How VinFast of the VF 9 can turn into a real competition

I just spent the last week with the 2025 VinFast VF 9 EV SUV, and I came up with a list of things that it should improve. Of course I will ensure that they all mention them in my coming, detailed review, but I thought it was important to emphasize how much potential there is here. Potential that is ruined by a car maker that simply has no experience in selling cars to North Americans.

Look, I came in that I wanted to like the VF 9. I visited the head office of Vinfast and Vingroup in Vietnam a few years ago, and I was actually very impressed by how serious, technologically advanced and financially viable the company is. The automaker also has a few daring ambitions, with a promise to launch more models in the coming years. I also cannot indicate exactly why, but I want to see Vietnam Kick Ass.

The VF 9 is confronted with solid competition

I have been in this profession long enough to immediately know if a car is well armed to accept the respective segment. I started assessing cars in 2015 and I drive a new press vehicle every week, so I tend to have a natural sense of things in this industry. That said, I really hope that Vinfast listens, because this is important for the success of the VF 9.

The VF 9 lies within, which is perhaps the most important car segment in this part of the world. Three-row SUVs Have the vehicle become a choice for families who need more space for that extra child, a dog or all charge associated with family life. It is the minibus of today.

The requirements of the family -oriented segment

This means that these vehicles are often very important purchasing decisions for a family. I would know, because I also do some consulting work from this day to help people find the ideal model for their needs. These families are incredibly picky about specific things, such as chair comfort, towing options, audio systems, the size of the door openings or the easy access to anchor hooks, to name just a few.

It is also a segment where everyone brings their best game face. And because the market for electric vehicles (EV) is still relatively new for this type of vehicle, the players who have come here strong, with a proposal for solid value: reach, charging performance, cabin space, comfort, loading capacity and towing assessments. Models such as the KIA EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 Twins are Game Changers, while the Cadillac Vistiq and the lucid gravity push things to the premium space. So what to make of the Vinfast VF 9?

Nice details that make the difference

OK, so to start with, I have to say that the VF 9 is doing certain things very well, starting with its appearance. I think this is better for the medium -sized SUVs that are currently for sale. I also like how it is actually quite low in front of the ground, giving it a parable with a large station wagon versus a utility vehicle. The front fascia is bold and distinctive, and although I don’t want to know what it’s like to remove snow from that massive intake of the cross, it looks pretty wheel.

Driving and handling are soft, subtle and in accordance with, as a large SUV should be. No, seriously, the person who is in charge of coordinating the suspension at Vinfast knows what they are doing. The car is spacious and offers a lot of cargo space. It has a soft doors that I still ask why on a vehicle of this price bracket. But it contributes to its daily quality of life. That’s nice. The back doors will open nicely. Although not ideal in a parking lot of the shopping center, they are useful at home when you have to remove your child and all your equipment from the car. The infotainment system is also pretty good. Easy to understand, respond quickly and never feels too messy. There is also a decent reach 291 miles according to the EPA.

Finally a solid guarantee. VinFast supports the VF 9 with a 10-year coverage of 120,000 miles and 10 years, unlimited miles on the battery. As you can see, there is a lot to be found here.

What the 2025 Vinfast VF 9 should improve

• Price: VinFast asks $ 62,900 ($ 77,308 CAD) for this thing, starting with MSRP. That is high considering a Kia EV9 – the benchmark in this segment – starts at $ 54,900. Vinfast is new, and North -American car buyers know or trust a car company that comes from Vietnam. There is simply no history there, so no matter how good the VF 9 is, it cannot be more expensive than an EV9.
• Flashing stems: VinFast lends a set of blinker and wiper from the same supplier as BMW. Do you know, those who have already been sucked badly? And somehow Vinfast makes them worse. Their operation is inconsistent and sometimes I had to hit the stem twice to make something happen. Annoying.
• NVH: Sound, vibrations and hardness (NVH) are very important in this segment, because families appreciate a vehicle that feels solid, safe and quiet at high speeds. The VF 9 is too loud, especially its tire roll. Is there also a constantly buzzing sound that seems to come from the electric motors? Not nice.
• Audio: The audio system in the VF 9 is absolutely terrible.
• Self -driving: The autonomous driving technology from Vinfast really needs work. And the steering wheel is constantly Jeertert; It’s scary.
• Software Glitches: My test unit kept telling me that it was impossible to close Windows through its infotainment system. The proximity key works until that is not the case. And no matter how often I asked the car to activate the Walk-Away-and-Lock function, the VF 9 has never even done it once. Do not activate the notification of the Hoorn Deurlot! It is the actual horn, and not the usual muted type. It is awkward loud and twice. Why?

Improved charging options can increase viability

And finally, maybe, a Tesla NACS Loading Gate? It is not a dealbreaker that the VF 9 has none, but the competition crawls with it, as well as 800-volt fast architectures, in some cases. The 400-volt DC chargers of the VF 9 is valued on a somewhat low 160 kW. Hyundais and Kias can now do north of 200 kW.

So there you have it, Vinfast. Recovery the above and I think the VF 9 could do well, especially if it is cheap. Families would like to jump on an affordable EV with three rows that offers a solid guarantee and a good range at an aggressive price. The VF 9 could be the new Dodge Caravan.