world has traffic lights. Going from traffic light to traffic light at breakneck speed and pace is neat the first few times you do it, but it eats up your battery range and gets boring after a while. And some passengers get ill from it. The VinFast VF8 and VF9 models weren’t meant to be speed demons, but they’re also not slouches in any sense of the word. The VF8 Plus can reach 60 mph in roughly 5 seconds, which is faster than a Honda Civic Type R at 5.3 seconds. The Civic Type R is a Bonafide sports car with a hot hatch that can beat Porsche 911s around racetracks. The VF8 beats it in a straight line. The VF9 is also competitive, boasting a 6.5-second 0-60 time. Two of the bestselling gas-powered, 3-row SUVs on the market, the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander, both get to 60 mph in about 7-7.5 seconds. Sure, the VinFast vehicles aren’t setting land speed records, but they are also faster than the average traffic.  

VinFast VF9 Interior Dash ViewSony RIDEVU 

One thing that you will not be able to get in any current Tesla model is Sony RIDEVU. RIDEVU allows passengers in the VF8 and VF9 to stream 2,000 different Sony-owned movies and TV shows either on the main infotainment screen when the vehicle is in park or on any device that is connected to the in-car WiFi.  

VinFast Lease Specials 

In the end, one of the biggest reasons buyers should look more closely at a VinFast is the price. When looking into leasing, the VF8 absolutely can’t be beat with its $199 per month for a 36-month lease special, with just $1,943 due at signing. The 3-row VF9 is just as stellar. With $2,000 due at signing, you’ll only pay $529 per month.  

Vinfast App - Connect with your Vinfast EVWhy You Should 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.