VinFast VF 9: The Electric SUV Giving Canadian Families Space, Comfort, and Range
As Canadian families increasingly turn to electric vehicles, the search for a model that can handle hockey bags, long commutes, and the role of a “third space” has become more pressing than ever. The VinFast VF 9 emerges as a rare option in a market still limited in three-row EV offerings, providing both generous space and impressive range to meet the needs of modern households.
A September Evening in Burlington
Picture a cool September evening in Burlington, Ontario. The first hints of fall waft through the air as a parent slides a hockey bag into the rear of a sleek, three-row electric SUV. Inside the cabin, the temperature is already set to a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius. A steaming double-double coffee sits within easy reach, ready to fuel the drive. In Canada, where practicality and comfort are paramount, the value of ample cabin space cannot be overstated.
Data from Statistics Canada shows that multipurpose vehicles—including SUVs and crossovers—dominated new registrations in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for 63.5 percent of the total, while passenger cars lagged behind at just 11.9 percent. Yet, despite this appetite for spacious vehicles, families often find the aisle for truly roomy electric SUVs narrower than demand would suggest.
The Challenge of a Shrinking EV Selection
Over the past two years, the market for large electric vehicles has experienced both excitement and setbacks. Several high-profile three-row EV projects announced in 2023 and 2024 have been delayed or canceled, leaving fewer choices on dealership floors. For Canadians seeking seven-seat EVs, this reality limits options to a select few models.
The demand for space is clear. Hockey bags, camping gear, and weekend sports equipment routinely fill Canadian garages, making multipurpose vehicles a practical choice for many households. Sedans, by contrast, struggle to compete in this environment, which is reflected in registration statistics.
Commuting patterns also reinforce the need for roomy, comfortable vehicles. By May 2024, the average Canadian commute had returned to 26.4 minutes—almost identical to pre-pandemic levels. With long daily trips becoming routine again, comfort and utility matter not only for drivers but also for every passenger sharing the ride.
Alongside this functional demand, Canadians’ relationship with their vehicles is evolving. A 2024 survey by DTS/Xperi found that 65 percent of Gen Z drivers and 63 percent of millennials view their car as a “third space,” a hybrid of home and office. More than 60 percent of respondents anticipate that this perception will intensify over the coming years. In practical terms, the car is becoming a hub for work calls, entertainment, and moments of rest, making features like cabin comfort, technology, and convenience increasingly important.
A Market Still Finding Its Footing
The growing demand for multipurpose EVs is occurring in a market that is still developing. Small electric crossovers are now widely available, but three-row models remain scarce. For families contemplating a switch from gasoline-powered SUVs, options are slowly expanding, yet the selection is far from comprehensive. Those seeking a seven-passenger vehicle with the space, range, and comfort required for daily life often face tough choices—or compromises.
Introducing the VF 9: Spacious, Powerful, and Practical
Enter the VinFast VF 9, a seven-passenger electric SUV that launched in Canada in late 2024 and has been steadily finding its way into households across the country. Designed with families in mind, the VF 9 combines performance, comfort, and utility, providing an alternative to traditional gas-powered family vehicles.
Both trims of the VF 9 come standard with dual motors, a 123-kWh battery, and all-wheel drive, producing a robust 402 horsepower. The Eco version offers an EPA-rated range of up to 518 kilometers, making it suitable for long-distance travel. On fast chargers, the battery can go from 10 to 70 percent in about 35 minutes, a pace that conveniently fits into a typical rest stop or lunch break. For families, this means less downtime and more time on the road.
A “Third Space” on Wheels
The VF 9 embraces the idea of the car as a “third space.” Optional captain’s chairs in the second row recline like business-class seats, offering comfort on long drives. A panoramic roof floods the cabin with natural light, while heated and massaging seats help reduce fatigue during winter journeys. Rear entertainment screens are standard in the Plus trim, allowing passengers to stream shows and movies—a feature 58 percent of prospective buyers reported wanting in a 2024 survey. These thoughtful touches make the VF 9 a vehicle where both drivers and passengers can work, relax, or enjoy entertainment while on the move.
Practicality is also evident in cargo space. With three rows of seating, the VF 9 can handle a hockey bag, camping gear, or groceries with ease. Folding options allow families to adapt the cabin to various needs, whether transporting passengers or carrying bulkier items. This flexibility addresses the reality of modern Canadian life, where vehicles must serve multiple roles daily.
Pricing and Peace of Mind
The VF 9 starts at 77,310 Canadian dollars for the Eco trim, with the Plus trim priced at 81,310. Beyond the initial cost, VinFast offers reassuring coverage: a 10-year or 200,000-kilometer vehicle warranty, coupled with unlimited-kilometer battery protection for the same duration. For Canadian buyers considering an electric switch, this assurance of long-term reliability helps alleviate concerns about maintenance or battery longevity.
Meeting Canada’s EV Goals
Long-term reliability, combined with the VF 9’s spacious interior and substantial range, positions it as a key option for Canadian families striving toward a more sustainable future. As nations push for net-zero targets, households will require EVs that provide comfort, utility, and dependability without compromise. Larger vehicles like the VF 9 demonstrate that family-oriented EVs can still deliver on all fronts—ample room, quiet operation, and the flexibility to serve multiple roles in daily life.
A New Chapter for Canadian Families
The VinFast VF 9 arrives at a critical moment for Canadian families. It offers a viable solution for those who want to transition to electric driving without sacrificing space, comfort, or utility. Its combination of power, range, and thoughtful features addresses both practical and lifestyle needs, from commuting and weekend adventures to work calls and relaxation on the road.
As the EV market continues to grow, the VF 9 represents an important benchmark: a family SUV that doesn’t force compromise. For Canadians seeking a vehicle that can carry hockey bags, provide a comfortable “third space,” and go the distance, the VF 9 delivers on multiple fronts. It’s not just an electric vehicle—it’s a practical, versatile, and forward-thinking family companion.
