When it comes to electric SUVs, Tesla is kind of the OG in this department with the Model X. It has enjoyed a number of years as the premier luxury electric SUV. However, that’s slowly but surely been changing since its debut in 2015. With vehicles like the VinFast VF9, the Model X is aging in comparison. Or is it? Let’s compare the two in this week’s versus.
Meet The Tesla Model X
Like the VinFast VF9, the Tesla Model X only has two flavors for buyers: the Model X and the Model X Plaid. Unlike the VF9, though, it is pricey. How pricey? Well, here’s where it gets weird: Tesla says the Model X has a starting price of $65,990… but then, in fine print, it mentions, “Includes any applicable federal tax credits and estimated gas savings.” So, that means you can add back the $7,500 federal tax credit to better understand the base price, but what are the estimated gas savings? That’s just deceptive practices. Car and Driver says the Model X starts from $81,630, while MotorTrend says it is priced from $79,990. Tesla says the Model X Plaid retails for $88,490, but the car magazines say $94,990 and $96,630, respectively. Short of calling or going to a Tesla dealer and asking, the price is anyone’s guess.
Powertrain Options
When choosing the base Model X, buyers will get a dual-motor and all-wheel drive with an output of 670 horsepower, according to Tesla, and 713 lb-ft of torque, according to Car and Driver (Tesla does not list torque for the standard model). However, the tri-motor Model X Plaid features a massive 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Those are wild power numbers, which makes sense since the Plaid can reach 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, while the standard model is a bit slower at 3.3 seconds. The EPA says that the standard Model X has 329 miles of range with 20-inch wheels. However, Tesla says this number drops to 322 when optioning the 22-inch wheels. The Plaid model has 314 miles of EPA-estimated range with the standard wheels, while the optional 22s will force that range down to about 300 miles.
Meet The Honest VF9
Finally, we come to the star of the evening, the VF9, which is available in either Eco or Plus trim levels and starts from $71,000. Eco models will give buyers a healthy 330-mile driving range, and Plus models offer 291 miles, which makes the VF9 about equal to the Model X. Like the Model X, all VF9 models come standard with all-wheel drive, and both also use dual-motor setups. The 123 kWh battery pack provides 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. This gives the VinFast plenty of oomph, with a claimed 0-60 of roughly 6.5 seconds. The VF9 comes standard with a Head-Up Display (HUD), something most other vehicles can’t attest to, so drivers never have to take their eyes off the road to see navigation information, range, music, and more.
Sony RIDEVU Is Amazing
Something that neither Tesla nor any other EV on the market can lay claim to is Sony RIDEVU. RIDEVU allows passengers in the VF9 to watch 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 on the in-car WiFi. The 2025 VF9 offers drivers and passengers a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen display plus six standard USB-A ports with one 90-watt USB-C port, which means two per row. Buyers who opt for captain’s chairs will find two extra USB-A ports in the center console.
Safety First
VinFast believes in giving drivers the latest and best safety features as standard. No matter whether you get a VF8 or VF9, your VinFast comes standard 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. All VinFast VF9 models feature 11 airbags as standard safety equipment.
A Warranty vs Kind of a Warranty
When it comes to protecting your investment, VinFast goes all out. Every VinFast model comes with a 10-year, unlimited-mile battery warranty, as well as a 10-year, 125,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The Tesla, however, only gets a 4-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty and an 8-year, 150,000-mile battery warranty. No one’s really keeping score here, but that seems like a win for the VF9.
Which To Get…
Ultimately, which one should you choose, the Tesla Model X or the VinFast VF9? It’s your money, and you should spend it as you see fit. But, since you asked, when taking into consideration the odd pricing alone, the Tesla Model X doesn’t seem too honest. And then, once you look at the battery warranty, you notice it is 150,000 miles versus unlimited miles for the VF9. If you just want to show off at traffic lights, maybe the Tesla is the best car for your needs. However, if you want a vehicle that’s focused on quality over bragging rights, then perhaps the VinFast is the right car.
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.