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2021 Volkswagen ID.4 EV review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Volkswagen ID.4 EV highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Roomy interior and plenty of storage space
  • Quiet and comfortable ride
  • Performance with dual-motor powertrain

Cons

  • Ho-hum exterior design
  • Meager passing power with the base single-motor powertrain
  • Laggy infotainment response times

Battery range (EPA estimate)

240 miles

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

The Volkswagen ID.4 EV is an electric SUV for car shoppers who prioritize comfort and cargo space over sporty driving

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 EV is the German automaker’s attempt at luring mainstream SUV shoppers into an electric vehicle. With its subtle styling, the five-seat ID.4 is certainly not a vehicle that grabs attention wherever it roams. Yet in terms of features for the price, this VW is a strong competitor to rival electrics such as the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Available in rear- or all-wheel-drive configuration, the standard ID.4 uses a single electric motor coupled to an 82-kilowatt battery and produces 201 horsepower. This is fine for day-to-day driving, though the optional 295-hp dual-motor arrangement with all-wheel drive delivers much livelier acceleration.

EPA range estimates vary from 240 to 260 miles per charge, which is competitive. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Actual mileage will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.Additional highlights of the ID.4 EV include a generous amount of standard tech and driver-assist features, ample passenger stretch-out space, and plenty of cargo room.

All Volkswagen ID.4 EV years

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 EV trims

Curious how Volkswagen ID.4 EV trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

1st Edition:

  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Rear View Camera
  • Power Mirrors
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning

Pro:

  • Includes all features available on the 1st Edition
  • Cloth Seats
  • 4WD/AWD

PRO S:

  • Includes all features available on the Pro
  • Power Seats
  • Seat Massagers
  • Memory Seats
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Navigation System

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 EV

What We Like

Passenger space and cargo volume: Adults will have no problem getting comfortable in the first or second row. Headroom and legroom are ample, and cargo space behind the rear seats measures 30.3 cubic feet. We do wish there was a front trunk (or “frunk”), yet the numerous convenient interior nooks and bins help make up for the lack of this additional storage area.

Reasonable driving range: Thanks to an EPA-estimated driving range of between 240 and 260 miles,

the VW ID.4 is competitive with other EVs. To uncork the maximum range means choosing the single-motor rear-wheel-drive powertrain. On the other hand, opting for the added power and all-wheel-drive grip of other trims takes only a modest 20 miles out of the VW’s range.

Many standard driver aids: With its family-friendly design and image, it’s no surprise Volkswagen loads the ID.4 with a number of active driver aids. Among other features, these consist of automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.

What Needs Improvement

Awkward infotainment: We appreciate that the ID.4 comes standard with sought-after features like wireless smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system itself, though, can be slow to respond and is frustrating in terms of menu layout. These quirks could deter car shoppers from giving this electric SUV a chance.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.3 out of 5

3 customer reviews

Volkswagen ID.4 EV features and specs

Pro 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Full Roof Rack

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

0.0L

Engine type

Electric

Wheelbase

108.9"

Overall length

180.5"

Width

72.9"

Height

64.4"

Leg room

F 41.1"/R 37.6"

Head room

F 41.1"/R 38.4"

Front tires

PR19

Rear tires

PR19

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

220/2200 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 EV FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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