2024 Volkswagen ID.4 SUV

2024 Volkswagen ID.4 First Impressions

　　•3/20/2023

　　What is the ID.4?

　　The Volkswagen ID.4 made its debut just a few years ago and was a solid performer out of the gate. We were so impressed with our initial test that we added one to our long-term test fleet to see how this EV holds up over thousands of miles of day-to-day driving, road trips and more. With a spacious cabin, a smooth ride and solid real-world range, the ID.4 has proved to be solid daily transport, though much of its shine has worn off as other automakers have begun to offer their own all-electric SUVs.

　　Volkswagen is aware it needs to keep the ID.4 feeling fresh. Just last year, VW updated the ID.4 with more standard features including a 12-inch touchscreen display, an automated parking system and a new, more affordable base trim. It even upgraded some of the interior materials, a big plus for the ID.4 as we thought the interior felt cheap compared to other EVs in this class. Given those changes, we don't expect anything major for 2024. That said, we're hopeful Volkswagen is working to address some of the current ID.4's weakest aspects, namely interior ergonomics and control layout. Buttons and controls for things like the media and climate control can be hard to see, especially at night.

　　The ID.4 can't afford to sit for too long as just about every mainstream automaker has introduced or will soon introduce an all-electric SUV that competes against the Volkswagen in terms of price, size and range. Some of zzdcar' top-rated electric SUVs include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 GT and Ford Mustang Mach-E. They offer a more premium feel inside than the Volkswagen as well as better driving dynamics and in-car tech. There's also the Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro EV and Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The latter trio are smaller inside but more affordable than the ID.4, though all three also lack the ID.4's available all-wheel drive.

　　zzdcar says

　　The we added one to our long-term test fleet was a line drive out of the gate, but the competition has quickly put this EV on its back foot. VW made some improvements to the ID.4 for 2023 so we don't expect any significant overhaul for the new model year.