Compare the2024 Ford Escape PHEVVS 2023 VinFast VF 8

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Ford Escape PHEV 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.

Both the Escape PHEV and VF 8 have Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but the Escape PHEV has Rear Cross Traffic Braking (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 Escape PHEV and the VF 8 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Escape PHEV the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 163 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The VF 8 has not been tested, yet.

The Escape PHEV’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the VF 8’s (unlimited vs. 125000 miles).

The Escape PHEV has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The VF 8 doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

On the EPA test cycle the Escape PHEV running on electricity gets better mileage than the VF 8:

The Escape PHEV’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 503 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The VF 8’s range is only 191 to 207 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 52 minutes for only a 90% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge at a professionally installed 220-volt charging station can take up to 12 hours.

The Escape PHEV stops shorter than the VF 8:

The Escape PHEV has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the VF 8; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For superior ride and handling, the Ford Escape PHEV 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 Ford Escape PHEV may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1900 to 2050 pounds less than the VinFast VF 8.

The Escape PHEV is 6.9 inches shorter than the VF 8, making the Escape PHEV easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Escape PHEV 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 Escape PHEV 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.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Escape PHEV uses the AdvanceTrac® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The VF 8 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Escape PHEV’s available exterior PIN entry system. The VF 8 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Escape PHEV’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The VF 8’s power mirror controls are embedded in the infotainment system, seriously distracting drivers who have to adjust them while driving.