Overview

What's New for 2023

The 2023 VinFast VF8 is available in two trim levels: Eco and Plus. Buyers can choose a standard- or extended-range battery pack. As of now, the Eco trim seems like the sensible pick. We’ll explain why.

Eco

The Eco trim has a projected starting price around $42,000. Standard features include 19-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, keyless entry/start, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic-leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a wireless charging pad, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Considering the Eco trim’s generous features list and already potent powertrain, it gets our recommendation for the majority of buyers.

Plus

Pricing for the Plus trim hasn’t been disclosed yet, but we’d expect it to start around $50,000. For the added cost, you get 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, leather upholstery, additional front-seat power adjustments, driver-seat memory functions, ventilated front seats, heated and ventilated rear seats, additional speakers, and a subwoofer.

Options include a Level 2 semi-automated driving system, auto lane-change assist, automated and remote parking functions, a remote summon feature, smart-home control, and web services (including remote monitoring, control, gaming, and streaming).

In some ways, the VinFast VF8 takes a page out of Tesla's design book. Its interior is fairly minimal with no traditional instrument panel and just a few buttons. Among them are four oversized buttons for the gear selector (park, reverse, neutral, and drive); they seem out of place and take up space on the center console that could be better used for personal item storage.

The large central touchscreen likely controls everything in the vehicle that the steering wheel buttons don’t. It also displays information that would typically go on an instrument panel. Early impressions point to decent quality in the build and interior materials as well as ample rear-seat room for adults.

Crash test results for the 2023 VinFast VF8 have not yet been published by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but we expect them closer to the launch date.

Standard safety and driver-assist features include frontal collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, a traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, a driver alertness monitor, safe exit warning, and a head-up display.

Options include auto lane-change assist, automated and remote parking functions, a remote summon feature, and a Level 2 semi-automated driving system that combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering.

The 2023 VinFast VF8 is a logical rival to the slightly smaller Volkswagen ID.4. Both EVs offer the same capabilities at a similar starting price. In the absence of more direct competitors, we’d also consider the more expensive VF8 Plus against the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Tesla Model Y.

VinFast VF 8 vs. Tesla Model Y

VinFast VF 8 vs. Volkswagen ID.4

VinFast VF 8 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge