The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 has received updates aimed at addressing previous criticisms, but after a thorough review, it’s clear these changes don’t elevate it to a top recommendation in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) market. While Volkswagen should be commended for responding to feedback and making improvements, the ID.4 still presents itself as a work in progress, far from a polished and complete product. Our 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 review focuses on the Pro S RWD model, which carries an MSRP of $51,815. Although competitively priced, the lingering issues make it a difficult vehicle to endorse.
One positive aspect of the 2024 ID.4 is its driving range. Equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack, the RWD model achieves a real-world range of approximately 250 miles. While this is less than the advertised 291 miles, it’s still a respectable figure for daily driving. Opting for the AWD version will slightly reduce this range. This mileage is comparable to, and perhaps slightly better than, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in similar configurations, making it a reasonably efficient EV for everyday use. However, a significant drawback is the ID.4’s charging capability. Unlike many competitors, it lacks compatibility with the fastest 350kW DC fast chargers. This limitation means longer charging times when using faster public chargers, negating a key convenience factor offered by other EVs. Home and slower public charging speeds remain unaffected, but this is a missed opportunity for quicker top-ups on the go.
2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Volume Control: An example of the updated but still flawed touch-sensitive controls.
Unfortunately, beyond range, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 continues to struggle, primarily due to questionable design choices and execution. A notable update is the revised central display interface, which is indeed more user-friendly and responsive. Initially, the menus seem improved, offering quicker navigation. However, this improvement is marred by persistent software issues. During our time with the vehicle, the infotainment system exhibited significant glitches, including complete failures of both the radio and navigation pages. Selecting their icons resulted in blank screens that refused to load – a critical malfunction for a modern vehicle, especially from a major manufacturer like Volkswagen in 2024. While the rotary gear selector now operates more smoothly, the frustrating touch-sensitive sliders for volume and temperature, though now illuminated, remain clumsy and poorly designed. Similarly, the steering wheel buttons, finished in smudge-prone gloss black, are overly complicated to use. These improvements are superficial at best, failing to address the core usability problems.
The build quality and tactile feel of several components are also concerning. The door latches, both interior and exterior, feel flimsy and toy-like. The exterior handles exhibit noticeable flexing and creaking during use, undermining any sense of robustness. The interior door release handles lack satisfying feedback. Adding to the ergonomic issues, the controls for the rear windows are oddly placed and require toggling between front and rear using a single set of buttons. The mirror adjustment knob also feels fragile and cheap. Furthermore, the rearview camera delivers a disappointingly low-resolution and distorted image, a significant oversight for a vehicle marketed as technologically advanced.
Front view of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 showing the absence of a front trunk and wasted space under the hood.
Opening the hood reveals another disappointment: the absence of a front trunk (frunk). Instead, the space is filled with exposed, carelessly arranged components that should at least be concealed under a cover. While the rear cargo area is adequately spacious, the lack of front storage in an EV is a notable drawback. The interior design further contributes to a sense of wasted space. The excessively large center console makes the front cabin feel cramped, and its storage capacity is surprisingly limited despite its bulky size. The absence of a glovebox in front of the passenger seat is another inconvenient omission. Adding to visibility concerns, the high hood line obstructs forward vision, sitting higher than the dashboard itself – a significant design flaw. While the material quality inside is acceptable and the seats are comfortable, the poorly executed controls detract significantly from the overall experience, highlighting a lack of attention to detail.
In terms of driving dynamics, the 2024 ID.4 Pro S is adequate but uninspiring. Power has been increased for this model year, bringing the 0-60 mph acceleration down to a claimed six seconds for the RWD version. However, in practice, it doesn’t feel particularly quick. Handling is similarly unremarkable. The steering is vague and lacks feedback, a common trait in this vehicle class, but still disappointing. When driven on winding roads, the ID.4 lacks the composure and agility of competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The driving experience simply isn’t as refined or engaging as other EVs in the segment, particularly in handling responsiveness. While there is a regenerative braking mode, it is too weak to enable true one-pedal driving, a feature many EV drivers appreciate.
In conclusion, while the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 addresses some previous shortcomings with software updates and increased power, it remains a difficult recommendation. Volkswagen, a global automotive giant, should be capable of producing a more compelling EV. Considering the company’s history, including the Dieselgate scandal, this feels like another misstep. Compared to alternatives like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the ID.4 falls short in several critical areas. Unless significant incentives or discounts make it exceptionally affordable, prospective EV buyers are strongly advised to explore other, more polished and complete electric vehicles.
2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S RWD
As-tested price: $51,815
Pros: Acceptable range
Cons: Software glitches, Ergonomic issues, Flimsy interior components, Uninspiring driving dynamics, Slow charging speed compared to competitors, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are better alternatives.
Interior view of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 highlighting the minimalist design and large center console.
2024 VW ID.4 interiorDashboard and infotainment system of the 2024 VW ID.4, showcasing the updated user interface.
2024 Volkswagen ID.4 rear seatsRear seats of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, showing ample passenger space.
Front three-quarter view of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, displaying its exterior styling.
2024 VW ID.4 exteriorSide profile of the 2024 VW ID.4, highlighting its SUV proportions.
2024 Volkswagen ID.4 interior reviewClose-up of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 interior, focusing on the dashboard and touch controls.
2024 Volkswagen ID.4 steering wheel controlsSteering wheel controls of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, illustrating the gloss black finish and button layout.
