Compare the2024 Volkswagen ID.4VS 2024 Porsche Taycan

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 Taycan 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.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The ID.4 has standard Maneuver Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Taycan doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

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 Taycan’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the ID.4’s standard Rear Traffic Alert uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side and automatically engage the brakes. The Taycan doesn’t offer a rear 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 Taycan doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the ID.4 and the Taycan 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, rearview cameras and available around view monitors.

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 Taycan 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 Porsche covers the Taycan. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Taycan ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 3 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Porsche 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 Taycan Cross Turismo:

The ID.4 can travel longer on a full charge than the Taycan Cross Turismo on a full charge:

The ID.4 stops shorter than the Taycan:

For better traction, the ID.4 has larger standard tires than the Taycan (235/55R19 vs. 225/55R19).

For better maneuverability, the ID.4’s turning circle is 5.2 feet tighter than the Taycan w/Rear Axle Steering’s (31.5 feet vs. 36.7 feet). The ID.4 AWD’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the Taycan Cross Turismo’s (36.42 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

The Volkswagen ID.4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 300 pounds less than the Porsche Taycan.

The ID.4 is 1 foot, 3.3 inches shorter than the Taycan Cross Turismo, making the ID.4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the ID.4 has standard flush composite headlights. The Taycan has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The ID.4 has 7.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Taycan Cross Turismo (99.9 vs. 92).

The ID.4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Taycan Cross Turismo with its rear seat up (30.3 vs. 18.7 cubic feet). The ID.4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Taycan Cross Turismo with its rear seat folded (64.2 vs. 45.7 cubic feet).

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 Taycan doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

If the windows are left open on the ID.4 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Taycan can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The ID.4’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Taycan’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

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 Taycan 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 Taycan doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

Consumer Reports rated the ID.4’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Taycan’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

Insurance will cost less for the ID.4 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the ID.4 will cost $6410 to $15605 less than the Taycan over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Volkswagen ID.4 will be $40787 to $118980 less than for the Porsche Taycan.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its December 2021 issue and they ranked the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro higher than the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 4.

The Volkswagen ID.4 outsold the Porsche Taycan by almost five to one during 2023.