Compare the2024 Volkswagen ID.4VS 2024 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volkswagen ID.4 is safer than the Polestar 2:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volkswagen ID.4 is safer than the Polestar 2:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Volkswagen ID.4 achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Polestar 2 has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

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.

There are almost 21 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’ 2024 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 75 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Volkswagen higher than Polestar.

As tested in Car and Driver the ID.4 Pro electric motors is faster than the Polestar 2 Single Motor electric motor:

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

The ID.4 Pro can travel longer on a full charge than the Polestar 2 Performance Pack (263 miles vs. 247 miles).

The ID.4 has a standard locking charge port which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The Polestar 2 doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

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

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the ID.4 Pro S Plus has standard 21-inch wheels. The Polestar 2’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the ID.4 AWD’s wheelbase is 1.1 inches longer than on the Polestar 2 (108.8 inches vs. 107.7 inches). The ID.4’s wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer than on the Polestar 2 (108.9 inches vs. 107.7 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).

For greater off-road capability the ID.4 has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Polestar 2 Performance Package (6.8 vs. 5.7 inches), allowing the ID.4 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The ID.4’s minimum ground clearance is .9 inch higher than on the Polestar 2 (6.8 vs. 5.9 inches).

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 S/S Plus’ 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/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.

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.

Insurance will cost less for the ID.4 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the ID.4 will cost $990 to $8375 less than the Polestar 2 over a five-year period.

The ID.4 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the ID.4 will retain 45.85% to 47.55% of its original price after five years, while the Polestar 2 only retains 30.2% to 35.13%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Volkswagen ID.4 will be $16097 to $30941 less than for the Polestar 2.

The Volkswagen ID.4 outsold the Polestar 2 by almost four to one during 2023.