The electric vehicle (EV) market continues to grow at a rapid pace. As more mainstream automakers jump into the space to compete with segment leader Tesla, buyers have an expanding range of compelling EV options to meet their needs. Two popular electric vehicles — the Volkswagen ID.4 crossover and Tesla Model 3 sedan — represent attractive choices for EV shoppers.
The ID.4 and Model 3 have emerged as top sellers in their categories. With its cutting-edge technology and performance, the Tesla Model 3 sets a high bar for competitors to reach. As an early entrant targeting the mass market, Volkswagen seeks to win over buyers with the ID.4’s practicality and approachable pricing.
As EV options proliferate, buyers need help identifying which model aligns best with their priorities. We’ll compare the Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model 3 across critical categories buyers consider most when weighing their purchase decision. Read on to see how these two electric vehicles stack up.
Pricing and Value Comparison
For budget-focused buyers, the Volkswagen ID.4 holds a clear pricing advantage over the Tesla Model 3. The entry-level ID.4 Pro starts at $37,495 before any applicable federal or state-level EV tax incentives — over $6,000 less than the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive‘s $43,990 base price.
However, Tesla offers simpler pricing with fewer variables for buyers to parse through. Volkswagen ID.4 pricing spans a broad range depending on the trim level, battery size, and drivetrain configuration selected. The top ID.4 AWD Pro S Plus model reaches up to $56,295. With Tesla, you choose either Rear-Wheel Drive or Performance versions of the Model 3, with pricing differences tied mostly to motor power and battery capacity.
The ID.4 qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit, an incentive Tesla buyers no longer access since Tesla met its 200,000-unit cap on credits at the federal level. So in reality, a base ID.4 holds an over $13,000 advantage against the entry Model 3 when factoring purchase incentives. Value-focused buyers get more car for less money upfront with Volkswagen.
However, Teslas tend to hold their resale value better than other vehicles. So Tesla buyers may recoup more money selling their vehicle used down the road. This helps offset Tesla’s pricing premium to an extent.
Our Take: The Volkswagen ID.4 wins on upfront affordability and qualifies for credits that make its effective cost of ownership even lower. But on projected resale value retention, an advantage goes to Tesla.
Driving Range and Charging Comparison
Driving range and charging capabilities play an instrumental role in EV purchase decisions. Buyers want to know an electric vehicle can meet their daily driving needs without excessive hassle recharging.
The entry Volkswagen ID.4 Pro with its 62-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery achieves 208 miles of range on a full charge based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates. Mid-range ID.4 models equipped with an 82-kWh battery see their max range jump to 275 miles. Real-world driving conditions impact range, but Volkswagen’s estimates generally align with what owners experience on the road.
RWD Model 3 versions deliver 272 miles of range, with the Performance model dropping slightly to 267 miles due to its 21-inch wheels and tires. In the coming months, Tesla plans to reintroduce a Model 3 Long Range model, likely pushing max range to around 358 miles based on estimations.
Both vehicles regain charge rapidly at DC fast charging stations. The ID.4 adds approximately 200 miles of charge in about 30 minutes, depending on station power output. The latest Model 3 versions have seen charging speeds increase, gaining about 175 miles of charge in 15 minutes. Tesla’s vast proprietary Supercharger network with over 40,000 connectors globally gives it an infrastructure advantage over other automakers.
Our Take: On max driving range estimations, a slight edge goes to Tesla though not by much, with Volkswagen not far behind. Both vehicles charge quickly, but Tesla’s charging network breadth eclipses all competitors currently.
Performance and Handling Comparison
Tesla vehicles have rightfully earned a reputation for delivering scintillating acceleration and agile handling. For drivers wanting a responsive, fun-to-drive EV, Tesla vehicles excel in these areas.
Let’s examine performance metrics starting with acceleration, measured by each vehicle’s 0-60 miles per hour time. In base single-motor RWD configuration, the Model 3 zips to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Opting for Tesla’s performance upgrades slashes that time to 3.1 seconds — entering supercar acceleration territory.
The ID.4 won’t snap your head back accelerating quite like the Model 3, but still delivers entirely adequate acceleration for most drivers. The RWD ID.4 hits 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, with the AWD dual-motor version dropping to 5.7 seconds. Those times align closely with internal combustion engine compact SUVs.
In handling and maneuverability, the Tesla Model 3 again outshines not just the ID.4 but arguably any vehicle in its price class. Especially in Performance trim, the Model 3 offers incredible grip and poise cornering with seamless stability control intervention if the vehicle‘s high limits get breached. Volkswagen has tuned the ID.4 well for a taller-riding SUV, but physics dictate it can’t rival the Model 3 sedan‘s responsive dynamics.
Our Take: For a thrilling, smile-inducing driving experience the Tesla Model 3 has no equal in its price range. Drivers wanting excitement will choose the Model 3, but the ID.4 meets most buyers’ needs.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Comparison
As a compact SUV, the ID.4 provides a more flexible, versatile interior than the Tesla Model 3 sedan geared primarily for hauling passengers over cargo.
The ID.4’s airy cabin offers generous legroom for rear seat riders along with 30.3 cubic feet of storage behind the second row. Folding the 60/40 split rear seats opens up 64.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo room, on par with compact crossover rivals. Clever storage cubbies throughout the ID.4’s interior hold smaller items.
At 15 cubic feet of trunk space, the Model 3 sedan unsurprisingly lags the ID.4 for cargo hauling utility. But space allotted for rear seat passengers stays workable. Small item storage within the minimalist Model 3 cabin falls behind the ID.4, with door pockets eliminated in some versions.
Both vehicles supply quality, modern-feeling interior materials appropriate for their pricing. The ID.4 leans slightly more upscale but not markedly so. Unique to Tesla, a giant 15-inch touchscreen dominates the sparse Model 3 dashboard as the nerve center controlling nearly all vehicle functions. Passenger space and storage flexibility nods go to the ID.4, but technology presentation favors the Model 3.
Our Take: For passengers and cargo room, the Volkswagen ID.4 bests the Tesla Model 3, aligning better with family buyers’ needs.
Technology and Driver Assistance Comparison
In their respective segments, the Model 3 and ID.4 showcase technology matching or exceeding rivals. Tesla’s vehicles have uniquely advanced electric architectures bolstered by regular over-the-air software updates. Volkswagen sought close feature parity against Tesla with its first dedicated EV platform underpinning the ID.4.
entries supply buyers a wealth of standard and optional technology. Triple-zone climate control, a 10-inch driver display, and expansive central touchscreen come standard on both models. Options like a panoramic sunroof, premium audio, and massaging front seats spruce up luxury.
For assisted driving, Volkswagen includes lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and other aids as standard fare to ease daily driving. Tesla‘s Autopilot system offers comparable baseline assistance functionality, albeit as a $6,000 optional upgrade on Model 3 versions.
Where Tesla diverges is offering Full Self Driving Capability for $15,000 on the Model 3. No automaker has reached full autonomy yet, but Tesla‘s advanced systems arguably push furthest toward that end goal. Volkswagen positions its hands-free Travel Assist system as a next step for assisted driving but not replacement for an attentive human driver.
Our Take: Tesla holds an edge advancing automated driving technology, but expect gaps to narrow as systems progress. Both deliver well-equipped cabins with the Model 3 pushing further ahead on cutting-edge tech integration.
Verdict: Tesla Model 3 Wins on Tech and Driving Experience
The Volkswagen ID.4 makes a compelling case stacking up favorably against the benchmark Tesla Model 3 across important categories. It even bests the Model 3 on cargo flexibility and seating room due to its SUV body style advantages.
But for most buyers prioritizing performance, technology innovation, charging infrastructure, and likely long-term value retention, the Tesla Model 3 still carries the day over emerging rivals. Superior driving dynamics, avant-garde cabin presentation, and ambition advancing self-driving capabilities stand out as Model 3 strengths over the ID.4 package.
Volkswagen will find an audience wanting a more familiar brand name on an approachable, pleasing electric crossover at a palatable price. Yet the Model 3 looks positioned to dominate mainstream EV sales until competitors can deliver a more decisively better overall ownership proposition. For now, Tesla retains its formidable industry standing even as alternatives like the ID.4 narrow competitive gaps.
Recent Updates for the Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model 3
Automakers continually roll out upgrades improving existing models as technology progresses. Here we’ll overview the latest changes and rumored updates coming down the pipeline for the ID.4 and Model 3.
Volkswagen ID.4
- A larger 12-inch touchscreen now featured across the model range
- Lower-priced $37,495 base Pro trim introduced to improve affordability
- IQ Drive assistance package sharpened through software tweaks
- Upcoming model year changeover may bring increased driving range estimates
Tesla Model 3
- Steady stream of over-the-air software update with wide-ranging effects
- Recent v11 firmware introduced updated camera vision processing
- Video streaming capabilities added through Tesla Theater integration
- Speculated hardware improvements coming to boost range and charging capacity
Both automakers look to be staying aggressive enhancing these electric vehicles over their lifecycle. Savvy shoppers should track changes with potential to increase functions or value.
What Changes May Come Next for Each Vehicle?
Electric vehicle technology keeps advancing at a rapid clip. Automakers like Volkswagen and Tesla will integrate hardware improvements into lifecycle updates for the ID.4 and Model 3. Expect them to also build on software foundations enabling new functionality via updates.
Volkswagen ID.4
Industry observers anticipate a larger battery configuration arriving to lift ID.4 max range estimations over 300 miles as soon as next model year. Adding a 360-degree camera system could boost driver confidence navigating tight parking spots. Enhancing IQ Drive with more advanced partial automation would also stay strategic.
Tesla Model 3
Signs point to Tesla unleashing a revamped Model 3 Long Range variant in coming months with a high-capacity battery raising range toward 400 miles. Over-the-air updates may enable integration of Tesla’s lauded heat pump technology to aid cold weather range and efficiency. Advancing Autopilot and Full Self Driving performance per usual also remains a safe bet.
FAQs: Volkswagen ID.4 vs Tesla Model 3
Q: Which of these two electric vehicles offers a lower starting price?
A: The Volkswagen ID.4 holds a significant pricing advantage with a $37,495 base MSRP undercutting the $43,990 Tesla Model 3 by over $6,400 before incentives.
Q: How do cargo capacities compare between the ID.4 and Model 3?
A: With 30.3 cubic feet of space behind its second row versus 15 cubic feet for the Model 3, the ID.4 provides far greater cargo versatility than the sedan-bodied Tesla model.
Q: Which EV model charges faster at DC fast charging stations?
A: The Tesla Model 3 recharges quicker, gaining about 175 miles of range in 15 minutes. Comparably, expect the ID.4 to add 200 miles of range in around 30 minutes.
Q: What cutting-edge technology does Tesla offer unavailable from Volkswagen?
A: Tesla‘s optional $15,000 Full Self Driving Capability gives Model 3 owners access to more advanced automated driving functionality than VW‘s hands-free Travel Assist system or other rivals.
