a $7,500 federal tax credit. VW even throws in
three years of charging at Electrify America DC
fast-charging stations.
The entry-level Model 3 Standard Range Plus
starts at $45,190 and has rear-wheel drive, a
15-inch central touchscreen and a similar mix of
driver aids. You also get access to subscription-
based streaming services, such as Netflix. But
Tesla doesn’t equip its vehicles with Android
Auto and Apple CarPlay, so it’s not as easy to
integrate your phone as it is in the VW. The
Model 3 also no longer qualifies for the federal
tax credit.
Winner: ID.4
DRIVING AND COMFORT
On paper, the Volkswagen ID.4’s power seems
like a decent match for the Tesla Model 3. But
under test it falls behind in acceleration. A rear-
drive ID.4 First Edition needed 7.7 seconds to
reach 60 mph compared to 5.3 seconds for a
Model 3 Standard Range Plus.
The ID.4 handles well for an SUV, but it’s far from
sporty. The Tesla Model 3, on the other hand,
offers a surprising amount of fun even in base
trim. It feels balanced and coordinated through
turns and has handling limits beyond what most
drivers will come close to on the street.
Both EVs offer a comfortable ride, but they differ
in how they ride. The ID.4’s suspension is on
the soft side, so it tends to bounce going over
bumps. The Model 3, meanwhile, rides smooth
until you hit a patch of rough road, when it
starts to feel stiff and jittery.
Winner: Model 3