Finding the groove: VinFast VF6

The automotive world has shown us time and time again that for a brand to truly establish itself, it cannot focus only on its most affluent buyers. Real, lasting growth comes from winning over everyday drivers and building a strong connection with the broader market.

VinFast may be a new name to many, but it is already making serious moves beyond its home market of Vietnam. The Philippines is a key part of that expansion, and it is clear the brand is not taking this step lightly. VinFast’s arrival on our shores came with a wide range of models, from the cute and budget-friendly VF3 all the way up to the upscale, three-row VF9.

Right in the middle of that lineup sits the VF6, the car we are focusing on today. It could very well be the model that helps VinFast resonate with Filipino buyers, offering something different to what we’re used to, at a reasonable price.

Car design varies widely depending on a brand’s country of origin, with differing interpretations of style and beauty giving rise to distinct design languages. Rather than borrowing heavily from what is already established, VinFast has taken a bold approach. Its lineup wears a look that stands apart from familiar nameplates in the market, signaling from the outset that this is a brand intent on doing things differently.

It may sound like a tired cliché, but this is exactly what newcomers are expected to do: disrupt conventions and challenge the status quo. The VF6’s design delivers on that promise, arriving from left field in the best possible way. Sleek body lines, the smart and seamless integration of the VinFast logo into the front fascia, and an aggressive, well-defined rear end all come together to create a genuinely intriguing presence.

In the fiercely competitive crossover segment, standing out without feeling gimmicky is no easy task. Yet the VF6 manages to strike that balance, offering a design that feels fresh, confident, and more importantly, one it can call its own.

The VinFast VF6 comes in two variants, Eco and Plus. Both are powered by a single electric motor driving the front wheels, but with very different outputs. The Eco variant has 174 hp and 250 Nm of torque, while the Plus puts down 201 hp and 310 Nm of torque. It’s not mind-boggling performance figures, but in the real world, they’re more than adequate to move cargo and people without breaking a sweat.

Range is another area where the VF6 focuses on everyday usability rather than headline-grabbing numbers. Both variants are equipped with a 59.6 kWh battery pack. The Eco offers a claimed driving range of up to 480 km on a single charge, while the more powerful Plus variant is rated at 460 km. While these figures may not break records, they are comfortably within the needs of most daily commuters, making the VF6 a practical and reassuring option for regular urban and suburban use.

Where the VF6 excels is in the sheer amount of features crammed inside it. At the heart of the cabin is a large central touchscreen that handles infotainment, vehicle settings, and connectivity duties. It supports smartphone integration, making navigation, music, and calls easy to manage whether you are stuck in weekday traffic or heading out of town on the weekend. 

The cabin itself feels thoughtfully laid out, with a clean dashboard design and a digital instrument display that keeps essential information clear and easy to read. Everything is positioned to reduce distraction, which works well whether you are crawling through rush-hour traffic or cruising on an open highway. Add features like push-button start, keyless entry, and automatic climate control, and the VF6 starts to feel properly modern without trying too hard.

VinFast also leans heavily into smart vehicle features, with systems that allow drivers to monitor and interact with the car more intuitively. These include vehicle information displays and connected functions designed to make day-to-day ownership more convenient. The VF6 also offers several dedicated vehicle modes, such as Camp Mode, Pet Mode, Wash Mode, and Valet Mode, each adjusting specific settings to better suit different situations.

Overall, the VF6 delivers a well-rounded interior and tech experience that fits neatly into everyday Filipino life. It offers the right balance of modern features, ease of use, and comfort, making it an appealing option for buyers who want a forward-looking vehicle that still feels approachable and practical.

When it comes to safety, the VF6 comes with a solid mix of active and passive safety features that are well-suited to the realities of driving in the Philippines. The VF6 is fitted with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems designed to help reduce driver workload and add an extra layer of confidence on the road. Features like adaptive cruise control help take the edge off long drives and highway cruising, while lane support systems assist in keeping the car centered, especially useful during moments of fatigue or heavy traffic. Forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking also step in when human reaction time just can’t catch up to the hazard ahead.

Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert further enhance everyday usability, particularly in tight parking spaces and crowded malls where visibility can be limited. These features make merging, reversing, and navigating busy areas feel less stressful, something many Filipino drivers will appreciate during daily commutes.

Beyond driver aids, the VF6 is also equipped with a full set of passive safety features, including multiple airbags and electronic stability systems that work in the background to maintain control during sudden maneuvers or slippery conditions. 

Starting at P1,419,000 and topping out at P1,610,000, the VF6 is priced among established names in the segment. While it does not undercut legacy brands on price alone, the VF6 makes a compelling case by offering a fresh overall experience, a generous list of technology features, and a distinct sense of style that helps it stand out in a crowded field.

Being a new model from a young brand naturally comes with a few question marks, but the VF6 shows that VinFast has done its homework and is in the midst of finding its groove. It delivers a level of equipment and modern design that feels competitive, even when lined up against familiar names. For buyers who are open to something different and value tech-forward features and contemporary design, the VF6 is more than just an alternative. It is a crossover genuinely worth considering.