VinFast VF 8: Has It Improved?

When the VinFast VF 8 first arrived on American soil in early 2023, the reception was harsh. Automotive journalists and early adopters criticized the vehicle for unfinished software, a bouncy suspension, and unpredictable driver-assist features. However, the Vietnamese automaker has been aggressive with software updates and hardware adjustments. If you dismissed the VF 8 based on those early headlines, it might be time to look at the current data. We are re-evaluating the electric SUV to see if the improvements justify the price tag.

The Rocky Launch: Moving Past the "City Edition"

To understand where the car is today, you have to look at where it started. The first 999 units shipped to the United States were labeled the “VF 8 City Edition.” These vehicles became notorious for a specific set of problems:

  • Motion Sickness: The suspension damping was too soft, causing the car to bounce excessively over highway expansion joints.
  • Software Glitches: Screens would freeze, turn signals wouldn’t cancel, and safety chimes beeped incessantly.
  • Range Anxiety: The EPA-estimated range on the City Edition was only 179 to 207 miles, which fell far short of competitors like the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The good news is that the City Edition is effectively gone. The models currently for sale at dealerships are the VF 8 Standard models (Eco and Plus trims). These feature a larger 87.7 kWh battery pack, updated suspension components, and significantly revised software.

Suspension and Ride Quality Updates

The most critical physical change VinFast made involves the suspension tuning. The Standard edition vehicles feature different springs and dampers compared to the initial batch.

In the original launch vehicles, hitting a bump at 60 mph resulted in several seconds of oscillation. The updated VF 8 handles these imperfections much better. The ride is firmer and more controlled. While it does not yet match the sophistication of the Ford Mustang Mach-E or the Volkswagen ID.4, it is no longer a safety liability. The steering remains light and lacks feedback, but it is accurate enough for daily commuting.

Software: The OTA Difference

VinFast relies heavily on Over-the-Air (OTA) updates to fix issues without requiring a dealership visit. Recent firmware updates have addressed the majority of the “deal-breaker” complaints from early 2023.

Improvements include:

  • Chime Management: The speed limit warning and lane-departure chimes were originally deafening and constant. Updates have made these less sensitive and easier to disable via the 15.6-inch center screen.
  • Interface Stability: The center touchscreen is more responsive. While there is still some lag when switching between heavy applications like navigation and settings, the system crashes that plagued early reviews are largely resolved.
  • Climate Control: The HVAC system previously struggled to maintain a steady temperature. New software calibration has improved the airflow consistency.

Performance and Range Specifications

The current VF 8 presents decent numbers on paper. It is a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive SUV available in two distinct trim levels.

VF 8 Eco

  • Price: Starting around $46,000 (MSRP).
  • Power: 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
  • 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.9 seconds.
  • Range: EPA-estimated 264 miles.

VF 8 Plus

  • Price: Starting around $51,800 (MSRP).
  • Power: 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque.
  • 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.5 seconds.
  • Range: EPA-estimated 243 miles.
  • Added Features: Panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery (Eco uses synthetic), and captain’s chairs availability.

While 264 miles of range is adequate, it still trails the Tesla Model Y Long Range, which offers over 300 miles for a similar price point. However, VinFast claims the VF 8 can charge from 10% to 70% in about 31 minutes on a DC fast charger, which is average for the segment.

The Warranty Strategy

VinFast knows it has a reputation gap to close. To combat hesitation, they offer one of the strongest warranties in the industry. This is likely the biggest selling point for the vehicle right now.

  • Vehicle Warranty: 10 years or 125,000 miles.
  • Battery Warranty: 10 years with unlimited mileage.

Most competitors, including Hyundai and Kia, cap their powertrain warranties at 100,000 miles. The unlimited mileage clause on the battery is significant for high-mileage drivers, such as those in sales or rideshare services.

Leasing: The Real Value Proposition

Despite the improvements, the MSRP of the VF 8 makes it a hard sell against established rivals. To move inventory, VinFast has been extremely aggressive with lease pricing.

throughout late 2023 and 2024, dealerships in California and other launch states have offered leases effectively undercutting the competition by hundreds of dollars a month. We have seen promotional offers with monthly payments dipping below $250 with roughly $3,000 down, or $399/month with zero down in specific regions.

Because VinFast vehicles are manufactured in Vietnam, they do not qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit if purchased. However, if you lease, the bank gets the credit and can pass it on to you as a capital cost reduction. This loophole allows VinFast to offer these rock-bottom lease rates.

Is the Interior Better?

The interior design remains largely the same, but the fit and finish have tightened up. The design is minimalist, relying almost entirely on the massive center screen and a Heads-Up Display (HUD) projected onto the windshield. There is no traditional gauge cluster behind the steering wheel.

The seats in the Plus trim are comfortable and heated/ventilated. However, the lack of physical buttons remains a point of contention. Adjusting the mirrors or steering wheel requires navigating through touchscreen menus, a design choice clearly inspired by Tesla but executed with slightly less polish.

Verdict: A Viable Alternative for Specific Buyers

Has the VinFast VF 8 improved? Yes, undeniably. The vehicle sold today is mechanically and digitally superior to the “City Edition” that generated bad press. The suspension is safe, the software is stable, and the acceleration is brisk.

However, at full MSRP, it is difficult to recommend over a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Tesla Model Y. Those vehicles offer faster charging, better efficiency, and more polished driving dynamics.

The VF 8 becomes a compelling option in two specific scenarios:

  1. Leasing: If you can secure a lease deal significantly cheaper than the competition.
  2. High Mileage: If you drive 20,000+ miles a year and want the security of the 10-year unlimited mile battery warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the VinFast VF 8 qualify for the $7,500 tax credit? Not for purchases. The vehicle is built in Vietnam, so it does not meet the North American assembly requirement. However, the credit applies to commercial vehicles, which includes leased vehicles. VinFast typically applies this $7,500 credit as a discount on leases.

How fast does the VinFast VF 8 charge? The VF 8 has a peak charging speed of roughly 150 kW. On a DC fast charger, it takes about 31 minutes to charge from 10% to 70%.

Is the battery subscription still mandatory? No. VinFast initially launched with a confusing battery subscription model where you bought the car but rented the battery. They have largely abandoned this in the US market. The current MSRP includes the cost of the battery.

Where can I get a VinFast VF 8 serviced? VinFast is expanding its dealer network. Originally, they used a direct-to-consumer model similar to Tesla, but they are now partnering with traditional dealership groups to open franchised locations across the US to improve service coverage.