VinFast VF8: Two Years In, Does It Still Suck?

VinFast VF8: Two Years In, Does It Still Suck?

When VinFast burst onto the US market, it did so with a bang, offering aggressive lease deals that turned heads. The 2023 VinFast VF8, a compact electric SUV, was at the forefront of this push. Now, after two years of living with the VF8 on a remarkable $250/month, zero-down lease, we’re getting a candid look at whether the initial skepticism surrounding this Vietnamese import was justified. The verdict? While not without its quirks, the VF8 has proven to be a surprisingly capable and enjoyable daily driver, especially considering its initial price point.

Francancy, our long-term VF8 driver, has put approximately 15,000 miles on the odometer over the past two years, taking it on road trips from Tennessee to Colorado and using it for daily commutes. Initially drawn in by the unprecedented lease deal, she admits the VF8 was her first EV, a significant leap from her previous 2016 Subaru Outback. The transition, however, has been smoother than many predicted.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The VF8, in its Eco trim, offers a comfortable ride that, while not as refined as some established luxury brands, holds its own for everyday driving. Francancy notes a slight ‘porpoising’ characteristic, a departure from the Subaru’s softer suspension, but overall finds the driving experience pleasant. Power delivery is adequate for merging onto highways and navigating daily traffic. While a ‘Sport’ mode was reportedly removed in a software update for the Eco trim, the available driving modes (Eco and Normal) provide a balanced experience. The VF8’s efficiency, however, is a point of contention. Weighing in significantly heavier than competitors like the Tesla Model Y, its 247-mile range achieved in a 70 mph, 100-to-zero test by a colleague is respectable but not class-leading. Road trip charging requires patience, with cold mornings significantly impacting charging speeds due to the lack of battery preconditioning. Ideal conditions can see peak charging speeds around 150 kW, but typical stops hover around 30 minutes, making it less ideal for those prioritizing rapid long-distance travel.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the VF8 offers a comfortable and visually appealing cabin. Features like the heated steering wheel and seats are highlights, enhancing the daily driving experience. The much-lauded ‘Pet Mode,’ which automatically activates climate control and flashes headlights if a pet or child is detected left in the vehicle, is a unique and practical addition. However, the VF8’s software has been a journey. Early on, it was described as ‘glitchy’ and ‘quirky,’ with frequent error messages and settings not being remembered. While two dealer-installed software updates have brought significant improvements, addressing sensor sensitivity and improving driver profile memory, the system isn’t flawless. The navigation, utilizing Here Maps, has been a consistent weak point, with Apple CarPlay integration proving a more reliable option, though it too experienced initial glitches. A particularly frustrating software-induced issue involved the gear selector buttons, which could lock the car in ‘Park’ if shifted too quickly, requiring a full car restart.

Value Proposition

The $250/month, $0 down lease deal for the VF8 was undoubtedly the catalyst for many, including Francancy. At an MSRP reportedly starting around $47,000 for the Eco trim, the purchase price is a different conversation. While the car offers a comfortable, feature-rich electric experience, it faces stiff competition. Direct rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Tesla Model Y offer more established charging networks, potentially better efficiency, and more refined software at similar or even lower price points in some trims. However, for those who secured the lease, the value is undeniable. The VF8 provides an accessible entry into the EV market, offering a comfortable, stylish, and modern vehicle at a fraction of the cost of many competitors. For the everyday driver prioritizing cost-effective electric mobility over outright performance or cutting-edge tech, the VF8, especially on lease, makes a compelling case.

Verdict

After two years, the VinFast VF8 has defied many of its initial detractors. While the software still has room for improvement and road trip charging isn’t seamless, the VF8 has proven to be a reliable and enjoyable daily driver. The improvements made through software updates are evident, transforming a quirky initial experience into a more polished one. For Francancy, the VF8 has been more than just a lease; it’s been a comfortable, efficient, and engaging introduction to the electric vehicle world. The $250/month lease deal made it an easy decision, but the VF8’s own merits have kept her a fan. While buying one at full MSRP might be a harder sell against more established competitors, the VF8’s journey highlights VinFast’s commitment to improvement. It’s a testament to the fact that even with early stumbles, a compelling value proposition and continuous development can win over drivers. As Francancy looks to her next EV, the lessons learned with the VF8 will undoubtedly shape her future choices, but her overall experience has been overwhelmingly positive, proving that sometimes, the car everyone says will suck, simply doesn’t.

Source: I've Had My VinFast VF8 For 2 Years – Everyone Said It Would Suck! Were They Right? (YouTube)