VinFast VF 8 vs. VF 9 Plus: Which All-Electric SUV Fits Your Life Best?
As the electric vehicle (EV) market expands, the decision to go electric is becoming easier—thanks to improved charging infrastructure, broader public acceptance, and advancements in EV technology. The more pressing question today isn’t if you should drive an EV, but which one fits your lifestyle best. For Canadian drivers evaluating their options in 2024, Vietnam’s VinFast—now the best-selling EV brand in the country—offers two compelling answers: the VF 8 Plus and the VF 9 Plus.
Both models are all-electric SUVs designed with distinct user profiles in mind. The VF 8 is tailored for agile, tech-savvy drivers navigating city streets, while the VF 9 is designed for those who need spaciousness, comfort, and long-haul capability. While they share similarities in performance and features, the differences between them come down to lifestyle, space, range, and purpose.
Let’s take a closer look at how these two EVs compare, so you can determine which one aligns best with your daily life and driving needs.
VF 8 Plus: Agile, Smart, and Designed for Everyday Mobility
The 2024 VinFast VF 8 Plus is a midsize SUV that brings modern convenience and responsive driving into an urban-friendly package. With a length of approximately 187 inches, the VF 8 is well-suited to city driving, offering maneuverability for tight parking spaces and urban traffic while still feeling substantial enough for highway cruising.
Performance That Keeps Up
Under the hood, or rather under the chassis, the 8 Plus packs a punch with 402 horsepower and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. Whether it’s a rainy morning commute, a snowy school run, or a spirited weekend drive, the 8 handles with confidence and ease. Acceleration is brisk, and the low center of gravity gives it a planted, balanced feel that drivers transitioning from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will appreciate.
Comfort and Practicality Inside
Inside the VF 8 Plus, comfort and functionality go hand-in-hand. Heated and ventilated seats aren’t just for the driver—they’re standard across both rows, making every passenger’s ride more enjoyable. The cabin air filtration and ionization system help maintain a healthy and pleasant atmosphere, particularly helpful for families with children or those sensitive to air quality.
The tech-forward cabin is also designed with intuitive ease in mind. A heads-up display keeps essential driving info in your line of sight, while the integrated voice assistant and mobile app support hands-free convenience—letting you check your battery status, precondition the cabin, or locate your vehicle remotely. A 15.6-inch touchscreen anchors the minimalist dashboard, giving you access to infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings in a centralized hub.
Ideal For:
- Urban professionals
- Small families
- Empty nesters looking to simplify
- Drivers who value tech and efficiency in a compact footprint
VF 9 Plus: Spacious, Premium, and Built for Bigger Journeys
If the VF 8 is your daily driver for the city, the VF 9 Plus is your electric touring machine. With a length of approximately 201 inches, this full-size SUV is built for those who live large, travel far, or simply want a bit more of everything.
Room to Breathe
The VF 9 doesn’t just share the 8’s 402-horsepower all-wheel drive system—it refines it. The driving experience in the VF 9 is tuned for smoothness and long-haul comfort. Ride quality is noticeably more serene, making it ideal for families, road trips, or anyone who clocks serious mileage.
Where the VF 8 prioritizes efficiency and agility, the 9 elevates comfort and space. Optional middle-row captain’s chairs transform the rear cabin into a lounge-like environment, while three-zone climate control ensures passengers in all rows stay comfortable regardless of outside conditions. Soft-close doors, ambient interior lighting, and a panoramic glass roof add a layer of premium sophistication to the experience.
Tech and Features That Go the Extra Mile
Beyond the standard ADAS features shared with the VF 8—like Highway Driving Assist and 11 airbags—the 9 adds luxury-level enhancements. You’ll find a larger speaker array for immersive sound, built-in seat massage functionality, and even an 8-inch display dedicated to second-row passengers.
With the additional interior room, third-row seating becomes more viable, allowing for up to seven passengers without compromising comfort. Whether you’re transporting family, friends, or clients, the VF 9’s spacious cabin turns long drives into relaxing experiences.
Ideal For:
- Larger families or multi-generational households
- Long-distance commuters
- Business owners or professionals who transport clients
- Drivers who want a premium, tech-rich ride
