2022 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is a competent compact all-electric crossover that easily matches most gas-powered rivals’ performance, comfort and convenience. New for 2022 is the all-wheel-drive ID.4, which comes in the same trims as the standard rear-wheel drive version: Pro, Pro S and Pro S Gradient. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) models have 201 horsepower with an estimated 260 miles of driving range, while AWD variants get 295 horsepower, but slightly less range. 

Although it’s tempting to compare the ID.4 with the current lineup of available electric SUVs, Volkswagen wants to win buyers cross-shopping the conventional gas-powered Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue compact crossovers. At 180.5 inches, the ID.4 is more similar in size to the top-selling trio and can accommodate five passengers and up to 30.3 cubic-feet of cargo in the rear. The Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro Electric and Chevrolet Bolt are also all-electric crossovers but are smaller in size and stature.

Although crossovers and SUVs are popular, their higher center of gravity often hinders performance. The ID.4 is an exception because its batteries are mounted flat across its bottom, helping to lower the center of gravity and distribute the weight more evenly across the length of the vehicle for more agile handling around curves and turns. The ID.4’s rear-wheel-drive configuration also sets it apart from conventional crossovers, which are mostly front-wheel drive with an optional AWD upgrade. 

The ID.4 offers a compelling proposition for shoppers looking for a smooth transition from gas to electric. Performance is not engineered to heavily rely on regeneration versus the competitors, resulting in a ride quality closer to that of a gas vehicle. Additionally, its reliable 260 miles of range is enough to serve commutes and road trips, especially with a bit of pre-planning to locate highway-adjacent charging stations. When hooked up to an DC Fast Charger, a recharge to 80% will only take about 40 minutes—enough to stretch the legs and grab a coffee. 

Performance: 14/15

The ID.4 uses a single electric motor powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that produces up to 201 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque—specs that easily match the gas offerings in the segment. Its electric architecture gives it satisfyingly instant acceleration, good driving dynamics and handling characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. 

The ID.4 really comes alive when set in Sport mode, one of three driving settings. Sport mode gives the driver firmer, more direct steering, a faster accelerator pedal response and adjusts the adaptive cruise control to reach the preset maximum speed more quickly. While not a huge selling point, the compact crossover can tow up to 2,700 pounds, which is more than the Tiguan, but less than the midsize Atlas.

The AWD ID.4, which we cover separately, includes a second electric motor located at the front that bumps total output to 296 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Though nothing carrying a heavy-weight battery pack is geared for racing around the mountains, the AWD ID.4’s  steering has good weight and accuracy. On a straightaway, VW says the AWD ID.4 can move from zero to 60 mph in 5.4-seconds.

Range, Energy Use & Charging: 14/15

The Rear-drive ID.4 Pro consumes 34 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles and the AWD version uses 35 kwh per 100 miles. That’s the equivalent of 99 mpg (MPGe) in city and highway driving combined. The AWD ID.4 gets 97 MPGe in combined driving. 

In conventional gas vehicles, one gallon equals 33.7 kwh. The Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V, when configured with front-wheel drive, all use 3.3 gallons of gas per 100 miles. The AWD versions of each of these vehicles use 3.4 gallons per 100 miles.

For EV comparison, the Kia Niro Electric, which is about 10 inches shorter and 1,600 pounds lighter, consumes 30 kwh per 100 miles, or 112 MPGe. It only has a range of 239 miles, however. The even smaller and lighter Hyundai Kona, which has a comparable range of 258 miles, uses 27 kwh per 100 miles, or a 120 MPGe.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 15/15

Buyers don’t have to shell out extra money or upgrade to the highest trim to get the latest safety features. The ID.4 is standard-equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance system features, called IQ.Drive, that includes forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, a lane-centering feature and adaptive cruise control. Also included is Travel Assist (a combination of adaptive cruise and lane keeping) and emergency assist, which brings the car to a stop if the car can’t summon a response from the driver after several warnings. Road sign recognition, park distance control and automatic high beams also are standard. 

NHTSA gave the Rear-drive ID.4 a five-star overall safety rating. It’s also rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

Comfort & Room: 12/15 

The ID.4’s interior design is open, less cluttered and offers more comfort for front passengers. Its standard equipped with eight-way adjustable heated cloth front seats and heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the AWD Pro S adds leatherette seating material. 

Volkswagen’s engineers took full advantage of the absence of a traditional transmission (or resulting tunnel) and used the extra space to stretch the cabin forward, extend the center console, and leave a clean, flat floor along the back bench.

At 41.1 inches, front leg room is basically on par with competitors, and it offers an additional 3 inches of headroom than the RAV4 and 2.6 inches more than the CR-V. The front and rear shoulder room are essentially tied between the three models with only fractional differences. The ID.4’s 37.6 inches of rear legroom matches the Toyota but falls behind the larger CR-V by almost 3 inches.

Infotainment: 13/15

As one would expect from an electric vehicle, the ID.4 has plenty of technology. A 10-inch touchscreen is standard with an optional upgrade to a larger 12-inch screen with the Pro S. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to ease phone connectivity as well as wireless device charging. Visual and audio alerts let the driver know about driver assistance warnings, incoming calls and the vehicle’s charge status (a light bar across the bottom of the windshield signals remaining battery power much like what we see on smartphones).

Most drivers will have to acclimate themselves to the ID.4’s controls. VW’s minimalist approach eliminated a gear shift lever in the center console. Instead, the driver toggles a knob on the steering column’s right side to shift from park to reverse or drive. The dash is clean, devoid of almost any buttons. There are no dials. Most controls run through the standard 10-inch touchscreen or four small buttons at its base, while the Pro S adds a 12-inch infotainment screen.

Cargo Space & Storage: 11/15

Although VW is pitching the ID.4 as a crossover, it sits halfway between an SUV and a station wagon. The ID.4 has comfortable front and second-row seating with legroom and headroom that matches or betters rival gas crossovers from Toyota and Honda. 

It also has the same cargo space as the typical compact crossover. Behind the 60/40-splitting rear seats of the ID.4 AWD is a generous 30.3 cubic-feet of cargo storage, which expands to 64.2 cubic-feet with the rear seats folded flat. If need for just a more space arises, the Pro S model has a rear cargo floor panel that drops down to give that last bit of room.

Style & Design: 8/10

The exterior styling of the 2022 ID.4 channels other compact crossovers but has a sleeker design with hints of a coupe or fastback car. The flair of the LED unibrow—Volkswagen’s new and very distinctive light bar—19-inch wheels, wide rear fenders and long spoiler in the back make it stand out both as a current-generation Volkswagen and as something different.

Inside, VW wisely uses space and tech to create an attractive and minimalist environment uncluttered with distractions. Customizable 10-color ambient LED interior lighting is standard as is four-way manually adjustable heated front seats with two-way power recline and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The use of seat heaters (or coolers when available) over conventional climate control is a loophole used by EV drivers to minimize battery strain.

The Pro S upgrades the cloth seats to leatherette and adds a massage function and a panoramic sunroof that gives the exterior a more expansive feeling and plusher look. The Gradient Package adds flair with on-trend exterior detailing such as a black roof, silver roof rails, a silver C-pillar and larger 20-inch wheels. 

Is the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 worth it? Which ID.4 is the Best Value? 

The Volkswagen RWD ID.4 Pro, which retails for $41,795, including the $1,195 destination fee, will be enough for most buyers that want to enter the EV market in the most cost-effective way possible. A $7,500 federal tax credit reduces the base model to $33,100 for buyers who can claim it. State incentives in about a dozen states may slash the cost to about $30,000 for some.

But upgrading to the Pro S for an additional $4,500 is ideal for buyers that want wipeable leatherette seats—especially if an active lifestyle might bring sweat, dirt or water into the interior. Active buyers or those in regions affected by snow-covered or icy roads will want the AWD model.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4?

The Volkswagen ID.4 isn’t an expensive car to insure. According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with clean record can expect an average annual premium of $1,890, though this averages all 50 states. That compares to $1,678 for the RAV4, $1,733 for the Rogue and $1,600 for the CR-V. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.