In so many key ways, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 makes a ton of sense. It’s bigger than its EV rivals and comparably sized to hybrid compact SUVs, making it the most family friendly of reasonably priced electric cars. And it’s indeed reasonably priced, starting at less than $40,000 for the new standard battery or about $45,000 for the bigger, 275-mile-range battery. Better still, the 2023 ID.4 is made in Tennessee, which could benefit it in terms of the Inflation Reduction Act’s new EV tax credit requirements (the final parameters of that were still unknown at the time of this writing). Add in its ample equipment and surprisingly sporty driving experience, and you get a very appealing package.
But you just know there’s a “but” coming. Unfortunately, despite some welcome interior updates for 2023, Volkswagen did nothing to address the ID.4’s poorly designed touchscreen interface and touch-sensitive interior controls. Quite simply, they’re so frustrating to use and the wonky touchscreen controls so many vehicle elements that we cannot recommend the entire vehicle. Go ahead and give it a long, thorough try, though. If you can live with it, the ID.4 still has a ton to offer.
There are significant changes and additions to the ID.4 lineup for 2023. First, there’s a new base model with a lower range (208 miles) and a lower price ($38,790). Second, every ID.4 comes standard with Plug&Charge capability, meaning you simply plug the car into an Electrify America station without worrying about using the app or tapping a credit card. Third, there are subtle design tweaks (gloss black accents up front, new wheel designs and an illuminated VW rear badge on S models), upgraded interior materials and snazzier color schemes. All of the above helps counter the impression that the ID.4 was a little dull. Finally, the ID.4 is now built in Chattanooga, Tenn.
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