Compared: 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 vs. 2022 Tesla Model Y
Volkswagen's electric crossover has to make up a lot of ground to catch the Model Y.
Volkswagen | Tesla
The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is one of many electric vehicles attempting to steal the spotlight from Tesla — in particular, the 2022 Tesla Model Y. The VW wins on price, but the Tesla shines in several other areas, including passenger space and range.
Volkswagen
ID.4 vs. Model Y: Volkswagen Beats Tesla in Price
The entry-level ID.4, called the Pro, starts at around $43,000 and boasts cloth seats, a 10.0-inch infotainment system, and 19-inch wheels. The next step up, the Pro S, opens at around $47,000 and brings a panoramic sunroof, leatherette upholstery, and a 12.0-inch display. The top-of-the-line ID.4 Pro S with Gradient, at $49,000, distinguishes itself with a black roof and 20-inch wheels. All models are rear-drivers, but buyers can opt for all-wheel drive with a 94-hp boost to 295 ponies for about $4,000 more. That puts the cost of a fully loaded ID.4 at $53,000.
Tesla
The latest Model Y, with a base price of $67,000, is a bit more expensive than previous model years. It comes in two forms: Long Range and Performance. Both feature a 75-kWh battery and two motors for all-wheel drive. The Long Range variant unsurprisingly has the edge on range and can seat up to seven, while the Performance provides quicker acceleration, upgraded brakes, a lower suspension, and 21-inch wheels for about $71,000.
Volkswagen
ID.4 Edged Out by Model Y for Range
The Model Y has a range advantage over the ID.4. The Long Range version can go 330 miles on a charge, while the Performance trim lasts up to 303. Meanwhile, rear-drive examples of the ID.4 should net anywhere between 262 and 275 miles of range, whereas all-wheel-drive models can muster 245 to 251 miles.
Tesla
Furthermore, Tesla drivers can access the brand's Supercharger network, which spans the country and offers charging rates of up to 250 kilowatts. Tesla claims this should allow for a recharge to 80% in as little as 15 minutes, although real-world users are seeing closer to 30. ID.4 owners can use other DC fast chargers, but that vehicle can accept a rate of 135 kw at best. This translates to a 38-minute wait at the plug to restore the battery from 5 to 80%, according to VW.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen vs. Tesla: Model Y is superior to ID.4 in cabin space
The Tesla's interior specifications surpass the Volkswagen's as well. Buyers can spec the Model Y Long Range with enough seats for five or seven passengers, while the ID.4 fits up to five. The five-seat Tesla also provides about three more inches of second-row legroom than the VW does. The two crossovers are equal in cargo volume behind the second row with 30 cu-ft each, but the Model Y can carry an extra four cubic feet in its frunk, something the ID.4 lacks.
Tesla
As for cabin features, the two are fairly well matched, except that the Tesla comes with a larger touchscreen and heating for the front and rear rows, whereas the VW will warm only the front seat.
All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication) and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Sami Haj-AssaadSami Haj-Assaad is an award-winning automotive journalist who has contributed to several automotive, electric vehicle, luxury lifestyle, and technology publications. His work isn't just limited to the written word, as he's also hosted YouTube videos and podcasts. Having grown up in the '90s, he has a strong sense of attachment to that era's style, though he also loves to geek out about the modern, futuristic tech and powertrains rolling out today.
Related articles
View more related articles