2024 Volkswagen ID.4

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 gets up to 291 miles of EPA-estimated range. At the expense of some range, a 330-hp dual-motor AWD ID.4 is available with a larger battery and considerably better performance. The ID.4 can't DC fast-charge as quickly as 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, earning it a 2024 Editors' Choice award.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#5 in Best Electric SUVs

1

Hyundai Ioniq 5

STARTING AT: $43,175

2

Kia EV9

STARTING AT: $56,395

3

Kia EV6

STARTING AT: $43,975

4

Ford Mustang Mach-E

STARTING AT: $41,890

5

Volkswagen ID.4

STARTING AT: $41,160

6

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

STARTING AT: $67,475

What's New for 2024?

Volkswagen has made some improvements to the ID.4 for 2024 to improve performance and range on models with the larger, 77.0-kWh battery pack. That model now comes with an upgraded electric motor that pumps up power to 282 horsepower in rear-wheel drive models and up to 330 horsepower with all-wheel drive. These models also see their estimated EPA range rise by between eight and sixteen to 263 and 291 miles. Other changes to the ID.4 include a new 12.9-inch infotainment display, backlit controls for volume and climate control, and some new wheel designs.

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 with the smaller 58.0-kWh battery makes 201 horsepower, but the top-of-the-line dual-motor, all-wheel-drive model with the larger 77.0-kWh battery pumps out 330. 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 ID.4 handles less sharply than some other EVs, but we appreciate its smooth and refined ride quality and quiet cabin.

0–60-MPH Times

The rear-wheel-drive ID.4 isn't slow by traditional compact crossover standards, but its estimated 7.3-second 60 mph time 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, and we think its extra power will propel the SUV to 60 mph in as little as 4.9 seconds.

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Range, Charging, and Battery Life

For 2024, models with the 77.0-kWh have increased EPA-estimated driving range. The all-wheel-drive version is rated at 263 miles; the rear-drive version is rated at 291 miles. There currently aren't any EPA estimates for the ID.4's base 58.0-kWh battery pack. Previously, it was capable of holding enough juice to power the single-motor rear-drive version up to 209 miles between charges. That's less than other electric SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV. The battery can be charged at home on 110- or 240-volt connections, of course, and it's also capable of DC fast-charging.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

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 testing that 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.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The ID.4 comes standard with a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, but a 12.9-inch display is optional and features backlit controls for volume and climate. 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

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

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

2024 Volkswagen ID.4
Vehicle Type: mid- or front- and mid-motor, rear- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base: Standard, $41,160; S, $46,280; Pro, $46,300; Pro AWD, $50,180; Pro S, $51,420; Pro S Plus, $54,600; Pro S AWD, $55,300; Pro S Plus AWD, $58,480

POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: induction AC, 107 hp, 119 lb-ft
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 201 or 282 hp, 229 or 402 lb-ft
Combined Power: 201, 282, or 335 hp
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 58.0 or 77.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 140 or 175 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 108.8–108.9 in
Length: 180.5 in
Width: 72.9 in
Height: 64.5–65.2 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/44–45 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 64/30 ft³
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4350–4950 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 4.9–7.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.6–15.7 sec
Top Speed: 100–115 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 102–113/108–122/96–104 MPGe
Range: 206–291 mi

More Features and Specs