New VinFast VF6: Can a $30K EV from Vietnam Compete with Tesla and Hyundai?

VinFast, the automotive arm of Vietnam’s Vingroup conglomerate, is positioning itself as a global EV competitor. With bold ambitions, it has opened showrooms in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The 2025 VinFast VF6 targets the entry-level electric crossover market, a segment that’s increasingly saturated but still underserved in the sub-$35,000 range.

Where other EVs are climbing in price, VinFast takes the opposite approach: offering affordable electric mobility backed by long warranties and a direct-to-consumer model. The VF6 is meant to capture drivers who want a compact SUV that fits urban lifestyles, medium-range commutes, and low total cost of ownership.

At a Glance: Key Specs

Both trims are powered by a single front-mounted motor, using a lithium-ion battery supplied by CATL, one of the world’s leading EV battery manufacturers. These specs place the VF6 firmly in competition with urban-oriented EVs, not performance crossovers.

Exterior Design: Compact, Not Flashy

The VF6 compact electric SUV is designed for city use, with a tight footprint that makes parking and maneuvering easier. Its total length of 166.9 inches is shorter than a Hyundai Kona Electric, and its 74.4-inch width keeps it compact but comfortable.

Design details include:

• V-shaped daytime running lights, a nod to VinFast’s branding
• Sculpted side panels that reduce drag
• Roof rails (Plus trim only) for utility-minded drivers
• Flush, motorized door handles standard on Plus trim
• 17-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the model

Ground clearance sits at 7.3 inches, enough for curbs and mild terrain, but not true off-roading. The styling feels modern but avoids aggressive cues. It’s aimed at first-time EV buyers rather than enthusiasts.

Interior & Tech: Touch-Centric and Simplified

The cabin skips traditional layouts. There’s no digital instrument cluster, no physical HVAC buttons, and no separate control panel. Instead, the 12.9-inch touchscreen is the command center for all functions: speed, climate, music, maps, and driver aids.

Interior features:

• Fabric upholstery on the Eco; synthetic leather on the Plus
• Heated front seats on both trims, ventilated only on Plus
• Wireless phone charger and 6-speaker sound system
• 64-color ambient lighting on the Plus
• Panoramic glass roof available only on Plus

There’s limited physical feedback, which may not suit drivers who prefer tactile controls. Rear legroom is modest, better suited for children or short trips. Cargo space is average, though folding rear seats help when hauling gear.

Infotainment: Voice-First, But Limited Polish

VinFast markets its AI-enhanced voice assistant as a key feature, but real-world performance varies. Early test drives show that voice control sometimes lags, and natural language commands aren’t always recognized. Updates are planned, but the system is not yet a match for competitors like Tesla's voice system or Hyundai’s BlueLink.

The OS supports over-the-air updates, smart navigation, and custom driver profiles. However, response times, UI design, and general UX still need work. There is no integrated app ecosystem yet, and 3rd-party app support is minimal.

Performance: Smooth City Ride, Average Dynamics

The VF6 offers quiet and predictable handling, aimed at comfort over sportiness. Power delivery is linear, not instant. Acceleration is acceptable for urban traffic but feels underpowered on steep inclines or highways.

Test drivers note:

• Low wind noise due to aerodynamic glass
• Suspension tuned for comfort, not cornering
• Soft regenerative braking, even on highest setting
• Light steering that makes city driving easy but lacks feedback

There’s no adaptive suspension, drive mode selection, or dual-motor AWD option, which limits performance flexibility. This isn’t a car made to impress driving purists—it’s about cost-effective mobility.

Range and Charging: Realistic Numbers, No Surprises

The VF6’s 59.6 kWh battery is projected to yield 248 miles (Eco) or 237 miles (Plus) under EPA cycle testing. Real-world testing in France and the U.S. suggests 200–220 miles under mixed driving with moderate AC use and highway speeds.

Charging capabilities:

• Level 2 (AC): 0–100% in ~7.5 hours at 7.4 kW
• DC Fast Charging: 10–70% in ~26 minutes using 160 kW
• Compatible with most U.S. networks through VinFast app partnerships

Charging ports use the CCS Combo standard, and VinFast provides an optional home wall box. Charging network access is improving, but charging app bugs and UI glitches have been reported.

Safety and Driver Aids: Standard, Not Advanced

Safety features are on par with segment norms, but not standout.

Standard ADAS features:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Detection
• Automatic Emergency Braking

What’s missing:

• No 360-degree camera
• No highway lane centering
• No semi-autonomous driving system

The VF6 holds a structural safety certification from NCAP-equivalent bodies, but hasn’t yet completed U.S. NHTSA or IIHS crash testing. Until then, reliability in crash scenarios is based on projected modeling, not hard data.

How the VF6 Compares to Direct Competitors

The compact electric SUV segment under $40,000 is growing fast. Brands like Hyundai, Tesla, Chevrolet, and Nissan currently lead. The VF6 attempts to compete by offering lower prices and competitive specs, backed by a long warranty and emerging charging support.

In context:

• Bolt EUV remains the price leader but will be phased out soon.
• Model Y is the performance and charging leader but costs far more.
• Kona Electric offers solid all-around value and dealer network.
• VF6 offers the lowest price for 230+ miles, but lacks brand trust and service presence.