When VinFast first announced plans to build the VF3 mini-SUV it wasn’t clear if the compact utility would enter the U.S. market or if it would remain an international market exclusive just out of reach of American buyers. VinFast thankfully answered our prayers by not only announcing that the VF3 was indeed coming to the U.S but that the company is also entering the EV pickup wars with the VF Wild concept.
VinFast VF3 Promises To Be The Perfect Urban Commuter
At first glance, it appears the VF3 is doing an impression of the Suzuki Jimny (another international market-only model we want here) with the VF3 featuring the same basic square shape and the same three-door layout. VinFast claims that the VF3 is a “mini-eSUV and it was originally designed to be a form of people’s car for its home Vietnamese market.
Here in the U.S. the VF3 would give VinFast a budget-oriented entry in the compact SUV wars and would be one of the few BEV entries in its small segment. All VF3s will come with standard 16-inch wheels and a wide array of colors for buyers to choose from with VinFast reps in the past saying that the large color pallet was meant to appeal to style-conscious buyers. The VF3 that the company on display had blacked-out windows so we couldn’t see inside but the SUV will come with a large 10-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay bundled in standard. VinFast wasn’t ready to talk about final performance numbers just yet, but the company did confirm that the VF3 is targeted to hit an EPA-rated 125 miles of range between charges. VinFast says that U.S. pre-orders will commence later this year but the SUV will arrive in Vietnam first with the first units for that country arriving later in 2024.
VF Wild Pickup Signals VinFast’s Intentions For Growing Segment
While the VF3 will be targeting the budget SUV buyer, the Vietnamese company hopes that the VF Wild will help it punch its way into the rapidly growing EV pickup market. The VF Wild is not only the first VinFast vehicle to not use a number after the VF portion of its moniker, but it’s also the first pickup entry that we have seen from the company. VinFast claims that the design of the truck is supposed to embrace the motif of a superhero’s cape fluttering in the wind but while we’re not good enough fashion experts to spot that bit of inspiration, it’s obvious that the truck is embracing styling that’s looking to stand out from the crowd.
The VF Wild may be the latest entrant into the EV pickup wars, but it will also not be a player in the full-size segment with the concept being firmly in the smaller mid-size segment where benchmarks like the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma play to win. The VF WIld has a five foot long bed which can be extended via a power operated midgate. The Vf Wild also has external camera mirrors but look for those trick units to be replaced wth standard units especially in the U.S. where National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations forbid the tech on vehicles sold here.
VinFast didn’t reveal what battery and powertrain configuration the Wild concept has and it’s also not known if the Wild will be offered here in the U.S. The EV truck market regardless of size is rapidly heating up and the Wild would have a tall order on its plate with the truck not only being tasked with standing out on its own merits, but also help VinFast get fresh ground in the broader segment. Look for the VF Wild to be an international only offering at first with the company potentially moving further if it gets enough demand from potentil buyers here in the U.S.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.