Our Opinion - 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 Review The Volkswagen ID.4 is a small electric SUV that is useful, easygoing, and comfy for most guys. Based on the gas-powered Volkswagen Tiguan, the ID.4 is very roomy, which is one of its best features. Additionally, it comes in different trims. 335-hp dual-motor AWD models go the other way and add a bit more luxury, while 282-hp single-motor models give up power for cost and range. With two motors and all-wheel drive, the ID.4 is a lot of fun to drive, but it’s not very good at going around corners. Strong rivals, like the Mustang Mach-E and Chevrolet Equinox EV, have lowered the ID.4’s starting price, but it’s still a good deal because it offers a wide range of features. What's New? In 2024, the ID.4 received several significant upgrades, including faster performance, new software, and a completely redesigned entertainment system. The only new feature that is certain to come out in 2026 is a HomeLink mirror built into the S Plus model. Volkswagen thinks that the ID.4 will also get a new feature-packed update in the middle of 2026. More information will be shared as the update gets closer to being released. Pros and Cons Pros Feels good and is quiet while moving. Cabin with lots of space. Small turning circle. Cons Charges slowly. The button for the accelerator is sensitive. Cabin settings that are hard to understand. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The AWD Pro, AWD Pro S, and AWD Pro S Plus trims generate 335 horsepower, while the Pro and Pro S models produce 282 horsepower. Double motor all-wheel drive is available on the AWD Pro, AWD Pro S, and AWD Pro S Plus. Single motor rear-wheel drive is available on the Pro and Pro S. In the back of the ID.4, a single motor makes 282 horsepower. Cars with two motors and all-wheel drive have a power of 335. Even in its most aggressive regenerative braking mode, the ID.4 lacks the distinct one-pedal driving capability that many EV drivers have come to anticipate. However, regenerative braking helps the car recover energy when it slows down. It also doesn’t have the standard gut-punch acceleration that electric cars often have. We appreciate the ID. 4’s quiet interior and the smooth, beautiful ride it provides, although it doesn’t handle as well as some other EVs. Safety The electric VW comes with a lot of different driving assistance technologies that you can choose to use or not. Key safety features include: Most automatic emergency braking systems are capable of detecting pedestrians in their path. Lane departure warning is a standard feature that assists in keeping the vehicle centered within its lane. It comes with adaptive speed control. Internal and External Cargo Capacity First Row: The inside is simple and good for kids. The front seats are fabric and heated by default, but the Pro S version has fake leather upholstery and front seats that can be adjusted in 12 ways and remember their positions. Second Row: The ID.4’s clean, simple design gives people in the back seats plenty of room for their heads and legs. A 60/40 fold-flat bench seat in the second row can be used to make more room for cargo in the back. Cargo Capacity: The ID.4 provides generous storage space for luggage and other items. For the ID.4, there was room for eight carry-on bags behind the back seat and 26 bags altogether when the back seats were folded down. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG With two motors, the EPA city rating is 108 MPGe. EPA highway rating: 96 mpg for twin motors. For the 2026 model year, data is still pending. The 2025 all-wheel-drive vehicles achieved an efficiency of 108 MPGe in city driving, 96 MPGe on highways, and an overall rating of 102 MPGe. Figures for the four-wheel-drive variants have not yet been released. In previous tests, the Pro and Pro S models recorded 122 MPGe in city conditions, 104 MPGe on the highway, and a combined efficiency rating of 113 MPGe. The rear-wheel-drive versions have not undergone any additional testing since 2024. MPGe, or miles per gallon equivalent, is an EPA-defined measure used to assess the energy efficiency of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Infotainment and Connectivity A 12.9-inch display for entertainment There are three ways to connect: a portable charging pad, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. There are nine speakers on the Pro S Plus, compared to seven on the VW setup. The ID.4 features a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen that serves as the hub for its infotainment system. Volkswagen’s newest infotainment system comes across as unnecessarily complicated to operate. Navigation, along with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, comes as standard features. Every ID.4 model is also equipped with a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster that offers customizable settings and responds to voice commands. Range, Charging, and Battery Life The C/D range test is 240 miles for cars with two motors. The EPA says that an EV can go 291 miles with a single motor and 263 miles with two motors. In our most recent 2024 highway test at a consistent 75 mph, the all-wheel-drive Pro S version of the ID.4 reached a range of 240 miles—23 miles less than the EPA’s projected figure. The EPA last provided range data for the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 in 2024, estimating it could cover 291 miles on a single charge. Since the ID.4 has received only minor updates to its powertrain and battery configuration, the 2026 model is anticipated to offer similar performance. All Volkswagen ID.4 models are equipped with a 77.0-kWh battery pack, which can be charged at home using either a 110-volt or 240-volt outlet. Additionally, the vehicle supports DC fast charging. Towing and Payload Capacity The Volkswagen ID.4 isn’t the best vehicle for moving a boat, but it can still pull up to 2,700 pounds. Price and How to Choose The 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 could cost anywhere from $47,000 to $59,000, depending on the choices and specs. We would choose the rear-drive Pro to help the ID.4 go further. When you choose all-wheel drive for the Pro, the ID.4 can get more horsepower and speed without having to cut its driving range drastically.
