17-05-2025
I Think the 2025 VW ID.4's Pros (4) and Cons (3) Might Surprise You
The all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 has gone through some important changes since it debuted in 2021. For the 2025 model year, the ID.4 carries over most of its big changes from 2024, including a much-needed infotainment revision with updated software and slider backlighting, which was previously lacking and served as the bane of the model's existence. Model choices for 2025 include a 282-horsepower, single-motor rear-drive model with a bigger battery and 291 miles of range and a 335-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive model with 263 miles of range. All trims can manage DC fast-charging, although it's not the quickest to juice up compared to others in the segment. The ID.4 took a kick in the teeth last year due to production issues, but it's going like gangbusters in 2025, and it's worth a serious look as one of the more affordable EVs in its class. While it boasts several commendable features, there are areas where potential buyers might want to exercise caution.
The ID.4 is a great family EV because it offers a roomy cabin with ample legroom-41.1 inches in the front and 37.6 inches in the rear. The seats are supportive, the cabin is airy, uncluttered, and very modern. The ID.4's cabin errs on the side of simplicity, and you'll love it if you don't like overly busy aesthetics. The dash is clean and linear, graphics are crisp, and the floating center console is a thing of beauty and practicality. Heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control come standard, too. Cargo space is generous, with 30.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. If you upgrade midway to the Pro S trim, it adds massaging and ventilated 12-way power-adjustable front seats with soft leatherette upholstery.
Safety is a strong suit for the ID.4. First and foremost, it earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and is a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. On top of that, even the base Pro trim has a truly impressive list of standard safety features that include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, dynamic road sign assist, park assist with park distance control, and high beam control.
All 2025 ID.4s now come standard with a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that provides excellent legibility and improved responsiveness. It's upsized from the old 12.0-inch version, and for the sake of convenience, the display now permanently shows climate and seat heat/ventilation controls. Sliders are finally backlit, too. All ID.4 models also come with a crisp 5.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with wireless device charging, a feature that's not often found on base trim models of any vehicle, gas or electric. The ID.4 now integrates ChatGPT into Volkswagen's IDA voice assistant, allowing for more natural and helpful voice interactions. Who saw that one coming?
The ID.4 offers a smooth and serene ride that belies its price point. The cabin is hushed even at 75 mph, and the car manages bumps and pavement undulations well. The suspension toes the line between stiff and cushy, meaning there's a nice balance. The ride quality doesn't change much even when drive modes change and its good turning radius make it ideal for urban environments where too many mid-road adjustments can be frustrating.
While the infotainment system has seen improvements, some users may find the touch-sensitive controls for climate and volume adjustments less intuitive than traditional physical buttons. Although the sliders are now backlit (why were they ever NOT to begin with?), they're still fussy to operate while driving. The over-reliance on touchscreen controls is a driving distraction, and physical controls have been sacrificed in the name of aesthetics. That's rarely a good decision, and many automakers are returning to actual buttons, knobs, and switches.
Although the ID.4 offers respectable range figures-up to 291 miles for certain configurations-it still falls short compared to some competitors like the Tesla Model Y (227-335 miles) or Hyundai Ioniq 5 (245-318 miles). While the ID.4's range might not cause anxiety, the slower DC fast-charging in the ID.4 adds time compared to competitors on top of their superior range. This could be frustrating for some who depend on their EVs for daily commuting and errands.
The ID.4's regen brakes are good but not great, largely because even the most aggressive setting does not allow for one-pedal driving. You can't simply lift off the throttle to come to a progressive and easy stop. It slows things down, for sure, but other EVs with one-pedal driving don't require actual use of the brake pedal very often, whereas the ID.4 does. That makes for extra work in heavy traffic, and that could be frustrating for those who want to take advantage of a feature largely attributed to good EVs.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 stands out as a well-rounded electric SUV, offering spacious comfort, advanced safety features, and an attractive tech set. However, potential buyers should consider the usability of the infotainment system and the practical aspects of range and fast-charging relative to their driving needs and compared to competitors. While the drawback shouldn't eliminate the ID.4 from your car buying checklist, they should make you evaluate your driving needs.
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