Demand for Roomy, Eco-Friendly SUVs Opens Door for VinFast VF 9

National Post

2 days ago

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MARKHAM, Ontario — VinFast's seven-seat VF 9, a fully electric SUV blending family utility with eco-conscious design, is emerging in Canada in 2025 as rising demand for sustainable products and a market hungry for full-size EVs converge. Market forces in Canada are aligning, opening new opportunities for brands willing to meet real consumer needs.
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Sustainability is no longer confined to niche buyers. PwC's 2024 Voice of the Consumer study found that Canadians will pay about 10 percent more for products that clearly demonstrate environmental benefits 1. A Deloitte survey echoes this, with 62 percent of Canadians ready to spend up to 20 percent more on goods with credible sustainability claims 2. Together, these findings show that purchasing power is reshaping markets in favor of cleaner options.
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At the same time, Canadian families continue to favor multipurpose vehicles. SUVs and other large models now account for 63.5 percent of new registrations, the only segment to grow in the first quarter of 2025 3. The appeal lies in practicality: room for hockey gear, camping equipment, and multi-generational travel. Parents want vehicles that can handle school runs and weekend trips without compromise.
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Bringing these two forces together—demand for sustainability and preference for larger vehicles—reveals a gap in the market. A quick Google search indicates that in the 2024-2025 model years, fewer than five full-size electric SUVs have been launched, compared with at least eight smaller electric cars 4. In other words, full-size electric SUVs remain relatively rare, leaving space for manufacturers that can balance environmental responsibility with real-world utility.
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The VF 9: Bridging Practicality and Sustainability
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One of the few contenders stepping into this space is the VinFast VF 9, a seven-seat, all-electric SUV designed to meet both environmental and family needs. Its zero-emission powertrain and spacious three-row layout make it a practical choice for households seeking a lower footprint without sacrificing comfort.
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Designed by the Italian firm Pininfarina, the VF 9 pairs a distinctive LED 'bird wing' light strip with thoughtful interior planning. The cabin offers flexible seating for six or seven passengers, with captain's chairs in the second row featuring integrated massage and ventilation, amenities rarely seen in this segment. Premium leather upholstery and soft-close doors reinforce the idea that eco-friendly does not mean giving up comfort. Storage solutions handle both everyday errands and long trips with ease.
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Inside, a 15.6-inch central display anchors a tech-forward cabin with smart connectivity, three-zone climate control, and 11 airbags. An 8-inch second-row screen keeps passengers entertained, while massage seats make long drives more comfortable for the driver. 'The VF 9 has features you can only find in luxury cars like massage seats and heated/cooled seats. The ADAS works fine, build quality is really good,' highlights owner T.T. Nguyen 5.
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Currently, the VF 9 Plus starts at CAD $81,310, offering all-wheel drive, 402 horsepower, up to 468 km of range, and comprehensive coverage: a 10-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty and a 10-year unlimited-mileage battery warranty. This kind of assurance can address one of the common barriers to EV adoption: concern about long-term reliability. The VF 9 Eco model starts at CAD $77,321.
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For many Canadian families, the vehicle in the driveway is becoming an expression of values as much as income. And as sustainability and practicality continue to converge, premium electric SUVs like the VF 9 may define the next stage of automotive status, where a lighter footprint and real-world utility set the new standard.
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