Compare the2023 Volkswagen ID.4VS 2023 Polestar 2

The ID.4 has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the Polestar 2’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the ID.4 has standard rear cross-path warning, helping the driver avoid collisions. Polestar charges extra for Cross Traffic Alert on the Polestar 2.

Both the ID.4 and the Polestar 2 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, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, daytime pedestrian crash prevention, and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the ID.4 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2023, a rating granted to only 29 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Polestar 2 has not been tested, yet.

Volkswagen’s powertrain warranty covers the ID.4 4 years and 50,000 miles longer than Polestar covers the 2. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Polestar 2 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

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. Polestar doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the 2.

There are almost 25 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the ID.4’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are better in initial quality than Polestar vehicles. With 98 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Volkswagen higher than Polestar.

On the EPA test cycle the ID.4 gets better mileage than the Polestar 2:

The ID.4 can travel longer on a full charge than the Polestar 2 on a full charge:

For better stopping power the ID.4’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Polestar 2:

For better traction and acceleration, the ID.4 has larger rear tires than the Polestar 2 (255/50R19 vs. 245/45R19).

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the ID.4 AWD’s wheelbase is 1.1 inches longer than on the Polestar 2 (108.7 inches vs. 107.6 inches). The ID.4’s wheelbase is 1.3 inches longer than on the Polestar 2 (108.9 inches vs. 107.6 inches).

For better maneuverability, the ID.4’s turning circle is 6.2 feet tighter than the Polestar 2’s (31.5 feet vs. 37.7 feet). The ID.4 AWD’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the Polestar 2’s (36.42 feet vs. 37.7 feet).

The ID.4 has 3.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Polestar 2 (99.9 vs. 96).

The ID.4 has 1 inch more front headroom, .7 inches more front hip room, 2.9 inches more front shoulder room, .9 inches more rear headroom, 3.7 inches more rear legroom and 3.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Polestar 2.

The ID.4’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the Polestar 2’s (2200 vs. 2000 pounds).

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 Polestar 2 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 Polestar 2.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the ID.4 has a standard rear wiper. The Polestar 2 doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The ID.4 S/Pro S/Pro S Plus has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Polestar 2.

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 Polestar 2.

The ID.4’s Park Assist Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Polestar 2 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Volkswagen ID.4 outsold the Polestar 2 by over two to one during 2022.