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  • 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Price: Which One to Buy
  • Interior and Features
  • Performance
  • Test Drive Feedback
  • Fuel Efficiency
  • Safety
  • Reliability
  • Design
  • Verdict: Is The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 A Good SUV?
  • Upgrades for the 2024 ID.4 include a stronger powertrain with up to 335 hp and a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen for some models.
  • The ID.4 has practical cargo space, generous interior room, and strong safety features but faces reliability concerns.
  • The lineup starts at $39,735, but if you want the best driving range and the new features, you'll need to aim at around $50k.

With only a single electric vehicle to its name right now, Volkswagen has a lot riding on the 2024 ID.4 compact SUV. As the breakout model from the regular gasoline-powered lineup, the little car is up against tough competition in the USA with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, two corporate cousins who have really wowed the market. Since it was a bit lackluster in former years, the ID.4 has been refreshed for 2024, adding a performance motor for models using the larger battery pack, now providing up to 335 horsepower for all-wheel drive configurations. There have also been some improvements around the cabin, where we have not been shy about stating our disappointment. Let’s take a closer look and see if it is enough to put the Volkswagen on the same level as its rivals.

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New For 2024

The two main changes to the new Volkswagen ID.4 are the upgraded powertrain for models equipped with the 82 kWh battery. In RWD, the performance unit makes 282 hp, while AWD versions enjoy 335 hp. The infotainment has also been improved, but again only for 82-kWh trims, with a slightly larger 12.9-inch touchscreen that is easier and smoother to interact with. Lastly, each new purchase includes 500 kWh of free charging at Electrify America stations and three years of the company’s Pass+.

2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Price: Which One to Buy

A first glance at the lineup can be confusing, but we'll break it down for you in simple terms. The price of the 2024 VW ID.4 starts at $39,735 for the base model with the smaller battery. From here, the Pro uses the larger battery and a stronger powertrain, and it will cost you $44,875 while adding AWD bumps the price to $48,775. Next up is the S trim, which follows the same paradigm. Prices here start at $44,855 and top out at $53,875 for the Pro S AWD. Volkswagen doesn’t include the $1,425 destination charge in the initial figure.

If we were buying, we wouldn’t settle for less than the larger battery, as even this is only barely competitive with rivals, offering 291 miles of driving in RWD. For this reason, we wouldn’t opt for AWD unless the weather insists on it. Sadly, the base trim is simply devoid of too many niceties you’d find in competitors, so to feel like you’re getting value for your money, the Pro S is the only model that makes sense. It benefits from the slightly stronger powertrain and has a more upscale interior than the Standard. This will cost you around $50k, though.

Interior and Features

While it is spacious and has all the prerequisite tech, the interior of the ID.4 feels cheap and uninspired.

Volkswagen has made some strides toward improving the interior of the ID.4, but these changes are sadly not universal. Only the Pro trims with the larger battery benefit from the best upgrades. The base versions still use a 12-inch touchscreen and display less quality around the cabin. Once you invest a little more, better upholstery, softer surfaces, and a more accessible 12.9-inch screen become the norm. Additional interior ambient lighting, especially along the dashboard, helps the Volkswgen feel as futuristic as other EVs on the market. Even with these improvements, the controls around the console are a bit clunky to use. The overall design is clean enough, though, and there is a definite focus on maximizing interior space.

Space

As stated, comfort and space were key concerns when designing the ID.4, as evidenced by more than 40 inches of legroom in the front. In the back, you’ll have to settle for a little less room, but only near-giants should feel cramped. Headroom is good all around, and unlike in many other cars, adding a sunroof here doesn’t just give the impression of added space; there really is more headroom. The seats themselves are comfortable, but you don’t get power-adjustability, which is a feature we have come to expect even from mainstream affordable EVs.

Cargo

Where it may fall short in some areas, the ID.4 tries to make up for it with an impressive amount of cargo space. With all the seats in place, the trunk can handle 30.3 cubic feet worth of stuff, making grocery shopping a breeze even for larger families. Most direct rivals can’t compare in this regard. Fold down the rear seats, and the small VW crossover can store a massive 64.2 cubes.

Small-item storage is great, too, with a large set of cupholders in the front console, an extra bin with a wireless charger behind them for smart devices, and an even larger cubby under the armrest. The door pockets are wide enough for just about anything, and they have a separate slot for water bottles. You also get a glove compartment and two more cupholders in the fold-down middle back seat.

Volkswagen ID.4

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Kia EV6

Seating

5 Seater

5 Seater

5 Seater

Headroom in inches - Front | Rear

40.6 | 37.9

39.8 | 38.7

39 | 38

Legroom in inches - Front | Rear

41.1 | 37.6

41.7 | 39.4

42.4 | 39

Trunk/Cargo Space

30.3 - 64.2 ft³

27.2 - 59.3 ft³

24.4 - 50.2 ft³

Materials and Colors

The Standard trim, with or without the Pro battery, comes with the lower-quality cloth upholstery, which even the leatherette inserts don’t do much to improve. Both color schemes use Gray cloth, but you can choose between Black or Brown leatherette. It’s a significant step-up once you start perusing the S trims, which get full leatherette. Here, you also get a choice of two interior colors. Black and Gray with a Gray dashboard, or Gray and Blue with a Blue dashboard. It is worth mentioning that the Gray is extremely light and could be mistaken for White quite easily. Overall build quality is decent, but a large amount of cheap plastic, much of which is disguised using Piano Black coating, lowers its appeal.

Features and Infotainment

While it may not be as well-equipped as some of its rivals, the ID.4 is no slouch. In base guise, it comes with keyless access, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a wireless device charger, a small digital gauge display, and a 12-inch touchscreen. The infotainment suite comprises HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SIriusXM, navigation, and seven speakers. The Pro trims get the new 12.9-inch display, which is not present in the regular S. However, this upper trim does get 12-way power front seats with massage, a panoramic fixed glass roof and a heated steering wheel. To regain the larger touchscreen, you’ll have to upgrade to the Pro S trims, which also enjoy the nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Standard

Pro

Pro S

Heated Front Seats

S

S

S

Dual-Zone Climate Control With Rear AC

S

N/A

N/A

Panoramic Glass Roof

N/A

S

S

12.9-inch Touchscreen

N/A

S

S

Nine-speaker Harman Kardon Sound

N/A

S

S

Performance

The new powertrain options do a lot to help the ID.4 feel more like a potent EV than just another forgettable small crossover.

While the Standard and regular S still use the weaker single motor from last year, the Pro versions of the 2025 ID.4 boast much improved performance. If 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque is sufficient, then you can stick with the base variants. However, the Pro and Pro S with RWD enjoy 282 hp and 402 lb-ft, while the Pro AWD variants enjoy 335 hp.

As such, it can take the VW ID.4 anywhere between 7.3 and 4.9 seconds to launch from 0-60 mph.

Test Drive Feedback

We took the newly updated VW ID.4 for a spin to see how the new powertrain options affected the overall experience of the car. While there have been upgrades applied, it's worth taking the VW ID.4 for a test drive yourself before buying.

Ian Wright Automotive Journalist
Ian Wright - Automotive Journalist
Senior Road Tester

The ID.4 is easy and uncomplicated to operate and doesn't stray far from traditional car controls...What is noticeable is the increase in power with the AWD 82-kWh system - the ID.4 is now quick. The extra torque and horsepower make overtaking a breeze but, even with Sport mode, the ID.4 doesn't feel particularly sporty. We don't mind, though, as that's not something most buyers in this segment will want or need. While the ID.4 is a pleasant ride, it's not engaging; however, it hides its EV weight extremely well.

We found driving the ID.4 to be a pleasant enough experience. It won’t wow you with performance or in its handling, but power delivery is smooth and reliable. You can overtake when you need to, but it loses confidence around corners. Ride comfort is decent for a car at this price, though it is clear that Volkswagen cut some corners, especially by using old-school drum brakes.

N/A
First Drive Review
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Fuel Efficiency

Across the six trims, there are three different powertrains at work, and this is reflected by each model’s fuel economy. In base configuration, the VW ID.4 manages 115/98/107 MPGe across the city/highway/combined cycles. However, this improves with the larger battery on the Pro trims, going up to 122/104/113 MPGe, though switching to AWD and a stronger motor setup sees this drop again to 108/96/102 MPGe. The smaller 62 kWh battery on the Standard and S takes a little over six hours to charge on a Level 2 home unit, while the 82 kWh battery used in the remaining models takes eight hours. DC fast charging will get you from 10-80% in 30 minutes. As for maximum driving range, the Standard and S cover 206 miles, the Pro AWD versions 263 miles, and the Pro RWD variants a maximum 291 miles.

Single Electric Motor Single-Speed Automatic RWD

Single Electric Motor Single-Speed Automatic RWD

Dual Electric Motors Single-Speed Automatic AWD

Power | Torque

201 hp | 229 lb-ft

282 hp | 402 lb-ft

335 hp | 402lb-ft

0-60

7.3 sec

5.9 sec

4.9 sec

Top Speed

99 mph

99 mph

99 mph

MPGe - 2RWD

115/98/107

122/104/113

N/A

MPGe - AWD

N/A

N/A

108/96/102

Max Towing Capacity

2,200 lbs

2,200 lbs

2,700 lbs

Safety

With an extensive repertoire of safety features as standard, it makes sense that the ID.4 nabbed the IIHS's coveted Top Safety Pick award.

There is no denying that safety is one of the Volkswagen ID.4’s strong points, given reviews by the NHTSA and IIHS. The former scored it at five stars, while the latter gave it a Good in every crash test, along with a Top Safety Pick award.

Each model comes outfitted with ABS, ESC, and six airbags as standard, while more driver assists include automatic post-collision braking, forward collision warning with emergency automatic braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition. Park assist with rear park distance control is also standard. Lastly, there is IQ.Drive, which allows for semi-automated driving. An overhead-view camera is available, if all of this isn’t enough.

Standard

Pro

Pro S

Adaptive Cruise Control

S

S

S

Front Collision Avoidance

S

S

S

Lane Keep Assist

S

S

S

BLIS and RCTA

S

S

S

IQ. Drive

S

S

S

Reliability

There have been serious issues with the ID.4, which explains its abysmal reliability rating of 54 out of 100, according the J.D. Power consumer surveys. Last year saw a total of six recalls, such as an urgent fire risk that could be caused by the 12V battery cable short circuiting. Other problems included vehicle doors opening unexpectedly, and insufficient fireproofing of the sunshade, an issue no-doubt brought to light by all those fires. The latter recall remains active for 2024, though this is the only currently known problem.

When you buy a 2024 VW ID.4, you get a four-years/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty and eight years/100,000 miles of battery coverage. Roadside assistance is also offered for three years/36,000 miles.

VW ID4 Badge
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Design

In terms of style, the ID.4 is attractive but not eye-catching. There is no grille, though the lower bumper has a mesh cover and there are air intakes on the side. Instead, the front fascia is entirely solid, with large headlights and a light strip connecting the two. The hood curves upward on the edges, giving the crossover a more aggressive appearance from the front, enhanced further by the jutting lower bumper. Bright paint colors do a good job of emphasizing these curves. Roof rails line the top of the car and frame the panoramic glass sunroof for those models equipped with one. The profile shows similar curves to the front, but once you reach the back, it’s all blocky SUV styling. The taillights are slimmer than the headlights, but they extend the full width of the tailgate, which has a small brake light bar at the top.

Verdict: Is The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 A Good SUV?

In the face of its competition, we would not so much call the ID.4 good as we would competent. It is a satisfying EV with easy driving dynamics, a great safety record, and decent driving range. However, it is not fun, even with all the additional power added via the stronger motors this year. The interior is also lackluster, with low quality materials on clear display, and oddly positioned controls on the central console. It makes up for some of these shortcomings by being eminently practical, even without a frunk. Many of these problems can be overcome by opting for the more expensive Pro trims, since they received some upgrades this year, but if you’re looking to save money, you’d be better off looking at the competition than settling for a base-level ID.4.