Compare the2022 Volkswagen ID.4VS 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge

Both the ID.4 and the XC40 Recharge have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the ID.4 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 76 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The XC40 Recharge has not been tested, yet.

Volkswagen’s powertrain warranty covers the ID.4 4 years and 50,000 miles longer than Volvo covers the XC40 Recharge. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the XC40 Recharge ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 2 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Volvo dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the ID.4’s warranty.

On the EPA test cycle the ID.4 gets better mileage than the XC40 Recharge:

The ID.4’s maximum EPA estimated driving range is 245 to 280 miles on a full charge (depending on model), up to 17% further than the XC40 Recharge’s 223-mile range.

For better stopping power the ID.4 AWD’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the XC40 Recharge:

The ID.4 stops shorter than the XC40 Recharge:

For better traction and acceleration, the ID.4 has larger rear tires than the XC40 Recharge (255/50R19 vs. 235/50R19). The ID.4’s rear tires are larger than the largest rear tires available on the XC40 Recharge (255/50R19 vs. 245/45R20).

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the ID.4’s wheelbase is 2.3 inches longer than on the XC40 Recharge (108.7 inches vs. 106.4 inches).

The ID.4 handles at .85 G’s, while the XC40 Recharge pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the ID.4’s turning circle is 5.9 feet tighter than the XC40 Recharge’s (31.5 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The ID.4 AWD’s turning circle is 1 feet tighter than the XC40 Recharge’s (36.42 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The design of the Volkswagen ID.4 amounts to more than styling. The ID.4 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .28 Cd. That is significantly lower than the XC40 Recharge (.329) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the ID.4 get better fuel mileage.

The ID.4 has 1.6 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more front shoulder room and 1.5 inches more rear legroom than the XC40 Recharge.

The ID.4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the XC40 Recharge with its rear seat up (30.3 vs. 20.1 cubic feet). The ID.4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the XC40 Recharge with its rear seat folded (64.2 vs. 46.6 cubic feet).

The ID.4’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the XC40 Recharge’s (2200 vs. 2000 pounds).

is standard on the ID.4, using the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the XC40 Recharge.

The ID.4 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The XC40 Recharge doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The ID.4 Pro S’ standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The XC40 Recharge doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the ID.4 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. Heated windshield washer nozzles cost extra on the XC40 Recharge.

The ID.4 has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the XC40 Recharge.

The ID.4 Pro S has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the XC40 Recharge.

The ID.4 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the XC40 Recharge.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volkswagen ID.4 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the XC40 Recharge.

The ID.4 is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The XC40 Recharge doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its December 2021 issue and they ranked the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro higher than the Volvo XC40 Recharge.