Compare the2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In HybridVS 2023 VinFast VF 8

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid 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 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and VF 8 have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The VF 8’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

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 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid are reminded to check the back seat when a sensor determines the back seat is occupied. The VF 8 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Both the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and VF 8 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid 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 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and the VF 8 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert 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 “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid 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 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 466 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.

For better traction, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has larger tires than the VF 8 (235/55R19 vs. 225/55R19).

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid 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 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid 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.

For greater off-road capability the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has a 1.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the VF 8 (6.9 vs. 5.6 inches), allowing the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1300 to 1450 pounds less than the VinFast VF 8.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has standard flush composite headlights. The VF 8 has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has standard seating for 6 passengers; the VF 8 can only carry 5.

Pressing a button automatically lowers the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s second row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The VF 8 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid uses the Electronic Stability Control 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.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The VF 8 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’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.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The VF 8 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance.