Honestly, the Volkswagen ID.4 electric is probably the most "normal" car I’ve ever seen that also happens to be a spaceship under the hood. It doesn't scream for attention like a Cybertruck, and it doesn't try to be a minimalist smartphone on wheels like a Tesla. It just looks like... a Volkswagen.
But beneath that "friendly neighbor" exterior, there’s a lot of drama.
If you’ve been looking at the 2026 models, you've probably noticed something weird. The "cheap" one is gone. For 2026, VW basically killed the entry-level 62 kWh battery trim—the one that started under $40k. Now, if you want in, you’re starting with the 77 kWh "Pro" model. It’s a $5,000 jump right out of the gate.
Is it worth it? Sorta. It depends on whether you care more about having a volume knob or having 335 horsepower.
The Software Saga: Did They Finally Fix It?
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the glitch in the room.
Early ID.4 owners went through a special kind of hell. The infotainment would lag. The screens would go black. And those touch-sensitive "sliders" for volume and temperature? They weren't even backlit at night. You’d be driving down a dark highway, trying to turn up the heat, and just poking blindly at a plastic shelf.
It was, frankly, a disaster.
But here’s the reality for the 2025 and 2026 models: things are better. Not perfect, but better. The new 12.9-inch touchscreen is standard now, and—praise the engineers—the sliders are finally backlit. The software version 4.0 (and the newer 5.0+ rollouts) feels snappy. It’s not "Apple Silicon" fast, but it doesn't make you want to throw your latte at the dashboard anymore.
Still, some things remain "VW quirky."
- The Window Switches: There are only two physical switches for four windows. You have to tap a capacitive "Rear" button to toggle them. It’s a solution to a problem nobody had.
- Haptic Buttons: The steering wheel still uses those touch pads. If you’re a "hand-over-hand" turner, you will accidentally skip your favorite song or trigger the voice assistant. Frequently.
Range, Charging, and the Tesla "Secret Weapon"
If you pick up a 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro, you’re looking at an EPA-estimated 291 miles of range. That’s solid. In the real world, especially if you’re doing 75 mph on the interstate in November, expect closer to 230 or 240. That's just EV physics.
The big news for 2026 is the NACS adapter.
Volkswagen finally joined the party. Every 2026 ID.4 now comes standard with an adapter that lets you use Tesla Superchargers. This is a massive deal. It basically doubles your options on a road trip. You’re no longer tethered to a broken Electrify America station in a Walmart parking lot.
Speaking of charging, the speeds are "fine." You’ll peak at around 175 kW to 200 kW on a DC fast charger. This means a 10% to 80% charge takes about 28 to 30 minutes. Some rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can do it in 18 minutes because of their 800V architecture, but 30 minutes is enough time for a bathroom break and a snack.
How It Actually Drives (Spoiler: It’s Heavy)
The ID.4 is heavy. Like, nearly 5,000 lbs heavy.
But because that weight is all in the floor (the battery), it feels planted. If you get the AWD version, you’re getting 335 horsepower. It’ll do 0-60 in under 5 seconds. That’s faster than a Golf GTI. It’s weirdly fun to blow past a sports car in a silent family crossover.
The ride quality is where VW actually beats Tesla. The Model Y can feel like it’s riding on wooden wheels over bumps. The ID.4? It’s soft. It’s quiet. It feels like a luxury car that forgot to put a luxury badge on the front.
Why People are Choosing the ID.4 over the Model Y
- Build Quality: Generally, the doors thud better. The seats are more comfortable for long hauls.
- Apple CarPlay: Tesla still refuses to support it. VW has it (and it’s wireless).
- Turning Radius: The RWD model has a turning circle of 31.5 feet. It can pull a U-turn in places where other SUVs have to do a three-point turn.
What Most People Get Wrong About ID.4 Reliability
You'll see a lot of "stay away" comments on Reddit about the ID.4. Most of those are from people who bought the 2021 or 2022 models. Those cars had a lot of "first-year" bugs.
The newer ones coming out of the Chattanooga, Tennessee plant have better interior materials and much more stable electronics. However, the resale value has been... rough. Because VW offered such aggressive leases and the tech changed so fast, early models depreciated like a rock.
If you're buying a 2026, you're getting a much more "finished" product, but keep an eye on those software update notices. VW is still learning the "car as a computer" game.
The Verdict: Should You Buy One?
If you want a car that makes you feel like a tech pioneer, get a Rivian or a Tesla.
If you want a car that feels like a Tiguan from the future, the Volkswagen ID.4 is the winner. It’s practical. It has a huge trunk (over 30 cubic feet with the seats up). It can tow 2,700 lbs. It’s a "car-first" EV.
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Next Steps for Potential Buyers:
- Check the Tax Credit: Because it's built in Tennessee, many trims still qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit in the US, which makes the $45k starting price much easier to swallow.
- Skip the 21-inch Wheels: They look cool, but they make the ride harsher and eat into your range. Stick with the 19s or 20s.
- Test the "B" Mode: When you test drive it, flip the shifter to "B." It increases the regenerative braking. It’s not quite "one-pedal driving," but it makes city traffic much less stressful.
- Verify the Charging Plan: VW usually includes 2 years of free 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America. Make sure your dealer activates this before you leave the lot.