With the same Consumer Reports overall rating of 59, how can we choose between these two electric SUVs? While Tesla has become a status symbol, what if you could be just as satisfied with a similar car at a fraction of the price?
Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, looks at the Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Tesla Model Y if you’re looking to buy a new electric car
.Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Tesla Model Y: Battery, range, and EPA
The German
Volkswagen ID.4 sports innovative technology and exudes style. The vehicle offers ready-to-use space and a quiet cabin for drivers. The practical crossover also gets an EPA of 98 mpg in the city and 88 mpg on the highway. It’s important to note that “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,” Kelley Blue Book (KBB)
reports. Single motor versions feature an 82-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. The dual electric motors boast an 82-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque.
Buyers can expect a range of 280 miles per charge. And with the ID.4 Pro S, you’ll receive a range of about 268 miles and 251 miles with the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Pro.
The Tesla Model Y doesn’t come with a standard range model. Drivers can select either the Performance or Long-Range (LR) trim.
According to Car and Driver
, “The EPA estimates that the Long Range model is good for 131 MPGe in the city and 117 MPGe on the highway, while the Performance model's fuel economy estimates are 115 MPGe city and 106 MPGe highway.” But if you opt for the 330-mile LR model, be prepared to shell out around $57,990. In fact, with a combined hp of 434 (483 hp on the Performance), the LR offers more power to the rear axle than to the one on the front.
With a top speed of 135 mph, the Model Y LR can hit 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. And it takes 3.6 seconds for the Performance trim to hit 60 mph, with a top speed of 155 mph.
Though fast, drivers may not find it as satisfying to drive as the best-selling Model 3. According to Car and Driver, “The SUV body creates a higher center of gravity, which dulls the sharp edge of the Model 3's handling, and the Y's ride is considerably rougher over road imperfections as well.”
Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Tesla Model Y: What’s inside the cabin?
The Model Y is versatile and highly functional. The iconic glass roof is stunning and the cabin features 72 cubic feet of cargo space and a HEPA air filtration system. Power adjustable front seats, heated front, and rear seats, and LED fog lamps are also included.
The minimalist hatchback features second-row seats that fold flat and the ability to accommodate you and six of your friends. However, your buddies in the third row may not be as comfortable as the other passengers.
The SUV has a gorgeous 15.4-inch touchscreen with “embedded Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube apps as well as video games perfect for killing time while waiting for the battery to charge at the public charging station,” according to Car and Driver.
Volkswagen ID.4 testers noted excellent noise reduction in the cabin, super comfy front and rear seats, and excellent access. There’s also plenty of small-item storage.
The ID.4’s interior features ambient lighting and front cloth seats with heat. The contemporary cabin feels playful, and Pro S models offer 12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory functionality and upscale faux-leather upholstery.
However, if you’re looking for a state-of-the-art entertainment system, you may find the ID.4 frustrating. Edmunds
was disappointed with some of the unintuitive controls and laggy responses from the infotainment screen. According to the organization, “Mundane things such as the window controls are way overcomplicated, incorporating a touch-sensitive button to switch between front and rear window operation, instead of just having one switch per window.” And since the indicator lights for a lot of these controls wash out in the direct sun, it’s not easy to tell what mode you’re in.
The Volkswagen’s standard IQ.DRIVE suite features include lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot warning also comes standard. The Volkswagen ID.4 cockpit is an informative and digital instrument display that comes standard as well.
Safety and the best fit for you
Both the ID.4 and the Model Y achieved an IIHS Safety Top Safety Pick award and received an NHTSA 5-star safety rating.
It’s no secret that the Tesla Model Y is significantly more expensive than the Volkswagen ID.4. The Model Y ranges from $62,990 to $67,990 and the ID.4 is available between $41,230 to $49,410.
For the Consumer Reports
reliability rating, the Model Y ranked a measly 1 out of 5. The SUV is tied with the ID.4 in multiple categories including acceleration, transmission, front-seat comfort, climate control, fuel economy, and owner satisfaction. So when it comes to the Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Tesla Model Y, what should you choose? If having the latest tech, exceptional range, and bragging rights is your jam, the Tesla Model Y can’t be beaten. While it’s less engaging than the Model 3, if you’ve got the cash, you’re paying for the speed, range, and prestige.
But if you’d like to keep some money in your savings account, the reasonably priced 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 focuses more on comfort and is actually available for drivers to purchase.
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