2026 Volkswagen ID4 Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
The 2026 Volkswagen ID4 aims to be an accessible, everyday electric SUV for drivers making the switch from gas to all-electric. Positioned in the increasingly competitive compact EV segment, it balances familiar design with modern electric performance—though not without compromises.
Compact electric SUV competitors include the Nissan Ariya, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
What’s New
All 2026 ID4s gain a ZEV3 2-in-1 charging cable this year, which allows for both Level 1 and 2 home charging with the same cable. The Pro S Plus AWD model picks up a HomeLink rearview mirror, as well.
Volkswagen says in early 2026 a mid-model-year update will deliver additional features. Look for 2026s to start coming with a Tesla-style NACS port built in.
What We Think
The 2026 Volkswagen ID4 is a likable, easygoing entry in the growing compact electric SUV segment, but it's not our top pick. Although it offers a calm driving experience and decent comfort, several competitors deliver better performance, range, and technology. The ID4 is approachable—but others do the job more convincingly.
One of the ID4’s strengths is how normal it feels. It doesn’t scream "electric car" with quirky design or driving traits. It’s smooth, quiet, and reasonably quick, with nimble handling that makes it easy to drive around town. That said, an overly sensitive accelerator and the absence of a true one-pedal driving mode are drawbacks.
Inside, the ride is comfortable and the front seats are plush, contributing to a relaxed driving experience. The cabin feels open and incorporates some stylish materials, but that’s undercut by the presence of cheap-feeling plastics in a few places.
Volkswagen’s infotainment system remains a weak spot. While there have been some improvements, too many functions are buried in touchscreen menus, making basic controls more complicated than they need to be. Additionally, the ID4's standard battery offers underwhelming range and slow charging speeds; upgrading to the larger Pro pack helps it stay competitive.
Ultimately, however, we’d recommend checking out the Hyundai Ioniq 5—a former MotorTrend Car of the Year—and newly updated Kia EV6 in addition to this VW.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
ID4 rear-wheel-drive models can be configured with one of two available batteries.
With the smaller 62-kWh pack, output is rated at 201 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque. Move up to the 82-kWh battery for 282 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque. A 2024 ID4 Pro S with this bigger pack sprinted to 60 mph in a MotorTrend-tested 5.6 seconds.
Every ID4 AWD comes with the larger battery and makes a combined 335 hp. Configured thusly, the ID4 can launch to 60 mph in a quicker 5.2 seconds.
With its bigger 91-kWh pack, the Nissan Ariya FWD can accelerate to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. That time drops to 5.0 seconds for the AWD model, just surpassing the ID4 AWD.
EV Range and Charging
Quick fast charging is not an ID4 forte. The smaller battery comes with a 140-kW maximum rate, while the larger battery pack ups that to 175 kW. ID4 Pro RWD models can go farthest on a charge, as many as 291 miles. Every AWD trim can travel as far as 263 miles. The previous RWD base models with the smaller pack good for up to 206 miles have been retired.
Every Ariya charges at an even slower 130-kW peak rate. Depending on configuration, models return between 205 and 289 miles of driving range. Both the VW and Nissan are outdone by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, which charge faster and offer longer range in certain configurations.
Safety Features
Volkswagen’s IQ Drive suite is standard with every ID4. Basic driver assist features include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane keeping
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The ID4’s cargo hold is accommodating. Space compares favorably to the Ioniq 5 and Ariya in standard and maximum configurations.
Technology
Infotainment
All 2026 ID4s come with a 12.9-inch central touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. A configurable 5.3-inch driver display is also standard, as are a wireless phone charger and four USB ports.
We’re not huge fans of the 2026 ID4’s interior controls, which have improved over the years but could still be more intuitive.
Sound System
A seven-speaker system is the base setup. VW also offers a nine-speaker Harman Kardon upgrade. We recommend the upgrade option here, as the difference in quality is noticeable.
Available Upgrades
Heated rear seats, three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and 20- and 21-inch wheels are available.
Value
Standard Features
The ID4’s solid quickness and spacious cargo hold are offset by the electric SUV’s slow charging and middling range. Still, it features some good tech, including the larger touchscreen it picked up for 2025.
Recommended Trim
The 2026 Volkswagen ID4 is available with five trims this year: Pro RWD, Pro AWD, Pro S RWD, Pro S AWD, and Pro S Plus AWD. That’s down from seven models last year. Our favorite continues to be the Pro RWD for the way it combines higher range with a relatively low price in the lineup.
