With 107 MPGe combined, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 S is a good choice for buyers who want an efficient electric SUV. This is about saving money and embracing a sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing practicality and comfort in a modern vehicle. Buyers choosing the ID.4 S are looking for a reliable, spacious, and well-equipped SUV that aligns with their values and simplifies their daily drives. They know that range and charging are part of EV ownership, but they want a vehicle that delivers exceptional efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA numbers show that the ID.4 S does well in the city. It gets 115 MPGe in the city, which shows how well regenerative braking works in stop-and-go urban environments, where the electric motor can recapture energy when slowing down. On the highway, the efficiency drops a bit to 99 MPGe. This is normal for electric vehicles because keeping up higher speeds needs constant energy to overcome air resistance. Still, 99 MPGe on the highway is a respectable number, the ID.4 S works for longer trips, especially if you plan your route and have access to charging stations.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 S at $700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a mix of city and highway driving, and using national average electricity prices. Your electricity costs will depend on where you live and how you charge (at home or at a public station), this $700 estimate gives you a benchmark for how much you could save compared to driving a gasoline-powered car. This shows the financial benefit for drivers who switch to the ID.4 S and use its efficient electric powertrain. Remember that this estimate doesn’t include potential savings on maintenance like oil changes, which are usually lower for EVs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA gives a standard measure of efficiency, but real-world MPGe can change based on how you drive, the weather, and the terrain. If you accelerate hard, brake often, and drive at high speeds, you will reduce efficiency in any vehicle, including the ID.4 S. Cold temperatures can also affect battery performance, which could reduce range and efficiency. If you drive carefully and use pre-conditioning features (warming the battery while plugged in), you should be able to match or exceed the EPA estimates. The ID.4 S has driving modes that focus on energy conservation, which helps maximize its range.

How it compares

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 S is competitive in terms of efficiency compared to other electric SUVs. The Hyundai Kona Electric gets about 120 MPGe combined, which is a bit better, but has less interior space. The Kia Niro EV gets around 113 MPGe combined, and the Nissan Ariya gets around 109 MPGe combined, so the ID.4 S is right in the middle. The Tesla Model Y Long Range, which is more expensive, gets around 122 MPGe combined. The choice depends on what you value: ultimate efficiency, space, features, or brand. Many find the ID.4 S is a good compromise between efficiency, practicality and cost, especially when considering all Volkswagen fuel economy data.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Use the ID.4 S’ regenerative braking system as much as possible. By expecting stops and gently letting off the accelerator, you can recapture energy and extend your range. The “B” drive mode provides the most regeneration, and you can drive with just one pedal in many situations.

Precondition the cabin while the vehicle is plugged in, especially in cold weather. This warms the battery and cabin using electricity from the grid, rather than using the battery’s energy while driving. This can improve efficiency in cold weather.

Reduce air resistance by removing items from the roof rack or cargo carrier. Improvements in air resistance can translate to gains in efficiency, especially at highway speeds. Consider slightly increasing tire pressure within the manufacturer’s recommended range to reduce rolling resistance.

Plan your routes strategically, and take into account charging station locations and elevation changes. Avoid steep hills, and choose routes with more opportunities for regenerative braking to help optimize efficiency. Several apps can help EVs optimize their route based on elevation changes.

Monitor your driving habits and energy consumption using the ID.4 S’ dashboard display. This provides feedback on your efficiency, so you can see where you can improve. Keep track of your average MPGe through the vehicle’s trip computer to know how much it differs from the ratings published on ID.4 MPG across all years.