VinFast VF5: Everything You Need to Know About This Compact Electric SUV
When it comes to affordable, city-friendly electric cars, the VinFast VF5 has quietly become one of the most interesting global EVs to watch. Already on sale in Vietnam and Indonesia, this compact all-electric crossover is expected to make its way to India in 2026. After going through its specifications and global variants, I genuinely feel the VF5 could appeal strongly to first-time EV buyers looking for something practical yet modern.
Below is a complete, easy-to-understand breakdown of the VinFast VF5, covering design, performance, range, space, features, and why it matters for the Indian EV market.
VinFast VF5 — Overview
The VinFast VF5 is a compact, all-electric crossover city car from Vietnamese automaker VinFast. It blends hatchback practicality with SUV-inspired styling, making it ideal for urban use while still feeling substantial enough for family duties.
Depending on the market, the VF5 is offered with different battery and motor configurations.
VinFast VF5 — Battery, Motor & Range (Market-wise)
VinFast offers the VF5 with two battery options globally:
29.6kWh battery pack
- 95 hp motor
- 135 Nm torque
- NEDC range: 268 km
37.23kWh battery pack
- 136 hp motor
- 135 Nm torque
- NEDC range: 326 km
The higher-spec 37.23kWh version is the one most relevant for India, as it offers better performance and usable real-world range for daily commuting.
VinFast VF5 — Performance & Driving
With 136 hp on tap, the VF5 feels punchy for its size.
- 0–100 km/h: under 11 seconds
- Front-wheel-drive setup
- Regenerative braking for improved efficiency
For city driving, this performance is more than adequate, and in my opinion, it strikes a good balance between efficiency and fun.
VinFast VF5 — Dimensions & Practicality
The VF5 sits in a sweet spot between hatchbacks and compact SUVs.
- Length: 3,967 mm
- Width: 1,723 mm
- Height: 1,578–1,579 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,514 mm
Compared to rivals like the Tata Punch EV, the VF5 is 19 mm narrower and 54 mm shorter, but has a 69 mm longer wheelbase, which really helps cabin space
Ground Clearance - 161.5 mm to 168 mm (international spec), which is expected to be slightly increased for India, similar to what VinFast did with the VF6. This should be sufficient for Indian road conditions, especially for urban and semi-urban use.
VinFast VF5 — Interior Space & Seating Comfort
The VF5 is officially a 5-seater, but realistically:
- 2 adults + 1 child fit comfortably in the rear
- 3 adults may feel a bit congested on longer drives
Rear-seat have no AC vents, only one charging point but has good legroom thanks to the long wheelbase. I like the fact that VinFast has prioritized passenger space over boot volume, which makes sense for a city-focused EV.
VinFast VF5 — Boot Space
- 260 litres with seats up
- Up to 900 litres with 60:40 split rear seats folded
That expandable boot is genuinely useful for weekend trips or airport runs.
VinFast VF5 — Interior Design & Features
Inside, the VF5 keeps things modern and minimal with these features:
- 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster
- Driver-oriented screen layout
- All-black cabin with silver accents
- Leatherette seat upholstery
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (market dependent)
- 4-speaker sound system
- PM2.5 air filter
- Keyless entry and go
- Auto headlights
- Front and rear USB charging ports
VinFast VF5 — Safety Features
Safety equipment varies by market and variant, but includes:
- 4 airbags (some markets get 6 airbags)
- Rear parking assist
- ADAS features available in select variants
- Digital driver display for alerts
For a compact EV, this is a fairly comprehensive safety package.
VinFast VF5 — Exterior Design
Despite being a hatchback-based EV, the VF5 looks SUV-like. Design highlights include:
- Signature VinFast front fascia
- Flared wheel arches
- Black body cladding connecting the bumpers
- 17-inch alloy wheels
VinFast VF5 — Expected Price in India
- Expected price: ₹12–13 lakh (ex-showroom)
At this price point, the VF5 could:
- Undercut the Tata Nexon EV
- Offer better interior space than expected
- Appeal to buyers upgrading from premium hatchbacks
There’s currently no confirmation on local assembly, but pricing will play a key role in its success.
Competition in India
When launched, the VinFast VF5 will compete with:
- Tata Nexon EV
- Mahindra XUV 3XO EV
While slightly smaller, the VF5’s longer wheelbase, modern tech, and competitive pricing could give it a strong edge, especially for first-time EV buyers.
Final Thoughts
From what I see, the VinFast VF5 is shaping up to be a smart, urban-focused electric SUV with just the right mix of range, features, space, and performance. If VinFast manages aggressive pricing and adapts the suspension and ground clearance for India, this could become a very compelling alternative to existing compact EVs.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs
Q. What is the expected price of the VinFast VF5 in India?
- The VF5 is expected to be priced between ₹12–13 lakh (ex-showroom).
Q. What is the real-world range of the VinFast VF5?
- With the 37.23kWh battery, the claimed NEDC range is 326 km, which should translate to around 250–280 km in real-world conditions.
Q. Is the VinFast VF5 suitable for Indian roads?
- Yes, especially for city use. The ground clearance makes it more road-friendly.
Q. How many airbags does the VinFast VF5 offer?
- Most variants get 4 airbags, while some international versions offer 6 airbags.
Q. When will the VinFast VF5 launch in India?
- The VF5 is expected to launch in 2026, though an official date has not yet been announced.
