Attractive pricing and strong features help the VF 8 stand on its own two feet, but range still trails key rivals.
Power and acceleration impress, though suspension tuning and handling remain inconsistent.
Interior quality is solid overall, but some quirks and cheap-feeling bits break the illusion.

In my never-ending journey of automotive discovery, I recently had the opportunity to drive something completely new to me: a VinFast. Specifically, the 2025 VinFast VF 8 Plus. As such, and because I try not to judge a book by its cover, I came into this one with expectations firmly in check.

2025 VinFast VF 8 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

Although challenging to gain access to a press vehicle, the local VinFast dealer’s open-mindedness allowed them to acquiesce to my request for a VF 8 for review in a matter of minutes. The offered example was a full-on Plus with options, dressed in Sunset Orange, riding on 20-inch wheels, stuffed with cooled seats, a power liftgate, premium vegan leather, and a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen. For about $63,500 as tested, it’s not a bad deal on paper, especially considering it comes with AWD thanks to its standard dual motors.

But let’s take a step back. VinFast’s North American adventure hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. Mid-2025 news reveals the Vietnamese automaker has already shuttered half of its Canadian storefront locations. Whether that’s a course correction or a red flag is up to the buyer – time will tell. What I’m more interested in is whether the product itself can hold its own against actual competitors, not just corporate dreams.

Good looks, better on newer models like the VF 9

From a styling perspective, the VF 8 isn’t offensive, although next to its sleeker VF siblings, such as the VF 9, it does appear dated. Inside, things are reasonably refined. Sure, some of the plastics don’t quite pass the pinch test, and the door handles seem like they were borrowed from a toy bin, but the seat comfort is good, the layout is intuitive, and that screen, while central to all functions, isn’t terrible to use.

Rear-seat space is impressive thanks to its nearly three-metre wheelbase. Cargo volume clocks in at 376 litres, not class-leading, but functional. The light beige interior in my tester was brave. Too brave. Especially if you have kids, dogs, or live near any form of mud, dirt, or dust.

The ups and downs

Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. With the optional power boost package, the Plus model cranks out 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration is strong, especially for passing on the highway. In sport mode, the throttle response is quite aggressive, nearly too aggressive. Steering, too, is weighted heavily and artificially, as if it’s trying too hard to feel sporty. To me, this is a way to mask other possible issues.

But where the VF8 stumbles most is in the ride quality. On smooth pavement, it initially feels taut and composed. But toss in some cracked Montreal roads, and the suspension becomes confused. First, it’s stiff, then it floats. Not softly, just… aimlessly. It’s like the dampers are either set to “ignore everything” or “give up entirely.” The result is a driving experience that doesn’t quite inspire confidence. I suspect the dampers and springs were tuned explicitly for southern states such as California, where the roads are generally perfect. Highway driving is fine, but inner-city jaunts will disappoint most.

Range is also a concern. The Eco model claims up to 412 km, but the more powerful Plus dips to around 385 km (found specs indicate both 378 and 391, so I averaged it out), and that’s in perfect conditions. At over $60K, as tested, that’s not good enough in 2025, especially when Hyundai, Ford, and even GM are regularly and effortlessly clearing the 475 km mark with similar power figures. Fast charging is listed as 10–70% in 31 minutes. Not 10–80, not 20–80, 10–70. No matter the number, it seems average.

That said, there are a few bright spots. The regen braking has four levels, including a creep mode that enables the equivalent of a one-pedal drive setting, which is appreciated. Visibility is decent, and the infotainment layout is straightforward once you get used to it. I love colour, so am happy to report that the VF 8 is available in lovely shades such as Sunset Orange, Deep Ocean (green), Crimson Red, or VinFast Blue. Regarding exclusivity, you can only get a VinFast in Quebec, Ontario, or BC—if the stores stay open.

So very close

In the end, the VF 8 is better than I expected. It’s well-priced for what it offers, and there’s potential here. But potential doesn’t cut it when you’re up against the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, or even the Nissan Ariya. The VF 8 is ready for prime time, but it still needs to break out from its corporate shell and relative anonymity. Doing so might take longer than VinFast would like, not to mention that some tweaks are necessary. I genuinely hope they have the patience to see it through. The VF 6 and VF 7 certainly look promising.

2025 VinFast VF 8

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