Compare the2023 Hyundai Kona ElectricVS 2023 Vinfast VF 8

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Hyundai Kona Electric are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Vinfast VF 8 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Kona Electric are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The VF 8 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Both the Kona Electric and VF 8 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Kona Electric has Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The VF 8’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Kona Electric and the VF 8 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available rear parking sensors.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and its standard front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Kona Electric the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 234 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The VF 8 has not been tested, yet.

On the EPA test cycle the Kona Electric gets better mileage than the VF 8:

The Kona Electric can travel longer on a full charge than the VF 8 on a full charge:

For superior ride and handling, the Hyundai Kona Electric has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Vinfast VF 8 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Hyundai Kona Electric may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 2100 pounds less than the Vinfast VF 8.

The Kona Electric is 1 foot, 9.4 inches shorter than the VF 8, making the Kona Electric easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Kona Electric is 5.2 inches narrower than the VF 8, making the Kona Electric easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Kona Electric SE/SEL has standard flush composite headlights. The VF 8 has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The front grille of the Kona Electric uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The VF 8 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Kona was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2019. The VF 8 has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.