Growing families inevitably mean that the family car will grow as well. Generations ago, this could have meant transitioning from a sedan to a station wagon. Today, we are all essentially driving wagons with our crossovers and SUVs, so the transition is more likely to be from a two-row to a three-row SUV. The latter can seat six, seven, or sometimes eight people securely and comfortably, though the comfort for adult passengers in the third row can vary significantly depending on the model.
The downside of all this space is usually mpg, as the vehicle size and the powerful engine needed to haul it can make these vehicles quite thirsty. One possible fix for that is the 3-row EV, which is far more efficient than its gas-powered counterparts. The VinFast VF 9 is one of the few 3-row SUVs on the market. Since these vehicles are often driven by moms, Jana Askeland, host of Real Mom Car Tours videos, drove the VF 9 for a week to share her impression of whether the VF 9 has what it takes to be the vehicle for American families. Ewing VinFast of Plano provides the highlights of her review.
With an exterior by Italian design firm Pininfarina, the VF 9 has a remarkably clean look on the front, rear, and profile, where the C-pillars taper in the middle to display the brand’s “V” logo. Fake vents, unusual trim pieces, or unnecessary character lines are absent everywhere. As a nice and unique touch, the key fob matches the vehicle’s exterior color.
The inside is similar, with a 15.6-inch screen covering most of the controls, including permanent climate controls on the lower edge for instant access. The traditional gauge cluster has been replaced by a head-up display that is standard across the model line. Redundant driver information can be found on the upper left of the screen.
Mom drivers aren’t known for their lead feet. However, Jana still found the VF 9 impressive when acceleration is needed with 400 horsepower and 447 lb-ft of instant torque, enabling a transition from still to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds. Unlike the VF 8, both the Eco and Plus have the same power and dual motors for all-wheel drive.
Range on the VF 9 is an EPA-estimated 287 miles, and the combined MPGe (energy equivalent of miles per gallon) is 68, a figure nearly three times higher than what you’ll find on any gas-powered 3-row SUV. As with any EV, ownership is ideal when you can charge at home. But when you charge on the road, the VF 9 is estimated to go from 10% to 75% in about 31 minutes. This will give you 186 miles or about two and a half hours of driving at 75 mph before you reach 10% again. While this may not match gas-powered rivals, road trips with kids rarely go for two hours between stops anyway.
The test vehicle was a Plus trim with second-row captain’s chairs, accommodating a total of six passengers. Jana demonstrated how easy it is to access the third row using the tilt-tumble function of the second row seats, which creates plenty of space for entering and exiting the third row. Third-row passengers have access to charging ports and large windows to the outside, while the Plus model features a glass roof that extends overhead.
In the meantime, first- and second-row passengers can enjoy heating, and on the Plus trim, ventilation, and even a massage function with multiple settings, which by itself should keep the kids entertained. When stopped, you can watch videos downloaded from YouTube or game apps on the large center screen. All models feature a wireless smartphone charger, Wi-Fi connection, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Cabin storage spaces are plentiful, and dropping or raising the rear seats is simple. At the same time, the VF 9 is a luxurious place to spend time, with the large center screen, attractive vegan leather that looks and feels great, electric door releases (with manual backup), and that truly impressive glass roof on the Plus.
Jana unsurprisingly considers safety a top priority and is supported by the VF 9’s comprehensive suite of standard safety and driver assist features across the entire model lineup, including:
- Lane Keeping Assist, Centering, and Departure Warning
- Forward Collision Warning
- Blind Sport Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Intelligent Speed Adaptation
- Emergency Lane Keeping Assist
- Highway and Traffic Assist systems
- 360 Surround View Monitoring
Jana finds the VF 9 to be comfortable, powerful, full of family-friendly and safety features, and she loves the ambient lighting. She also finds security in the VinFast 10-year/125,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
If your family is growing and you want to take them a step into the future with this exceptionally well-thought-out 3-row SUV EV, you should visit Ewing VinFast in Plano and give the VF 9 your own family road test.