The electric vehicle market is no longer a niche; it's a battleground of innovation, design, and practicality. In one corner, we have the Hyundai IONIQ 5, a multi-award-winning trendsetter that redefined what an EV could be. In the other, the VinFast VF8, an ambitious and powerful contender from Vietnam, aims to disrupt the status quo.
So, which of these compelling electric SUVs deserves a spot in your driveway? Let's break down the comparison.
Design & Aesthetics: Retro-Futurism vs. Modern Classic
Hyundai IONIQ 5:
The IONIQ 5 looks like it drove straight out of a stylish sci-fi film. Its design is a masterclass in "retro-futurism," with sharp, origami-like creases, pixelated light signatures, and a distinctive clamshell hood. It’s a head-turner that blurs the lines between a large hatchback and a crossover. Its unique look is a core part of its appeal and has won it legions of fans who are tired of generic SUV styling.
VinFast VF8:
The VF8 takes a more traditional, yet elegant, approach. Designed by the famed Italian design house Pininfarina, it presents a sleek, premium SUV silhouette that will appeal to a broader audience. Its front fascia is dominated by a distinctive V-shaped LED light bar, creating a strong brand identity. While less daring than the IONIQ 5, the VF8's design is handsome, sophisticated, and unlikely to offend anyone.
Verdict: The IONIQ 5 wins for boldness and originality. The VF8 wins for classic, crowd-pleasing appeal.
Interior, Tech, and Practicality
Hyundai IONIQ 5:
Step inside the IONIQ 5, and you enter a "living space on wheels." Thanks to its dedicated EV platform (E-GMP), it boasts a completely flat floor. This allows for incredible spaciousness and clever features like a sliding center console that moves 5.5 inches fore and aft. The dashboard is minimalist, featuring two 12.3-inch screens in a clean, horizontal layout. The use of sustainable materials and the available Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, which lets you power external appliances, are massive practical advantages.
VinFast VF8:
The VF8's interior aims for a high-tech, premium feel. The first thing you'll notice is the massive, 15.6-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen that dominates the dashboard, controlling nearly all vehicle functions. This Tesla-esque approach eliminates a traditional driver's instrument cluster, relying instead on a heads-up display. The cabin feels spacious and is packed with standard features, often including a panoramic sunroof and vegan leather upholstery, delivering strong value. However, early models have faced criticism for software bugs and a less intuitive user interface.
Verdict: The IONIQ 5’s interior is more innovative and user-friendly with its flexible space and V2L tech. The VF8 impresses with its sheer screen size and a long list of standard luxury features.
Performance, Range, and Charging
This is where the differences become stark.
Hyundai IONIQ 5:
The IONIQ 5 offers flexibility. You can choose between a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version for maximum range (up to 303 miles EPA) or a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) version for more power and all-weather traction. Its superpower, however, is its 800-volt architecture. At a 350kW DC fast-charger, the IONIQ 5 can charge from 10% to 80% in an astonishing 18 minutes, one of the fastest charging speeds of any EV on the market.
VinFast VF8:
The VF8 prioritizes power. It comes standard with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, delivering a robust 349 horsepower in the Eco trim and 402 horsepower in the Plus trim. This makes it significantly more powerful than the base IONIQ 5. However, it's a heavier and less efficient vehicle, resulting in a lower EPA-estimated range, typically hovering between 243 and 264 miles depending on the trim. Its charging speed is respectable but can't match the blistering pace of the IONIQ 5's 800V system.
Verdict: The IONIQ 5 is the clear winner on charging speed and efficiency. The VF8 offers more standard horsepower for those who prioritize performance off the line.
Driving Experience & Ride Comfort
Hyundai IONIQ 5:
The IONIQ 5 is engineered for comfort. Its ride is exceptionally smooth, quiet, and composed, soaking up road imperfections with ease. It's a relaxing and serene car to drive, making it an ideal daily commuter and road-trip companion. While not a sports car, its handling is predictable and secure.
VinFast VF8:
With its powerful dual motors, the VF8 offers exhilarating straight-line acceleration. However, early reviews have consistently noted that its suspension tuning needs refinement. The ride has been described as busy and sometimes unsettled over rough pavement, lacking the polished feel of established competitors. VinFast has been actively pushing over-the-air (OTA) updates to improve this, but the IONIQ 5 currently provides a more comfortable and polished driving experience out of the box.
Verdict: The Hyundai IONIQ 5 delivers a superior, more refined ride comfort.
Conclusion: Who Should Buy Which?
Choosing between these two comes down to your priorities.
You should buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if:
You should buy the VinFast VF8 if:
Ultimately, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 remains the more well-rounded and proven package. It’s a champion for a reason. The VinFast VF8, however, is a compelling and powerful newcomer that shows immense promise. With continued software refinement and its aggressive pricing and warranty, it's a brand to watch and a worthy contender for the right kind of buyer.
