Whether you’re looking for a four-door hatchback like the 2022 Polestar 2, or a four-door SUV like the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4, they can both be an excellent choice. But with each vehicle offering drivers all-wheel drive and impressive fuel economy, how do you choose when buying a car
? Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, weighs in on the Polestar 2 vs. VW ID.4.Polestar 2 vs. VW ID.4: EPA, motor, and range
The Polestar 2 rides on the Swedish brand's Compact Modular Architecture (CMA). However, the electric version of the platform houses a 75.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the floor of the car.
The 2 can support fast charging up to 150 kWh, which takes about 40 minutes to recharge a dead battery to 80%. With the single-motor option, you’ll get a 270-mile range and 249 miles with the dual-motor model. Drivers will get an EPA of 96 mpg in the city and 88 mpg on the highway.
Depending on the motor, drivers will either get 231 hp or 408 hp, considerably more than what the ID.4 can offer. However, the 2 can only hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, while the ID.4 can get there in 5.8.
The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is the German automaker’s
first North American electric SUV. It’s stylish, a smooth ride, and packed with impressive tech. The compact crossover is as practical as it gets with lots of ready-to-use space for drivers. The SUV’s fast charging speed increased 10 kW to reach 135, and an auto-hold brake feature now comes standard.
According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB)
, “There are single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) options for the ID.4, both of which are available for either of the two available trims. The dual-motor AWD setup offers more performance and better all-weather traction.” The single motor option features an 82-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. The dual electric motors include the same size battery pack with 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. As far as EPA, you’re looking at 98 mpg in the city and 88 mpg on the highway.
The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 also has an improved range, with the ability to go 280 miles per charge instead of 260. With the ID.4 Pro S, you can expect a range of about 268 miles and 251 miles with the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Pro.
Polestar 2 vs. VW ID.4: Storage and style
With a spartan color palette, the Polestar 2 is less complex than the Volvos we’ve seen in the past. The handsome interior sports minimalist styling that incorporates plastic, wood, and fabric. While the fabric is vegan and eco-friendly, you can still opt for leather if that’s more your style.
Cargo space is limited, with about 15 cubic feet to work with. But you will get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.2-inch iPad-looking portrait-oriented touchscreen that’s centrally located.
The integrated Android Automotive OS infotainment system is designed to minimize distraction.
With Google Maps navigation, drivers will be informed of nearby charging stations and other EV-specific information.
For phone charging and the like, two USB ports are located in the front and two can be found in the rear. Drivers will also receive a standard satellite radio and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
The ID.4’s no-frills interior is contemporary with ambient lighting and lots of tech features. According to Car and Driver
, “The interior design is uncluttered and playful; cloth seats with heat for the front occupants are standard but going with the Pro S model brings faux-leather upholstery along with 12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory functionality.” You can fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats and 26 when the rear seats are folded down. So yeah, we’d say there’s plenty of cargo space.
The standard IQ.DRIVE suite features include lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Volkswagen cockpit is an informative and digital instrument display that also comes standard.
Price and ratings
The two vehicles received a similar overall score from Consumer Reports
. The Polestar 2 came in a 57, while the Volkswagen ID.4 received a 59. They also scored the same on acceleration, transmission, and reliability. Unfortunately, the Polestar 2’s rear access, ride, driving position, rear-seat comfort, and usability also received poor marks.
Overall, owners were more satisfied with the Volkswagen ID.4, which also got an 83 on its road test versus a 72 for the Polestar 2. It also has a cheaper starting price with a range from $41,230 to $49,410. The 2 starts between $45,900 to $49,900.
Also, the ID.4 is an IIHS Safety Ratings top safety pick and received five out of five stars with its NHTSA Safety Rating. While we’re still waiting on the crash test results for the Polestar 2, it's clear that the ID.4 provides exceptional value at a lower price point.
So unless you could care less about comfort and want a powertrain with lots of gusto, the ID.4 is an awesome choice for a spacious and reasonably priced smooth ride, especially when it comes to the Polestar 2 vs. VW ID.4.
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