VinFast VF9 First Drive Review: Finally Ready for America
Getting into the American car market is tough, especially for a new electric vehicle company. VinFast tried to enter the U.S. with big plans, but people had mixed feelings about their early cars. Some worried about how well the cars were made, how smooth they drove, and whether they were ready for everyday use. That made it hard for people to buy. But the release of the VinFast VF9 is a big change for the company. It shows they are growing and getting better at making cars.
The VF9 is VinFast's main electric SUV. It's made to meet the needs of American drivers who want room, comfort, and practicality. With its large size, three rows of seats, and a modern electric engine, the VF9 is built to stand out in one of the toughest areas of the car market in the U.S. This isn't just another car from VinFast—it's a clear message about where they want to go.
First Impressions and Exterior Design
When you first see the VinFast VF9, it gives off a confident and trustworthy vibe. As a big electric SUV, it looks strong and solid, which matches what many Americans like in bigger, more robust cars. The way it's built feels balanced, with a wide body and a long space between the wheels that make it look stable and roomy inside.
VinFast went for a clean and modern design instead of something too bold or complicated. The smooth surfaces, soft lines, and flush edges give it a streamlined look while keeping it classy. The slim LED lights at the front and back add a unique glow, making the VF9 noticeable without looking too flashy or forced. Looking from the side, the VF9 shows its practical side. The flat roof line clearly shows it has three rows of seating, designed for families. Big wheels and well-shaped fenders give it a strong, upmarket look. The back of the car stays simple and neat, without extra details that might take away from its overall shape.
The color choices and finish of the VF9 also help make it look good. The paint job is consistent and refined, showing VinFast is paying more attention to small details. The fit of the panels and how everything lines up has improved a lot, making the first look even more polished.
Interior Design and Cabin Comfort
Inside the VinFast VF9, the main focus is on comfort, space, and how useful the car is for everyday driving. As soon as you step into the cabin, you notice that the inside feels more refined and carefully designed than previous models from the brand. The layout is simple and not crowded, which creates a peaceful and calming environment perfect for long trips and family use.
As a three-row electric SUV, space is one of the VF9’s biggest strengths. The front seats have plenty of room for your head and legs, and the cushioning is supportive, making them comfortable even after long drives. In the second row, passengers get lots of knee space and a seating position that feels natural, not tight. Even the third row, which is often overlooked in many SUVs, has enough room for on short trips, making it great for big families or when traveling with groups.
The choice of materials helps improve the overall feel of the cabin. Soft-touch surfaces are used in many areas where you touch the car, and small design details add a sense of quality without being too flashy. The seats are well-padded and made with care, showing that the VF9 is aiming for a more premium feel. While it doesn’t quite reach the level of established luxury brands, the overall quality feels much better than before. The dashboard has a simple, minimalist look that makes the cabin feel even bigger. There’s less clutter, and the wide layout helps create a more open and airy space. Big windows and a well-placed windshield improve visibility, making the driving experience more relaxed. The car also has practical storage areas that make it easy to keep daily essentials organized.
Driving Experience and Ride Quality
When you're behind the wheel of the VinFast VF9, the driving experience feels calm, predictable, and perfectly matched for a family-friendly electric SUV. From the very start, it's clear that VinFast focused on comfort and ease instead of making the car feel sporty or fast. This matches what many American drivers look for—smooth driving and a relaxed way to cruise.
The car accelerates quickly and smoothly, which is a big plus because of its electric engine. It moves confidently when you start from a stop, making it easy to handle city traffic and merging onto highways. The power comes in a steady way, so there are no sudden jumps that might feel uncomfortable in a bigger vehicle. Instead, the car responds in a controlled, reassuring way, which is great for everyday driving.
The steering is light and steady, not overly precise. It makes parking and moving in tight spaces easier, and at higher speeds, it feels stable and calm. While it's not built for sharp turns, the VF9 handles bends confidently, keeping the body movements under control for a vehicle of its size. One of the best things about the VF9 is how well it handles the road. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps, making rough pavement and highway expansion joints feel almost invisible inside the cabin. This is especially noticeable on longer trips, where the car keeps the ride comfortable for both the driver and passengers.
The cabin is also quiet, with wind and road noise kept to a minimum. This creates a peaceful and refined interior that adds to the overall sense of quality. Along with the smooth electric powertrain, the VF9 offers a relaxed and composed driving experience that feels right for American roads.
Technology and Infotainment Features
Technology is a big part of the VinFast VF9, and you can tell right away when you're inside. The main control is a big screen in the middle of the dash. It handles everything from entertainment to navigation and car settings. The simple, screen-heavy design fits the clean look of the car and matches what people expect from electric SUVs today.
The screen is easy to use and looks good. Moving through menus and using the features feels smooth and clear. The main things like finding directions, playing media, and adjusting the are all easy to find, so you don’t get distracted while driving. Some parts of the system are only on the screen, but it's still simple enough for new users to figure out.
The car also has digital screens that show important driving info in a straightforward way. Instead of showing too much or complicated pictures, it focuses on making things easy to read. This helps drivers feel more confident, especially when traveling long distances or on roads they’re not familiar with. The VF9 also has a lot of safety features to help drivers. Things like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping help, and collision alerts are all there to make driving safer and less tiring. When I first drove it, these features worked well and made me feel like VinFast really paid attention to making the car reliable and refined.
Connecting your phone is another good part of the VF9. It lets you stay in touch without making things too complicated. Also, the car can get software updates through the internet, so it keeps getting better over time. This is especially nice for American buyers who like their cars to keep up with the latest tech.
Battery, Range, and Charging Expectations
Battery performance and how easily you can charge it are really important for any electric SUV. The VinFast VF9 is made to fit the everyday needs of driving. As a large electric car, it focuses on giving a good driving range and real-world efficiency, instead of just showing high numbers. For regular use, the VF9 is built to give enough range for daily commutes, taking kids to school, and weekend trips without needing to stop often for charging. That makes it a good choice for families moving from gas-powered SUVs to electric cars. Even though the actual range can change based on how you drive, the road conditions, and the weather, the VF9 is made to work well in everyday situations.
The VF9 also has good charging abilities, which helps it be a great family car. It can use fast-charging stations, which means the battery can get a lot of charge in a short time. This is especially useful for longer trips, where you want to spend less time waiting to charge. At home, the VF9 works well with overnight charging, making it easier to own and use every day. The car also manages energy in a smart way, so it runs efficiently without needing the driver to constantly adjust things. This makes driving the VF9 less stressful, especially for people who are new to electric vehicles and might worry about running out of charge.
How the VinFast VF9 Fits the American Market
The American car market really values size, comfort, and versatility, and the VinFast VF9 is made with those things in mind. As a big, three-row electric SUV, it’s aimed at families and people who need a lot of space for passengers without giving up on modern tech or efficiency. This puts the VF9 in a very popular and competitive part of the market in the U.S.
One of the VF9’s main advantages is how practical it is for everyday use. American drivers often drive long distances on highways, so comfort, quietness inside the car, and good seating are really important. The VF9 feels smooth when you drive it and has a roomy interior, which makes it feel familiar and comfortable. Its design doesn’t have strange or unusual features, which can be comforting to buyers who like cars that work well and are easy to understand.
The move toward electric vehicles in the U.S. has led to a demand for cars that don’t lose size or capability. Many American homes rely on one vehicle for work, family needs, and traveling. The VF9’s three-row setup, extra cargo space, and efficient electric power make it a real option for people who want to switch to electric vehicles without changing how they live. VinFast isn’t a well-known brand in the U.S. compared to other car makers, which can be a hurdle. But the VF9 shows a lot of improvement in how well-made it is, how refined it feels, and how well it’s put together. These improvements are important for building trust in a market where people care a lot about how reliable a car is and how much value it gives over time.
Who Should Think About the VinFast VF9
The VinFast VF9 is a good choice for people who care more about space, comfort, and driving with an electric vehicle than they do about a famous brand or fast performance. Since it's a three-row electric SUV, it's a great fit for families who need room for people, flexible seating options, and a car that can handle daily use as well as longer road trips. People switching from a traditional gas-powered SUV to an electric one might really like the VF9. It has smooth power, a quiet inside, and a predictable way of driving, which can make it easier to get used to electric cars. The familiar shape of an SUV means you can enjoy electric driving without giving up much in terms of how easy it is to use or how comfortable it is.
The VF9 is also a good pick for buyers who want good value and like to have the latest tech. It has a nicely set-up interior, helpful driver assistance features, and can get software updates from the internet. This means it keeps getting better over time, which is great for those who like modern technology and want the car to stay up-to-date for years. If you really value a smooth and comfortable ride, the VF9's suspension and quiet cabin will be a big plus. It drives calmly and steadily, making it perfect for long highway drives and everyday trips, especially for people who spend a lot of time behind the wheel.
