If you’re hunting for a used electric vehicle, you’ve probably seen the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 popping up everywhere on dealership lots. It’s tempting. It looks like a "normal" car, not some futuristic doorstop. But buying a used EV isn’t like buying an old Honda Civic; you’re basically buying a giant smartphone on wheels, and the 2022 model year was a weird, transitional moment for VW.
Honestly, the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is a bit of a contradiction. On one hand, it’s arguably the most comfortable ride in its class. On the other, the software has been known to make grown adults want to pull their hair out.
It’s worth talking about what this car actually is. It isn’t a Tesla. It doesn’t want to be. While Elon Musk was busy removing stalks and putting everything on a screen, Volkswagen tried to build a "bridge" car for people moving away from gas. They mostly succeeded with the hardware, but the digital side? That’s where things get messy.
The Software Saga and Why Version 3.1 Matters
If you look at early reviews of the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4, you’ll see a lot of whining about the infotainment system. Most of it was justified. The car launched with software that felt like it was still in beta—laggy maps, frozen screens, and a voice assistant that didn't know its own name.
However, things changed.
Volkswagen eventually rolled out the 3.1 software update. This wasn't just a minor patch; it added Plug & Charge capability and improved the thermal management for the battery. If you’re looking at a 2022 model today, the very first thing you must do is check the infotainment settings to ensure it’s running version 3.1 or higher. If it’s still on the old 2.1 or 2.4 firmware, you’re going to have a bad time.
The hardware buttons—or lack thereof—remain a point of contention. VW decided to use capacitive touch sliders for the volume and temperature. They aren't backlit. Trying to turn down the radio at night feels like practicing braille at 70 mph. It’s annoying. You’ll get used to it, kinda, but you’ll never love it.
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Range Reality: 82 kWh vs. 62 kWh
When people talk about the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4, they often forget that VW introduced a smaller battery option late in the cycle. Most units you’ll find have the 82 kWh pack. That gets you an EPA-estimated range of about 275 miles for the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Pro model.
The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) version drops that to roughly 251 miles.
Is that enough? For most people, yeah. But range isn't just a single number. In the winter, EVs struggle. If you live in a place like Minnesota or Maine, expect that 275-mile range to plummet to maybe 180 miles when the temp hits freezing. The 2022 ID.4 uses a resistive heater rather than a heat pump in many US configurations, which is less efficient in the cold. Keep that in mind.
Performance and the "Slow" Myth
The RWD 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 has about 201 horsepower. It’s not fast. It’s "adequate." It does 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, which is slower than a base model Toyota Camry.
But the AWD version is a different animal.
With 295 horsepower and a 0-60 time of around 5.4 seconds, the AWD Pro feels punchy. It has a dedicated traction motor on the front axle that kicks in when you need it. The weird part? Even with all that power, the car is limited to a top speed of 99 mph. VW clearly designed this for suburban commutes, not the Autobahn.
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The Mystery of the SK On vs. LG Batteries
Here is something most salespeople won't tell you. In 2022, Volkswagen shifted production for the US market. Early 2022 models were imported from Zwickau, Germany, and typically used LG Chem batteries. Later in the year, production started in Chattanooga, Tennessee, often utilizing SK On battery cells.
Why do you care?
Charging speeds. The SK On batteries found in many 2022 and 2023 models can peak at 170 kW during DC fast charging. The earlier LG batteries usually capped out at 135 kW. If you do a lot of road tripping, that extra 35 kW makes a massive difference when you're sitting at an Electrify America station waiting to get back on the road.
Build Quality and the "Thunk" Factor
One thing VW absolutely nailed is the chassis. The ID.4 feels heavy, but in a good, expensive way. It doesn't rattle over bumps. The turning circle on the RWD model is also insane—about 31.5 feet. You can U-turn this thing in places where a Honda Fit would struggle.
The interior is spacious. Because there’s no transmission tunnel, the floor is flat. You can fit three adults in the back without them filing for divorce afterward. The materials are mostly "vegan leather" and soft-touch plastics, though there is a lot of piano black trim. Pro tip: Piano black is a magnet for fingerprints and scratches. It will look dusty five minutes after you clean it.
Common Failures to Watch For
No car is perfect. The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 has had its share of recalls.
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- Door Handles: There was a major recall regarding water entering the electronic door handles, which could cause them to open unexpectedly. Make sure the "Open Campaign" work has been done.
- Rearview Camera: Software glitches sometimes prevent the camera from showing up. Again, the 3.1 software update usually fixes this.
- 12V Battery: Like many early EVs, the 12V lead-acid battery (which runs the lights and screens) was a weak point. Many owners have had to replace these early.
Real World Ownership Costs
You aren't paying for oil changes anymore. That’s the big win. VW recommends an inspection every two years, regardless of mileage. You’ll still have to deal with tires, though.
EVs eat tires.
The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is a heavy beast, weighing nearly 4,700 pounds. It uses staggered tire sizes on many trims (wider in the back), which means you can’t rotate them front-to-back. Expect to buy new rubber every 25,000 to 30,000 miles if you have a heavy right foot.
Buying Advice: How to Score a Deal
If you are looking at a 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 right now, you are in a power position. Used EV prices have cooled significantly.
- Check the Federal Tax Credit: Since 2024, used EVs under $25,000 purchased from a dealer may qualify for a $4,000 credit at the point of sale, depending on your income. If the 2022 model you’re looking at is priced at $24,999, it’s effectively $20,999. That is a steal for this much car.
- Verify the Software: Open the "System Information" menu. If it doesn't say 3.1 or higher, walk away or demand the dealer update it before you sign.
- Inspect the Tires: Check the tread depth. If they are close to the wear bars, budget $1,200 for a set of EV-specific tires like the Michelin CrossClimate 2 or the OEM Hankooks.
- The "Coming Home" Test: Take a nighttime test drive. See if the unlit climate sliders bother you. For some, it’s a dealbreaker. For others, it’s a minor quirk.
The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 isn't the "perfect" electric car. It’s a transition car. It’s for the person who wants to stop buying gas but still wants a vehicle that feels like a Volkswagen. It’s quiet, it’s comfortable, and it’s arguably one of the best-looking crossovers on the road. Just do your homework on the software, and you’ll likely find it’s a much better value than a brand-new, overpriced alternative.
Before you pull the trigger, grab the VIN and run it through the VW Recall Lookup tool online. This will tell you exactly which software and hardware fixes have been applied. If the "Door Communication" or "Battery Management" recalls are still open, make the seller fix them first. Finally, if you can, find a 2022 model with the "Statement" package—the glass roof and massaging seats make the daily commute feel a lot less like a chore.