Name: 2023 VinFast VF 7
Brand: VinFast

2023
VinFast VF 7

EPA Range: NA

VinFast VF 7 First Drive

Summary

Introduction

VinFast VF6 and VF7 Electric SUVs

These electric vehicles will join the VF 8 and VF 9 in the automaker's U.S. market offerings

Overview

VinFast—the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer—unveiled two new small SUV models the company says are bound for U.S. shores in the not-too-distant future. The VF 6 and VF 7 will join the larger VF 8 and VF 9 models.

The VF 6 is roughly the same size as subcompact SUVs like the Honda HR-V, while the VF 7 is similar in size to the Mazda CX-5.

As with the larger models VF 8 and VF 9, the VF 6 and VF 7 will come in Eco and Plus trims, and will be available with either a standard- or long-range battery pack. And like the other models, customers will have the option to pay a monthly subscription fee for the batteries, which includes free replacement as capacity degrades. It’s a unique setup, but with other manufacturers like BMW offering subscription-based features, it may be one that becomes more common in the years ahead.

Customers also have the option to purchase batteries, but if the add-on price shown on the VinFast website is any indication (a battery is $14,800 extra for the VF 8 and $18,500 for the VF 9), the cost will be somewhere in the neighborhood of the price of a decent used gasoline-powered car.

They compete with the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV.

Price ranges for the two SUVs are $30,000-$45,000, estimated. Eventually it will be on sale in the US.

Impressions

The smaller VinFast SUVs get the same styling treatment as the larger models. It’s aimed at an aesthetic most potential buyers will find familiar in other cars already on the market. What sets VinFast models apart is an LED spear on the front end that dips into a notable "V." The taillights are tied to one another with a heckblende—a strip of shiny black plastic with a big chrome V badge at the center—that mimics the shape of the headlights. Both the VF 6 and the VF 7 sport a Nissan-esque “floating” roof design, thanks to black roof pillar trim that provides the optical illusion.

In keeping with the interior styling on many current EVs, VinFast’s SUVs have a sparse interior, with a dash centered around a large central touchscreen. There is a head-up display in front of the driver, but like the Tesla Model Y, there is no gauge display behind the steering wheel. The Eco trim on both models comes with a steel roof, while Plus trim comes with a panoramic glass roof.

Also light on ornament was the level of detail VinFast provided about what will be offered in its smaller models. VinFast also hasn’t yet specified cargo volume numbers for either model, or whether Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be available.

The smaller VF 6 will be available only in front-wheel-drive configuration, while the Plus trim on the VF 7 will come with a two-motor all-wheel-drive system. The power level will also vary. The VF 6 Eco will have 174 hp of output, while the higher-end Plus trim will put out 201 hp. The VF 7 Eco picks up with the 201-hp front-wheel-drive configuration from the VF 6 Plus, while the VF 7 Plus comes with a 349-hp all-wheel-drive system.

VinFast has not yet released projected range numbers or charging details for either the VF 6 or the VF 7.

VinFast says the VF 6 and VF 7 will “include a full suite of active and passive safety features.” No further details were shared, but the automaker says the safety equipment on the VF 8 and VF 9 will include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, lane changing assistance, and driver monitoring to make sure the driver is alert while hands-free driver aids are in use.