Compare the2022 Volkswagen ID.4VS 2021 Tesla Model 3

The ID.4’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Model 3 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The ID.4 has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the ID.4’s standard rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

The ID.4’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

The ID.4 has standard Car-Net, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the ID.4 and the Model 3 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rearview cameras.

The Volkswagen ID.4 weighs 532 to 1373 pounds more than the Tesla Model 3. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The ID.4’s corrosion warranty is 3 years and 50,000 miles longer than the Model 3’s (7/100,000 vs. 4/50,000).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the ID.4 for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Tesla doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Model 3.

There are almost 5 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Tesla dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the ID.4’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are better in initial quality than Tesla vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Volkswagen higher in initial quality than Tesla, which has 18 more problems per 100 vehicles.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are more reliable than Tesla vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Volkswagen above Tesla in reliability by13 fewer problems per 100 vehicles.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Volkswagen vehicles are more reliable than Tesla vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Volkswagen 1 place higher in reliability than Tesla.

For better stopping power the ID.4’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Model 3:

The ID.4 stops much shorter than the Model 3:

For better traction and acceleration, the ID.4 has larger rear tires than the Model 3 (255/50R19 vs. 235/45R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the ID.4 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Model 3.

The ID.4 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the ID.4 flat and controlled during cornering. The Model 3’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The ID.4 handles at .85 G’s, while the Model 3 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 7.3 feet tighter than the Model 3’s (31.5 feet vs. 38.8 feet). The ID.4 AWD’s turning circle is 2.4 feet tighter than the Model 3’s (36.42 feet vs. 38.8 feet).

The ID.4 is 4.3 inches shorter than the Model 3, making the ID.4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The ID.4 has 2.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Model 3 (99.9 vs. 97).

The ID.4 has .3 inches more front headroom, 1 inch more front hip room, 1.2 inches more front shoulder room, .2 inches more rear headroom, 2.4 inches more rear legroom and 1.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the Model 3.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the ID.4 Pro S/1st Edition has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or on the ID.4 Pro S, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a power trunk.

The ID.4 has a 2200 lbs. towing capacity. The Model 3 has no towing capacity.

Standard trailer stability control on the ID.4 uses 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. The Model 3 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

A Service Interval Display is standard on the ID.4 to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for vehicle inspection based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Tesla doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Model 3.

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. The Model 3 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the ID.4 has a standard rear wiper. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the ID.4 Pro S has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Model 3 doesn’t offer cornering lights. The ID.4 Pro S also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The ID.4’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The Model 3 doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

The ID.4’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Model 3’s power mirror controls are embedded in the infotainment system, seriously distracting drivers who have to adjust them while driving.

On extremely cold winter days, the ID.4’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

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 Model 3.