It’s that time again when we take you through the ins and outs of the VinFast VF8 and compare it to another luxury electric vehicle that has a popular name. We have gone through the Volkswagen ID.4, BMW iX, Rivian R1S, Cadillac Lyriq, and Mercedes-Benz EQB, among others. It has become evident that the VF8 punches well above its weight and is easily comparable to legacy automotive brands in the EV space. This time, we’re taking a look at how well the VinFast stacks up against the Tesla Model Y.
The Tesla Model Y has been a very successful electric crossover. It’s based on the extremely popular Model 3 and can seat up to seven people when optioned with the cramped, $2,000 third row. However, Tesla is in somewhat of a sales slump, especially the Model 3 and Y. Some of that is due to the expansion of the EV market, where pretty much every automaker has their own electric vehicles to compete against Tesla. Another part is that the company’s main owner and CEO, Elon Musk, is somewhat divisive.
For 2024, the Model Y is available in three flavors: Long Range AWD, Standard Range RWD, and Performance. Long Range all-wheel drive models cost $49,630 and feature an 80.5 kWh battery pack with a dual-motor setup that produces 384 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque and allows for up to 308 miles of driving range. According to Car and Driver, rear-wheel drive Model Ys have only 260 miles of range and run $44,630. The range-topping Performance model also has all-wheel drive and can get from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, but that’s all Tesla really tells anyone. No horsepower or torque figures are given, and Tesla does not have a PR department. They do say it has a driving range of 279 miles, though, and costs $54,130.
According to Tesla’s website, with no money down, a Model Y SR RWD will run you $534 per month for 36 months, $542 a month for the LR AWD, and then $695 for the Performance model. The Model Y, in all configurations, is able to tow up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped.
The biggest claim to Tesla’s fame is its Supercharger network, a Level 3 fast charging system that is pretty flawless for Tesla owners. However, the Supercharger network is now open to all other automakers, and there have been reports of VinFast VF8 owners using Superchargers without issue.
The VinFast VF8 Eco has a base price of $47,325, and the Plus trim starts from $51,800. Unlike the Tesla, VinFast is happy to publish that their VF8 trims have an 87.7 kWh battery park that gives Eco models 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque in the Plus trim. The EPA estimates that owners can expect 264 miles of driving range in Eco models and 243 miles in Plus models between charges. There is currently no performance VF8 model, but VinFast also doesn’t need a speedy model just to convince people they need an EV. The VF8 can also tow 4,000 lbs when properly equipped, which is more than the Tesla.
With no money down, buyers can drive away with a brand new VF8 Eco for just $199 per month for 36 months or $249 per month for the Plus model. All VF8 models come standard with a Head-Up Display, which the Tesla does not even have as an option. It also includes Sony’s revolutionary RideVu feature that allows anyone in a VinFast to watch 2,000 different Sony TV shows and movies either on the large 15.6-inch infotainment screen (when stationary, of course) or on their smartphone, tablet, or laptop when it is connected to the vehicle’s in-car WiFi. Every model also has premium vegan leather.
One of the features Tesla owners have always howled about, FSD, or Full Self Driving, turned out to be not so natural, with the U.S. government stepping in and telling Tesla they could no longer advertise their hands-free driving mode as hands-free or that it is fully self-driving. VinFast is completely honest and transparent with its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and safety features that include 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. All models also come with 11 airbags as standard safety equipment.
In the end, if you are bored of the same old cars with the same old names, then why not give VinFast a try? The VF8 also has the industry’s best warranty, with a 10-year, unlimited-mile battery warranty that no other automaker can match, not even Tesla, with its 8-year, 120,000-mile warranty.
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.