Volkswagen ID.4 Vs. Tesla Model Y: Why The ID.4 Is The Smarter Choice

The VW ID.4 vs. Model Y: An All-Electric Face-Off

When choosing between the Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Tesla Model Y, the best all-electric SUV comes down to lifestyle and budget. Due to a lack of transparency from Tesla automakers, it is hard to pin down specs for the Model Y. The Volkswagen ID.4 is for consumers who like to know exactly what they're buying when signing on the dotted line.

While the ID.4 may not be as performance-driven as the Model Y, it isn't trying to be – the Volkswagen ID.4 knows its value as a robust, stylish, and well-appointed EV designed for a balanced drive and reliable safety. This guide will compare ID.4 vs. Model Y vehicles side by side, so read on to learn more.

Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Tesla Model Y Comparison: Performance

The VW ID.4 and Tesla Model Y forego the internal combustion engine, utilizing powerful battery-and-motor setups instead. Both also come with a single-speed automatic transmission, though the ID.4 standard configuration is single-motor RWD, while the Model Y utilizes dual-motor AWD by default. The ID.4 offers five feature-rich trim levels compared to the single option currently available for the Model Y, meaning you get a wider range of options with the German-engineered EV. We expect that Tesla plans on releasing a Performance AWD trim level later in the year, which would still mean the ID.4 gives you four more options.

When it comes to reporting performance specs, there is a stark difference in ID.4 versus Model Y transparency. Tesla automakers have been consistently cagey. At the time of writing, they claim a minimum 0-60 mph acceleration rate of 4.6 seconds for their only level, the Long Range AWD. Volkswagen is not far behind, leaping from zero to 60 mph in as little as 4.9 seconds on the mid-level AWD Pro trim. Considering how focused on performance the Tesla brand tends to be, this minor difference in speed showcases how close the ID.4 vs. Model Y driving experience truly is.

When equipped with the 82-kWh battery and AWD, the ID.4 makes up to 335 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque. Tesla does not currently list performance specs for the Model Y, which means you won't know what kind of battery and motor you're getting into behind the wheel of their EVs.

VW ID.4 vs. Model Y: Charging

Before we get into charging times for the 2025 VW ID.4 vs. Tesla Model Y SUVs, we must discuss compatibility. ID.4 batteries can be replenished at your typical public station. While the Model Y may be compatible with some Level 2 and DC Fast Charging outlets outside their network, you may also need to purchase an adaptor. The Volkswagen ID.4 has more universal charging availability. Plus, according to Volkswagen, you should expect official NACS adaptors to come out for the Volkswagen ID.4 in the near future, giving you access to Tesla's network of superchargers as well.

You may expect that exclusivity to give the Tesla model an edge in the 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Tesla Model Y charge time comparison. Yet, when you do the math, it's not much faster. With DC fast charging, the ID.4 charging speed can get you from 10-80% in as little as 28 minutes.⁵ You can add 169 miles of range in just 15 minutes at a Tesla Supercharger,⁵ but automakers refrain from specifying a more precise 10-80% charge time for the Model Y.

On a single charge, the ID.4 can drive for up to 291 miles.¹ A full-battery Model Y can drive up to 327 miles.² This slightly higher range won't come with the same benefits as the VW ID.4, however. Your 2025 ID.4 comes with 500 kWh of complimentary charging and three years of Pass+ pricing at Electrify America chargers^6,7 – for which there are more than 4,400 in the U.S. – for additional savings.

Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Tesla Model Y Comparison: Dimensions

The RWD-equipped ID.4 is 180.5 inches long, 64.6 inches tall, and 83 inches with the side mirrors extended. Models with AWD stand slightly higher, at 65.2 inches. At 187 inches, the Tesla Model Y adds almost seven inches length-wise. It is 64 inches tall and 83.8 inches wide, with the mirrors extended. These measurements show that it's more difficult to navigate crowded streets and tight parking spots with the Model Y – and you'll have a lower view of the road.

Climb inside, and you'll see that the maximum seating capacity of these EVs is five – the Tesla Model Y does not have third-row seats this year. Cargo remains competitive between the pair, with a little less than three cubic feet of trunk space in difference, which you can see in more detail in the chart below.

The ride height for the Tesla Model Y is 6.6 inches for the Long Range AWD level. Rear-wheel drive ID.4 models have a comparable 6.1 inches of ground clearance, while all-wheel drive models boast 6.9 inches, providing a small height boost for traversing more uneven terrain.

VW ID.4 vs. Model Y: Dashboard Displays

Many first-time drivers of the Tesla Model Y experience an uncanny feeling when they reach for a control panel that isn't there. A single 15.4-inch central touchscreen display replaces nearly all tactile buttons or sliders. For example, to go in reverse, you would swipe down on the screen's digital drive mode strip or find the "R" button on the overhead console – no traditional gear selector. While this design might seem novel at first – like something out of science fiction – it has led to plenty of customer complaints. If the screen is glitchy, the basic functions of your vehicle could be in jeopardy.

On the other hand, the Volkswagen ID.4 finds a smart blend between a physical control panel and modern tech features. The ID.4 Cockpit, a digital instrument cluster, is conveniently placed directly in the driver's line of vision, depicting battery power, available range, navigation, and more. There is also a standard 12.9-inch display in the center of the dash panel, decorating your dashboard with innovative controls while not overwhelming you in screen space like its competitor.

Notably, the Tesla vehicle does not offer wireless Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™, which are standard on the ID.4 and most other modern vehicles. Tesla models also put a lot of stock in their Semi-Autonomous Driving Capability to protect you on the road, instead of the tried-and-true methods of the VW ID.4 – enjoy the following standard driver-assistance systems in your all-electric Volkswagen SUV:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Dynamic Road Sign Display
• Front Assist: Forward Collision Warning & Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian & Cyclist Monitoring
• Side Assist: Lange Change System
• Light Assist: Automatic High Beam Control
• Rear Park Assist Plus with Memory Parking & Park Distance Control
• Rear View Camera System
• Travel Assist
• Lane Assist
• Emergency Assist

VW ID.4 vs. Model Y: The Verdict

The ID.4 vs. Tesla Model Y comparison presents two compelling choices for your next all-electric SUV, but the Volkswagen model pulls ahead with its lower starting MSRP, unwavering brand transparency, and logical infotainment and instrumentation design. Tesla automakers take interior tech too far with the clunky single-screen setup.

If you happen to find yourself in South Florida, you can contact or visit Gunther Volkswagen Delray Beach to learn about our specials or take a test drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more compact: the ID.4 or Model Y?

When it comes to 2025 ID.4 vs. Tesla Model Y dimensions, the Tesla Model Y is longer and wider, at 188.6 inches and 83.8 inches, respectively. The Volkswagen has a length of 180.5 inches and a width of 83 inches while still providing comparable interior passenger and cargo dimensions, meaning you get a comfortable ride with more maneuverability.

Which luxury EV offers better value for the money: the VW ID.4 or Tesla Model Y?

When deciding between a Volkswagen ID.4 or Tesla Model Y, consider what you're looking for in a vehicle. The Model Y breaks the mold – albeit seemingly for the sake of doing so rather than for true innovation – by offering a single screen for controlling and viewing almost everything. The ID.4 provides luxury and innovation alongside tried-and-true conventions at a lower starting MSRP.

Which offers better ride quality and handling: the ID.4 or Model Y?

What kind of ride quality are you looking for? If you're in the market for tight suspension and sporty handling, the 2025 Tesla Model Y can be a fun drive. However, it does not do well on bumpy, uneven, or winding roads. The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4, on the other hand, is known for its smooth ride quality and flexible suspension, making it a more practical choice for everyday driving.

Does the VW ID.4 have a better turning radius than the Tesla Model Y?

The VW ID.4 has a much better minimum turning radius than the Tesla Model Y. According to Car and Driver, the turning circle for the 2025 Tesla Model Y is 39.8 feet.⁸ When compared to the minimum 31-foot turning radius for the ID.4, there is a pretty significant difference. You'll feel a stark contrast between each radius when you make a U-turn.

Continue Your VW ID.4 & Comparison Research:

¹2025 VW ID.4 Pro and Pro S RWD EPA-estimated total range is 291 miles. Actual mileage and range will vary and depend on several factors including driving and charging habits, accessory use, temperature and topography, battery age, load, and vehicle condition. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. See owner’s manual for details.

²Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov

³Maximum tow rating when equipped with dual-motor AWD powertrain and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.

⁴When properly equipped with optional Towing Package. Required accessories for towing vary by model. See Owner's Manual for details.

⁵Charging times may vary and are influenced by several factors, including but not limited to outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition, and the overall condition of the vehicle. For precise information on charging times for a specific vehicle model, please contact our dealership.

⁶The 2025 ID.4 Charging Plan is included with new model year 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles purchased from an authorized U.S.-based Volkswagen dealer. Thirty-six (36) months of Pass+ membership and 500 kWh of complimentary DC Fast and L2 charging begins upon vehicle purchase. Complimentary charging does not include any idle fees and their associated or applicable taxes assessed at the charging station. You will be responsible for paying such fees through your account if you incur them during a charging session. Non-transferable. Not available for commercial use, such as ride-hailing and ridesharing. Requires Electrify America account, app, acceptance of Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, Promotion Terms and Conditions, enrollment in 2025 VW ID.4 Charging Plan, and $10 deposit to pre-fund idle fees, which may be automatically reloaded. See Terms of Use for details. Unused idle fee deposit will be refunded when account is closed. After the 2025 ID.4 Charging Plan benefits terminate or expire, your account will convert to a basic Electrify America “Pass” account.The 2025 ID.4 Charging Plan is included with new model year 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles purchased from an authorized U.S.-based Volkswagen dealer. Thirty-six (36) months of Pass+ membership and 500 kWh of complimentary DC Fast and L2 charging begins upon vehicle purchase. Complimentary charging does not include any idle fees and their associated or applicable taxes assessed at the charging station. You will be responsible for paying such fees through your account if you incur them during a charging session. Non-transferable. Not available for commercial use, such as ride-hailing and ridesharing. Requires Electrify America account, app, acceptance of Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, Promotion Terms and Conditions, enrollment in 2025 VW ID.4 Charging Plan, and $10 deposit to pre-fund idle fees, which may be automatically reloaded. See Terms of Use for details. Unused idle fee deposit will be refunded when account is closed. After the 2025 ID.4 Charging Plan benefits terminate or expire, your account will convert to a basic Electrify America “Pass” account.

⁷Plug&Charge can only be used at Electrify America DC fast charging and Level 2 public charging stations. The feature is available for use upon purchase of a new, unused 2023, 2024 or 2025 ID.4 EV and can only be utilized by the original purchaser/owner for the duration of the included charging plan. Not valid for subsequent owners. Functionality will deactivate upon expiration of the included 3-year charging plan, which begins upon vehicle purchase. Requires Electrify America mobile app, account, enrollment in the included ID.4 charging plan, acceptance of Plan Disclosure, set up of payment method and activation of Plug&Charge in the Electrify America app. Activation usually takes a few minutes but may take longer depending on your vehicle and its cellular connectivity.

⁸This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/tesla/model-y/specs/