Volkswagen ID 3 vs Volkswagen ID 4 Hatchback vs SUV in the VW ID Family

Volkswagen ID.3 review

Volkswagen ID.3 verdict

By bringing forward the cars mid-life facelift, the Volkswagen ID.3 retains its competitive edge in a crowded part of the market. A simple lineup of batteries and specs means choosing the right car for you is easy, while big improvements in cabin quality finally make the VWs electric family hatchback feel worthy of its near-40k starting price.

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Its not without its issues, however. That aforementioned facelift didnt include changes to the slow, glitchy and troublesome infotainment system those looking for improvements there will need to wait until mid-2024 when VW is set to introduce a new 12-inch screen with backlit climate controls. Its possible that these upgrades would allow the ID.3 to catch and possibly even surpass rivals from Renault, Kia and even Tesla.

Range details, specs and alternatives

The ID.3 was the first entry in Volkswagens rapidly expanding lineup of bespoke electric cars (following the ageing e-up! city car) which now includes the ID.4 SUV, ID.5 coupe-SUV and ID. Buzz minibus, while the ID.7 saloon is due to arrive later this year. Its also the model that Volkswagen hopes will come to define how we see the next generation of family cars, in the same way the Beetle and Golf did in their respective eras. Its clear that this is a very important EV for the German automaker.

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Competition includes cars of all shapes, sizes, and fuel types. On one hand you have traditional petrol and diesel-powered hatchbacks like the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf. Then there are electric models such as the budget-friendly MG4 EV, sporty Cupra Born, long-lived Nissan Leaf, and stylish Renault Megane E-Tech. There are also a smattering of other zero-emissions family cars in the same price range, including the Kia Niro EV, the new Hyundai Kona Electric and even the Tesla Model 3.

The Volkswagen ID.3 lineup was facelifted in mid-2023 12 months earlier than originally planned. The main reason for this was to address a variety of common criticisms, particularly regarding interior quality. With the update came a simplified model lineup, now with just two specs and two batteries to choose from. Prices are more competitive too, with the base ID.3 starting from just over 37k.

That entry-level car is now badged Pro and comes with a 201bhp rear-mounted electric motor and a 58kWh battery good for 265 miles of range. All cars get at least 18-inch alloy wheels (the horrid plastic wheel trims of the old car have been ditched) and LED lights, plus a 10-inch touchscreen, 5.3-inch digital instrument display and keyless entry and start. Every 58kWh model also gets 120kW rapid charging.

Upgrading to Pro S gets the same motor but adds a larger 77kWh battery for a longer 347-mile range there is no option to match the S spec with the smaller battery at the moment. These cars up the kit count with bigger wheels, and fancier seats with electric lumbar support.

Youll pay almost 6k more for the Pro S, but youll benefit from much faster 170kW charging, which means the range-topper can perform a 10-80% top-up four minutes faster (28 minutes total) than the Pro, despite its bigger battery.

Click here to see why you can trust DrivingElectric reviews, or for a more detailed look at the Volkswagen ID.3, read on for the rest of our in-depth review

Side ViewVolkswagen ID.3 (E1) 5-door Hatchback 2019 vs. Volkswagen ID.4 (E2) SUV 2020

Bringing car spotting into perspective

Real height¹ 1.631 m 2+ 7.9 cm

1 1.552 m Real height¹

+ 1.3 cm 2

+ 32.2 cm 2 4.584 m Real length

Street perspective vs. specification. See Disclaimer.

Side ViewVolkswagen ID.3 (E1) 5-door Hatchback 2019 vs. Volkswagen ID.4 (E2) SUV 2020

Technical specs | Volkswagen ID.3 (E1) 5-door Hatchback 2019 is 32.2 cm shorter and 7.9 cm lower compared to Volkswagen ID.4 (E2) SUV 2020. It has 1.3 cm less ground clearance and offers 20% less cargo space.^4,5

1. Maximum height | 2. Width with folded mirrors | 3. Max. ground clearance | 4. Most common power unit incl. highest seat mode configuration. Possible deviation of standards. | 5. With rear seats folded down | 6. Curb weight | 7. For illustration purpose only. Starting MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price).

Quick Facts

1398628Comparison combinations

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1908Year of our oldest car model

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Volkswagen Tiguan vs Volkswagen ID.4: rivals comparison

Few, if any, car companies sell as many types of SUVs as Volkswagen. Youre catered for whether you want to spend 20,000 or 80,000, and theres a choice of petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid or fully electric models. One of the best-selling is the mid-size Volkswagen Tiguan, and consequently that makes the new pure-electric Volkswagen ID.4 very important to the company.

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Why? Because the ID.4 has helped to launch VWs ID. electric sub-brand, and lots of buyers are moving away from hatchbacks and saloons towards SUVs of this size. To make the ID.4 appeal to customers, it has smart styling, a decent range, a high level of standard equipment and a practical interior.

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The Tiguan is mechanically similar to the SEAT Ateca and Skoda Karoq, while other rivals include the Peugeot 3008, Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage. The ID.4 shares its underpinnings with the Skoda Enyaq and Audi Q4 e-tron, rivalling electric SUVs like the Kia e-Niro, Ford Mustang Mach-E and the upcoming Nissan Ariya.

Styling

The Tiguan is based on the Volkswagen Golf, with the recently facelifted Tiguan getting a redesign similar to the latest Mk8 Golf. High-spec models get chrome trim and fancy-looking headlights, but the Tiguan has always been conservatively styled compared to some rivals. Theres no imaginatively styled window line and only simple body creases, but theres no denying it looks smart.

As the ID.4 is VWs next-generation SUV and a brand-new product, its designers have added a few extra styling flourishes - including the colouredrearmost C-pillar to make the roof look like its floating. Unsurprisingly, it shares parts with the Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback, and borrows many of the same modern styling details. A blanked-out grille highlights its zero-emission powertrain.

Interior

Climb into the Tiguan and the interior feels smart, but its hardly the last word in modern design. It just feels a little plain with an ordinary design, although everything is right where youd expect it to be and is easy to use as a result. Build quality is very good, too, and the quality of materials reminds you why the Tiguan costs more than a Karoq or Ateca. High-spec cars get a smart looking digital instrument cluster.

That comes as standard in the ID.4, which has a much more minimalistic and modern look inside. The digital dials and touchscreen both sit on top of the dashboard, and more space is freed up by having the gear selector mounted behind the steering wheel. However, its not all straightforward; several functions are buried too deep in the infotainment system, the lack of physical buttons make it hard to use on the move, and the quality of the materials doesnt quite match the price tag.

Practicality

Its common for a car to increase in size between one generation and the next, and the Tiguan is larger than its predecessor. Luggage and passenger space have both improved, and the rear seats can slide forwards and backwards so you can prioritise one or the other. Slide the seats forward and you have a huge 615-litre boot, up from a still-generous 520 litres with the seats slid back. Theres also a variable boot floor. If thats not enough space, theres a seven-seat Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace version. Meanwhile, the Tiguan trumps the ID.4 for towing capacity - with the Tiguan officially capable of hauling up to 2,500kg, versus 750kg for the ID.4.

Measuring 75mm longer than the Tiguan, the ID.4 immediately has a space advantage. Its interior dimensions are further improved by the electric powertrains smaller packaging, and theres no transmission tunnel. That means the rear seats are very spacious, and even someone in the middle seat has a flat floor and plenty of legroom. Its one of the roomiest mainstream electric SUVs on sale. Its 543-litre boot is an excellent size, and theres a dedicated cubby for the charging cable under the boot floor. Thats handy until you need to charge when youve got a boot full of stuff, so its disappointing that Volkswagen hasnt included a storage area under the bonnet like youd find in rivals.

Economy

The Tiguan has several different engines to choose from, and the 148bhp petrol and diesel engines are reasonably economical, managing up to 44mpg and 53mpg respectively. Choose the more powerful diesel or four-wheel drive and 42mpg is about as much as you can hope for. The 2.0-litre petrol engines are thirsty, returning MPG in the low 30s. With the facelift, VW introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers up to 31 miles of pure-electric range and claimed triple-digit fuel economy figures. Its expensive for private buyers, but offers a very low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rate for company-car drivers.

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Efficiency is measured a little differently in electric cars, with a greater focus on the maximum range you can travel. The ID.4 can be specced with two battery sizes, with up to 213 miles from the smaller 52kWh battery and a maximum 322-mile range from the 77kWh option. Charging from zero to 80% takes just over half an hour from a 110kW public charger, or you can fully recharge from a home wallbox in seven and a half hours. If you can regularly charge at home, your running costs will be much lower than a petrol or diesel car as a full charge typically costs just a few pounds. VED (road tax) is free and servicing may work out cheaper, while business users can look forward to a very low BiK rate.

Performance

Even the lowest-powered Tiguan offers reasonable acceleration, as the 148bhp petrol takes nine seconds to sprint from 0-62mph. The Tiguan now offers the same engines youll find in the Golf GTI and Golf R, so can reach 62mph in just six and five seconds respectively. The Tiguan is comfortable and smooth (R-Line versions are a bit firmer), with minimal body lean in fast corners.

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The cheapest ID.4 also comes with 148bhp, but its extra weight means 0-62mph takes nearly 11 seconds. Versions with 168 and 201bhp are also available, reducing the sprint down to nine and 8.5 seconds. Top speed for all three is 99mph. It might come as a surprise that the ID.4 is very good to drive and, with all the heavy batteries placed very low, it doesnt lean as much as youd expect. Theres also a faster ID.4 GTX version, which is even more agile and offers very punchy acceleration.

Prices and specifications

A model called Life kicks off the Tiguan range, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights and alloy wheels for around 25,500. Life trim, costing from around 28,500, also featuresmulti-zone air conditioning, parking sensors and sat nav, and Active adds ambient lighting and heated seats for 500. Above that is the luxurious Elegance and the sporty R-Line for approximately 34,500, plus the standalone Tiguan R for 47,200.

The ID.4 range starts with Life trim. With prices starting at 35,000 it looks expensive, and as of December 2021 the car is no longer eligible for agovernment grant. As mentioned above, the ID.4 also brings cheaper running costs, and the standard equipment includes two-zone air con and heated seats. The next trim, Style, costs considerably more at around 38,700. Thats offset by an equipment list that includes a reversing camera, keyless entry and upgraded Matrix LED headlights. Family trim gives you the bigger battery and a panoramic sunroof for a little over 46,000, and the fully kitted out Max trim costs 51,500.

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The difference isnt vast on a PCP finance deal, however. Weve configured a Tiguan Life with the 148bhp petrol engine and a DSG automatic gearbox (30,200) against the similarly powered ID.4 Life for a fair comparison. At the time of writing, a four-year, 10,000-mile-a-year deal requires a monthly payment of around 355 for the Tiguan after a 3,020 deposit, versus 390 per month for the ID.4 after a 3,215 deposit. Look out for ID. events at your local dealer, which could give you a sweeter deal than the VW prices weve listed here.

Verdict

The Tiguan is a very good family SUV, with a practical and clearly laid out interior. It also benefits from smart looks and a decent blend of performance and economy, plus a larger towing capacity than the ID.4. But we think the Tiguan looks rather plain against the newer ID.4, which adds a dash of extra style inside and out. Rear-seat passengers will enjoy the extra legroom in the ID.4 as well, and that the price of the entry-level Life trim is comparable to a Tiguan should sway plenty of buyers as well.

Of course, the electric powertrain and infrastructure wont suit everyones lifestyle but, if you can charge at home regularly, we recommend the ID.4 over the Tiguan.

Are you looking at other low-emission cars? Check out our guides to the best hybrid SUVs, best plug-in hybridsand the best electric cars.