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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| City / Hwy MPG | 122 / 104 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 113 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $650 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $40,927–$48,462 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 is a ev that earns a Carivo score of 7.7/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.8/10, while Value at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.5/10. The ID.4 nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 7.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.0/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining evs to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.8/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $40,927–$48,462, fully electric, seating 5, the Volkswagen ID.4 sits in the mid-market bracket of the ev segment. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good ev should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 ranks #89 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 67% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $40,927 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 22%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full EV ranking →
Across the ID.4 model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $40,927 | |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $40,927 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $39,735 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $38,542 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $37,350 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.3/10 | $36,158 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Wheels / Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs 03/12/2025 · 25V835000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2026 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and ID.4 vehicles. The incorrect wheel bolts may have been installed during vehicle manufacturing. |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.