Tiny Size, Maximum Fun – 2025 VinFast VF3 Review

More and more people are moving towards electrified mobility for several reasons: cheaper running costs, fewer parts to maintain, and that sweet coding exemption. Thankfully, the market has caught up with the desires of the people, and some affordable options are cropping up. 

One of those options is the VinFast VF3, which comes priced at just P745,000. What you get for this affordable price is retro looks and gas-free motoring, but that’s expected when you look at it in the brochure. But beyond the specs on paper, we’re here to find out what the VF3 is really like to drive and to live with.

There’s no getting around the fact that the VinFast VF3 is an adorable-looking car that can surprisingly turn heads better than any lumbering SUV. From any angle you look, the VF3’s cubical body and comically tiny size oozes character. We love the rectangular split headlights up front, the black bumper trim which connects to the wheel wells, and the small bump in the C-Pillar that kicks up to connect with the roof. 

The rear of the VF3 is also a looker, featuring a simple taillight design that’s accentuated by a V that stretches from the VinFast badge all the way to the edges of the tailgate. The simplest way to describe the VF3 is that it looks like a toy car, and that simplicity is what gives it so much character. It makes you smile when you look at it, and it makes you feel good seeing other people crane their heads just to watch it go by.

Propelling the VF3 is a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 40 hp and 110 Nm of torque delivered via a single-speed transmission. Modest numbers, yes, but that electric motor only needs to push 857 kg of car up and down the road. Energy is stored in an 18.4 kWh battery pack that VinFast claims can provide up to 210 km on a single charge. 

Speaking of charging, here’s the first quirk in the VF3—one that could be a dealbreaker for some. Realistically, with the air conditioning on and under varying traffic and road conditions, the VF3’s batteries can deliver around 150 to 170 km on a single charge. And, when it comes to recharging, the only option available is a DC charger. This means that most chargers found in malls or gas stations, which typically use AC current, won’t be compatible and will limit charging outside of your home. Every purchase with the VF3 comes with a portable DC adapter, so if you have a wall socket at home, you’re good to go.

Now, we move on to the VF3’s cargo-carrying capacity, or lack thereof. With the second row in play, you’re looking at a very tight cargo bay that can only really hold small items like umbrellas or a water bottle. Tumble the second row flat, and cargo capacity expands to 285 liters of space, which is enough for a week's worth of groceries or luggage. While the boxy interior can fit a lot if you’re creative, realistically, don’t expect to put much cargo in a car of this size.

Starting in the second row, as you may expect, seating is quite cramped. We theorize that two adults of average height could squeeze in, but for comfort, the second row is really only meant for small children. The second-row seats have bottle holders on either side, but that’s about it in terms of amenities.

Up front, the VF3 has an adequate amount of tech for its price. You get a 10-inch touchscreen that doubles as the infotainment system and instrument cluster, two speakers, a single USB-C charging port, multiple drive modes, and a stalk-mounted shifter. Safety features include an anti-lock braking system, traction control, rear parking sensors, and hill-start assist. We appreciate the design of the VF3’s interior, as the controls are intuitive. The volume and air-conditioning buttons are easy to reach, and there are multiple cubbyholes throughout the cabin.

Unfortunately, the tech suite does come with a few quirks and some features we would have loved to see included. Connectivity options are limited to Bluetooth, as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not available. Finding the right seating position can also be quite difficult, as the VF3’s steering wheel is fixed in place and the seats can only be adjusted forward and backward.

Another quirk relates to how you get the car going. To start the VF3, you must insert the key fob into a slot on the center console and shift into gear using the stalk. There is no conventional parking brake—just a button for the electronic parking brake located on the stalk itself. One more retro touch is found in the side mirrors, which can’t be adjusted electronically, requiring a retro attitude for it. Instead, you have to move the entire mirror housing by hand to get it into position. 

On the road, the first thing we noticed about the VF3 is that it feels more substantial to drive than other mini EVs in its class and price point. By substantial, we mean there’s more heft to how the car responds when you steer it. On the topic of steering, though, the VF3’s wheel feels lifeless and a bit too light, where even a small nudge can have it springing left to right. In addition, unlike other cars with power steering that automatically return the wheel to center when you let go, the VF3 requires you to manually steer it back.

As for comfort, with just two people inside, the VF3’s suspension feels adequate, with ride quality being par for the course at this price point. That all changes when you fill the cabin with cargo and two extra passengers, because despite its tall ride height, the VF3 has a tendency to bottom out over bumps taken at speed.

Light steering feel and minor suspension issues aside, the rear-wheel-drive VF3 has a surprising amount of pep for its size, despite the modest performance figures. The instant torque from the electric motor and the short wheelbase make driving it feel fun and lively—even if “fast” here isn’t really all that fast.

The VF3 is a mixed bag of qualities; you’ve got the charming exterior on one hand and the rather tricky steering feel on the other. Combine these quirks with the limited range and DC-only charging, and we start to see that the VF3 is an EV with a fairly narrow use case.

In our view, to own and use a VF3 effectively, you need a predictable lifestyle. Its limited charging options and modest range mean it won’t be a long-distance hauler. Instead, it’s better suited for short trips around town, quick errands, or commuting to and from work if you live in the city. It may not work for everyone, but for the right people, the VinFast VF3 could certainly be a good fit.