Overview
There’s something warm and familiar about the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 that makes it seem like it’s been around for a long time. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, it’s roughly the size of a gas-powered Volkswagen Tiguan or Nissan Rogue, and it was one of the first SUV alternatives to a Tesla Model X when it launched in 2020. Its most exciting features are price and space, and it delivers those virtues in a handsome, modern-looking package. Base models are powered by a single motor with 201-horsepower and rear-wheel drive that get up to 275 miles of EPA-estimated range. At the expense of some range, a 295-hp, dual-motor AWD ID.4 is available with a larger battery, delivering as much as 255 miles of estimated range and considerably better performance. The ID.4 can’t DC-fast charge as quickly competitors such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E. However, with a starting price hovering just above $40k, the ID.4 offers plenty of space, good looks, and a relaxed demeanor that could ease the transition from filling up to plugging in.
What’s New for 2024?
Volkswagen doesn’t change the recipe for the 2024 ID.4.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Although the new Standard model carries the most budget-friendly price tag, we’d opt for the mid-range, rear-drive Pro to help maximize the ID.4’s range; that model also unlocks the ability to quickly DC fast charge at public charging terminals. The Pro can also be had with all-wheel drive and the larger battery, which help give the ID.4 a little extra performance and horsepower without consuming too much of its driving range.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
With the single rear-mounted motor, the ID.4 makes 201 horsepower, but the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive model pumps out 295. Maximum towing capacity is a stout 2700 pounds. Regenerative braking helps recapture energy when slowing the vehicle, but the familiar one-pedal driving capability that EV pilots have come to appreciate is largely missing here, even in the ID.4’s most aggressive regenerative mode. Also lacking is the traditional gut-punch acceleration that electric vehicles often provide. The rear-wheel-drive ID.4 isn’t slow by traditional compact-crossover standards, but its 7.6-second run to 60 mph in our testing demonstrates that it’s far more laid back than quicker EV competitors. Going for the more powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive model sharpens the ID.4’s accelerative performance, as evidenced by its 5.4-second jump to 60 mph at our test track. The ID.4 handles less sharply than some other EVs, but we appreciate its smooth and refined ride quality and quiet cabin.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The EPA estimates that the ID.4’s optional 77.0-kWh battery pack is capable of holding enough juice to power the single-motor, rear-drive version up to 275 miles between charges, which puts it in the mix with other electric SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV. Unfortunately for VW, that’s less than the 330 miles of EPA estimated range for the Tesla Model Y. The battery can be charged at home on 110- or 240-volt connections, of course, and it’s also capable of DC fast-charging. The cheaper Standard model sports a smaller 58-kWh battery and a shorter 208-mile driving range.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EPA rates the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 Pro S’s fuel economy at 104 MPGe city and 89 MPGe highway; the rear-wheel-drive Pro model is slightly more efficient at 107 MPGe city, 91 MPGe highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 delivered 82 MPGe and sailed on for 190 miles. Note: we’ve found from our testingthat EPA range numbers can overstate or understate the real-world highway range difference between EVs. Our testing of the ID.4 was completed in near-freezing temperatures, which can drastically reduce driving range, so the 190-mile result is more impressive than it sounds. For more information about the ID.4’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
While the ID.4’s interior offers a contemporary design with high-tech features, ambient lighting, and generous cargo space. The interior design is uncluttered and playful; cloth seats with heat for the front occupants are standard but going with the Pro S model brings faux-leather upholstery along with 12-way power adjustable front seats with a memory function. The ID.4’s cargo area is quite spacious. We managed to fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the ID.4’s rear seat and 26 total with the rear seats folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The ID.4 comes standard with a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment interface is VW’s latest but not its greatest; we’ve found it to be fussier than the previous-generation software that’s still available in models such as the Jetta sedan and the Tiguan SUV. Navigation is standard and so are wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All ID.4 models also come with a 5.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display and voice-recognition capability.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The electrified VW offers a host of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the ID.4’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Volkswagen currently offers an above-average limited warranty and below-average powertrain coverage compared with rival non-luxury brands, but it offers two years or 20,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance. The ID.4’s electric components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Battery components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
Vehicle type: mid-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$45,190 (base price: $41,190)
POWERTRAIN
permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Power
201 hp
Torque
229 lb-ft
Battery Pack
liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 77.0 kWh
TRANSMISSION
1-speed direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.4-in vented disc/11.0-in drum
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza A/S, F: 235/50R-20 104T M+S + R: 255/45R-20 105T M+S +
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 108.9 in
Length: 180.5 in
Width: 72.9 in
Height: 64.4 in
Passenger volume: 101 ft3
Curb weight: 4698 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.6 sec
100 mph: 26.0 sec
1/4 mile: 16.0 sec @ 86 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.0 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.8 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 100 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 166 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.85 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 80 MPGe
75-mph highway driving: 82 MPGe
Highway range: 190 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 97/104/89 MPGe
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD
Vehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $44,870/$49,370
Options: Pro S, $5000; Gradient package, $1500
POWERTRAIN
Motors: 2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 107 and 201 hp, 119 and 228 lb-ft
Combined Power: 295 hp
Combined Torque: 339 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 77.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Transmission: direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.4-in vented disc/11.0-in drum
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S
235/50R-20 104T M+S AO +
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 108.7 in
Length: 180.5 in
Width: 72.9 in
Height: 65.1 in
Passenger Volume: 101 ft3
Cargo Volume: 30 ft3
Curb Weight: 4884 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.1 sec @ 99 mph
100 mph: 14.5 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.3 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 112 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.82 g
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 96/103/88 MPGe
Range: 240 mi
