If you’re shopping for a family-friendly electric SUV, the 2025 VW ID.4 is probably on your radar. It’s one of the few **non-luxury EVs built in the U.S.** with a long track record, and in January 2025 it briefly cracked the top three best‑selling EVs in America behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. At the same time, price hikes, persistent software complaints and a fresh high‑voltage battery recall have many shoppers asking a simple question: is the 2025 VW ID.4 still a smart buy, especially if you’re looking at the used market?
Who this 2025 ID.4 review is for
2025 VW ID.4 at a glance
Key 2025 VW ID.4 numbers
2023–2025 battery recall note
What’s new for the 2025 VW ID.4?
Volkswagen didn’t redesign the ID.4 for 2025, but it did shuffle the lineup and pricing in ways that matter if you’re comparing model years.
- For early 2025, VW builds only **82 kWh battery versions** in Chattanooga, TN; smaller‑battery models are slated to return later in the year.
- The previous entry-level “Standard” trim is gone (for now), so **starting price jumps into the mid‑$40,000s** instead of the high‑$30,000s.
- The 82 kWh models carry over the **more efficient APP550 rear motor** introduced for 2024, helping range and performance.
- A new top‑trim S Plus (often badged Pro S Plus) adds bigger wheels, a black roof, Harman Kardon audio and more luxury touches.
- Software continues to evolve, but owners still report **glitches, black screens and laggy infotainment** in real-world use.
Interior controls in flux
Range, battery & charging performance
On paper, the 2025 ID.4’s range and efficiency are competitive. The devil, as usual, is in the details, especially if you drive long highway stretches or in cold climates.
2025 VW ID.4 U.S. range & battery overview
Approximate EPA estimates for 2025 ID.4 trims, based on available 82 kWh pack data and prior‑year figures.
| Battery / Drive | Approx. EPA Range | Battery size | Use case fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 82 kWh RWD | Up to ~291 miles | ~82 kWh | Best balance of price, range and efficiency for most drivers. |
| 82 kWh AWD | Around ~263 miles | ~82 kWh | More traction and power, but you pay with range and price. |
| 62 kWh RWD (late availability) | Low 200‑mile range expected | ~62 kWh | City commuters and second‑car households; less ideal for road‑trip duty. |
Smaller‑battery 62 kWh models are expected to return later in the 2025 model year with lower range numbers, similar to the 2024 ID.4 Standard’s ~206‑mile rating.
Charging speed reality check
Charging questions to ask yourself before buying an ID.4
1. Do you have reliable Level 2 at home?
The ID.4’s 82 kWh pack is happiest on a 240‑volt Level 2 charger. If you only have a standard outlet, overnight charging will be slow and you’ll lean harder on public infrastructure.
2. How often do you fast‑charge?
Frequent DC fast charging is convenient but can stress any EV battery over time. With the ID.4 recall in play, ask the seller how often the car saw DC use and confirm that **software and battery campaigns are complete**.
3. How long are your regular drives?
If most of your trips are under 50 miles a day, any 2025 ID.4 trim will feel easy. If you do regular 250‑ to 300‑mile highway stints, the RWD 82 kWh model is the sweet spot, and you’ll want to map out charging stops.
4. How cold is your winter?
Owner reports consistently mention **range drops and slower charging in winter**. If you live in the Upper Midwest or Northeast, consider the impact on real‑world range and whether the heat pump and preconditioning features are must‑haves for you.
Performance and driving impressions
Volkswagen tuned the ID.4 for comfort, not drag‑strip heroics, and that’s mostly a good thing for families and commuters.
How the 2025 ID.4 drives day to day
Strengths and weaknesses from a driver’s perspective
Comfort-first ride
The ID.4’s suspension and cabin tuning lean toward **soft and quiet**. Against a Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach‑E, it feels more like a traditional compact SUV with an electric powertrain, planted, calm and less twitchy.
Adequate power
Single‑motor models offer usable punch for merging and passing; dual‑motor AWD trims with up to 335 hp feel properly quick. If you’re coming from a gas Tiguan or RAV4, acceleration will feel like a step up, not a revolution.
Not a canyon carver
Steering is light and predictable but not especially communicative. If you’re chasing driving thrills, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 have a bit more sparkle. The ID.4’s mission is relaxed competence, and it mostly nails that brief.
Where the ID.4 shines on the road
Interior, tech and usable space
Inside, the ID.4 hits most of the right notes on space and comfort, while still drawing criticism for its software and control layout.
- Two‑row, five‑seat layout with generous rear legroom and a **flat floor** that’s friendly to adults and child seats.
- Cargo space that’s right in the mix for compact SUVs, plenty for strollers, luggage and Costco runs.
- Available **panoramic roof, ambient lighting and upgraded audio** on S and S Plus trims to give it a more premium feel.
- 12.9‑inch touchscreen and digital driver display on U.S. models; wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation and over‑the‑air updates available.
Infotainment & controls: still the Achilles heel
Interior strengths
- Comfortable front seats with a natural driving position.
- Plenty of headroom even with the glass roof.
- Simple, flat cargo area that’s easy to load.
- Quiet at highway speeds compared with many rivals.
Interior pain points
- Touch‑sensitive sliders can be hard to use while driving.
- Menu structure takes time to learn and can lag.
- Some owners report rattles and trim issues on newer builds.
- Mid‑cycle updates mean features and buttons can differ by year and trim, check carefully on a used ID.4.
Trims, pricing & tax-credit reality check
Volkswagen’s 2025 ID.4 pricing moved up compared with the 2024 “Standard” model, though U.S. assembly in Chattanooga keeps it eligible for federal incentives on many configurations.
2025 VW ID.4 U.S. trims & approximate pricing
Representative MSRP ranges for 82 kWh models; actual dealer pricing and incentives will vary.
| Trim (82 kWh) | Drive | Positioning | Approx. MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro / Entry | RWD | Price leader with big battery, solid range and essentials. | Mid‑$40,000s before incentives |
| Pro AWD / Entry AWD | AWD | More power and traction for bad weather and towing. | High‑$40,000s |
| Pro S | RWD or AWD | Adds comfort, style and tech upgrades over base. | Low‑ to mid‑$50,000s |
| Pro S Plus | AWD only | Top trim with 21‑inch wheels, black roof, Harman Kardon audio. | High‑$50,000s |
Smaller‑battery 62 kWh variants are expected to undercut these prices once they return later in the 2025 model year.
Federal tax credit & leasing angle
Reliability, recalls and real-world ownership
The ID.4 story is complicated here. On one hand, owner satisfaction can be high: many praise the ride, comfort, space and overall value compared with rivals. On the other hand, the model has been dogged by **software drama, door‑handle recalls, now a battery‑related recall and even reports of sudden unintended acceleration under investigation**.
What we’re seeing in the field
Themes from owner reports, recall data and market behavior
Safety & recall landscape
In addition to the high‑voltage battery recall affecting tens of thousands of 2023–2025 ID.4s, earlier model years saw **door‑handle water‑ingress issues** that triggered a stop‑sale. There’s also an ongoing class‑action lawsuit over alleged sudden unintended acceleration. None of this makes the ID.4 unsafe by default, but it does mean you should verify recall status on any VIN you’re considering.
Electronics and software
Owner reviews regularly mention infotainment freezes, blank screens and flaky app connectivity. Some drivers say recent updates have stabilized things; others still report chronic annoyances. Treat the software as a work in progress, not a Tesla‑grade benchmark.
Value vs. frustration
Because of those headlines, **used prices on 2021–2024 ID.4s have softened**, making them look like bargains versus new EVs. For patient owners who can live with quirks, and who verify recall and warranty coverage, there’s real value. If you want absolute minimal hassle, a different EV might feel safer.
Shopping checklist: reliability edition
How the 2025 ID.4 compares to rivals
In 2025, the compact EV‑SUV field is crowded. The ID.4 sits roughly in the middle on performance, near the top on comfort, and toward the back of the pack on software polish.
2025 VW ID.4 vs key electric SUV rivals
High‑level comparison for shoppers cross‑shopping mainstream compact electric SUVs.
| Model | Character | Range ballpark | Where it wins vs. ID.4 | Where it loses vs. ID.4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW ID.4 | Comfort-biased compact SUV | ~260–290 miles (big battery) | Smooth ride, spacious cabin, U.S. build and eligible incentives, often strong lease and used pricing. | Software glitches, recent recalls, less exciting to drive. |
| Tesla Model Y | Tech-forward, efficiency champ | ~260–330 miles | Supercharger access, efficient drivetrain, slick app and software, broad charging network. | Harsher ride, more expensive when similarly equipped, mixed build-quality perceptions. |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Stylish, fast-charging standout | ~220–305 miles | Ultra‑fast 800‑V charging on compatible stations, bold design, upscale interior. | May not qualify for U.S. tax credit when built outside U.S.; pricier than some used ID.4s. |
| Kia EV6 | Sporty, design-led | ~240–310 miles | Engaging driving dynamics, strong fast‑charging performance, distinctive styling. | Less rear headroom, cargo space not as family‑friendly as ID.4. |
| Honda Prologue | New GM-based entrant | ~250–300 miles | Fresh design, mainstream Honda appeal, competitive range and charging. | Less track record; early‑adopter unknowns similar to what ID.4 faced in 2021–2022. |
Exact specs vary by trim; this table focuses on typical mid‑range configurations.
Who should choose the ID.4 over a Model Y or Ioniq 5?
Is the 2025 VW ID.4 worth it as a used buy?
For many shoppers, the 2025 VW ID.4 is most interesting as a **nearly new, low‑mileage used EV** once it hits dealer lots and marketplaces, alongside discounted 2023 and 2024 models.
Used ID.4 advantages
- Steep early depreciation means you can often buy a **2–3‑year‑old ID.4 for far less than a new rival**.
- Later builds (especially 2024–2025) benefit from updated motors, improved range and maturing software.
- U.S.‑built models may retain portions of battery and drivetrain warranty, easing long‑term worries.
- Comfortable ride and practical interior age well compared with trendier designs.
Used ID.4 cautions
- Verify **recall campaigns, especially the high‑voltage battery update and door‑handle work**, are fully completed.
- Check for uneven tire wear; heavy EVs can chew through tires if alignment is off.
- Inspect infotainment and driver‑assist features for glitches; ask for proof of software updates.
- Range degradation varies by usage; whenever possible, review an independent battery health report rather than relying only on dashboard estimates.
Why battery health matters more than odometer miles
How Recharged can help you shop smarter
If the 2025 VW ID.4, and its 2023–2024 siblings, are on your shortlist, you don’t just need glossy range numbers. You need **transparent battery data, recall clarity and fair pricing** across cars that have seen very different real‑world use.
Buying a used ID.4 through Recharged
How we de‑risk a model with a mixed track record
Recharged Score battery health diagnostics
Every EV on Recharged comes with a **Recharged Score Report** that measures real‑world battery health, not just what the dash says. That’s especially valuable on ID.4s affected by software and battery recalls.
Recall & history transparency
We surface **open recalls, service history and pricing vs. the broader market** so you can see whether a specific ID.4 is priced fairly for its condition and history.
End‑to‑end EV support
From **financing and trade‑ins** to nationwide delivery and EV‑savvy support, Recharged is built around making EV ownership simple. You can shop fully online or visit our Experience Center in Richmond, VA if you prefer to talk through options in person.
Bottom line: the 2025 VW ID.4 is a **comfortable, practical electric SUV with real strengths in space, ride quality and value, especially on the used market**. But it also carries more baggage than some rivals in the form of recalls and software quirks. If you go in with clear eyes, armed with solid battery data and recall information, it can be a smart play in a crowded EV field. If you’d rather avoid drama altogether, you may lean toward a Model Y, Ioniq 5 or EV6, but you’ll likely pay more for the privilege.
