2024 VinFast VF 7

VinFast is a Vietnamese operation, now with four electric SUVs set to make the trip across the Pacific. There’s this, the smaller VF 6, the larger VF 8, and the even larger 3-row VF 9.

Styling was a joint effort between VinFast and Torino Design, an Italian house that has also done work for BMW, Ferrari, and Alfa Romeo. The VF 7 is about the same size as a Toyota RAV4, but about 4 inches lower.

The 2024 VinFast VF 7 is an all-new, fully electric compact SUV.

We expect the 2024 VinFast VF 7 to start at around $37,000. This is for the Eco model. The more powerful VF 7 Plus could begin in the region of $45K. This latter version comes with a panoramic sunroof and simulated leather seating surfaces.

We’re basing these price guesstimates on other all-electric compact SUVs (and kind-of SUVs). For example, the Volkswagen ID.4 starts at $37.5K. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 begins at $41.5K, with the Toyota bZ4X just $500 above that. The new-for-2023 Nissan Ariya comes in at $43.2K.

No qualms about the warranty, though. VinFast covers its vehicles for 10 years, with either 10-year/unlimited mileage or a lifetime warranty for the battery.

VinFast also has an unusual purchasing scheme where the battery is actually on a subscription. The company says it may initiate a more conventional way of doing business.

When does the 2024 VinFast VF 7 go on sale?

Production of the 2024 VF 7 compact electric SUV is set to begin late in 2023, so expect to see it in mid-to-late 2024. It made its U.S. debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2022.

We expect the VF 7 to offer around 250 to 300 miles of driving range on a full charge. For reference, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a range of up to 303 miles, with the Nissan Ariya expected to exceed that by one mile. The VW ID.4 can run for 275 miles, and the Toyota bZ4X should cover 250 miles.

As for charge times, we wouldn’t be surprised if the VF 7 can charge from 10% to 80% capacity in about 30 minutes, using optimum public fast-charging. That’s similar to the Toyota bZ4X and VW ID.4 Pro. The Nissan Ariya needs 45 minutes. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 can charge at 800 volts, and needs as little as 18 minutes. Home charging is typically an overnight affair.

Up to 349 horsepower

The Eco version of the 2024 VF 7 SUV has a single electric motor delivering 201 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. That compares well with the Ioniq 5’s 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque in its most basic form.

The 2024 VF 7 Plus has two electric motors, one driving each axle in an all-wheel-drive setup, making a total of 349 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. The Ioniq 5 equivalent has 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque.

More VF 7

Inside, the VF 7 features a giant infotainment touchscreen that’s pretty much the dominant feature in an otherwise neat-freak interior. We’ll assume Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and VinFast also says a full array of driver assistance features is included.

We’re looking forward to seeing what else the 2024 VF 7 compact electric SUV has to offer.