The VinFast VF8 may be new to the market, but it’s quickly making a name for itself as a true potential contender against other EV SUVs and crossovers that have been on the market for longer. Buying or leasing a new car should always come down to personal preference. The VF8 offers a lot of bang for the buck compared to everything else on the road.
Trim Levels and Battery Pack
There are two trim levels for the VF8, the base Eco and the Plus trim, and both models feature an 87.7 kWh dual-motor battery pack with standard all-wheel drive, which are two things that are typically optional in most EVs. In our last comparison article, we looked at how the VF8 stacks up against the Volkswagen ID.4, and you can say with confidence that the VinFast had the upper hand. This time, we are looking at the Rivian R1S, a capable EV SUV.
Meet The Rivian R1S
The Rivian comes in 5 different trim levels: The Adventure Dual Standard, Adventure Dual LaMax, and Ascend Quad Max. There is a range of horsepower and torque numbers, from 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque for the base model, 850 horsepower and 1,103 lb-ft of torque, to 1,025 horses and 1,198 torque. The base model Dual Standard has a dual motor with all-wheel drive with a 92.5 kWh battery.
How Much Do Both EVs Cost?
Price is always a talking point, and with the VinFast VF8, the Eco starts from $46,000, while the Plus has a base price of just $51,800. The base Rivian Adventure Dual Standard has a base price of $75,900. For that price, you would hope that your EV will have a ton of range, but the R1S can go 258 miles on a full charge or 270 miles with special 22-inch wheels that are a $2,000 option. The VF8, on the other hand, can drive 264 miles in Eco trim and 243 miles with the Plus trim.
Just Speedy Enough
No one will confuse the VF8 for being a speed demon. With 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in the Eco, you can get from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. Stepping up to the Plus trim gives buyers 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque and will reach 60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds. The Rivian is faster. The Adventure Dual Standard can go from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, looking at the numbers, it seems odd that the Rivian has 131 more horsepower and 153 more torque than the VF8 Plus and is just a second quicker to 60. You would expect it to be much faster. Where is all of that power going?
Excellent Tech
Both VF8 models feature a 15.6-inch touchscreen that controls everything in the vehicle, allowing drivers and passengers to have everything they want or need at their fingertips. A beautiful and bright head-up display is also standard on all models, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both Eco and Pro models feature two USB-A ports up front, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port for rear passengers to keep all devices charged.
The Rivian Doesn’t Have What Now?!
None of the Rivian R1S models have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, nor does it have a heads-up display. For nearly $80,000, you don’t get a key piece of safety technology to keep your eyes on the road.
Sony RIDEVU
Another key feature that the Rivian lacks is RIDEVU, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s all-new in-car entertainment service, which is free for all VinFast owners with the VF Connect Package. All passengers can stream the same or different content to their iPhone or Android device while in the car. If the vehicle is parked, the content can be streamed on the central display for all to see.
Some of The Best Safety Tech
No matter the trim level you choose, the VF8 has everything you need regarding safety. Standard features on both models 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.
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.