Compare the2024 Volkswagen ID.4VS 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge

Both the ID.4 and the C40 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, driver alert monitors 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 C40 Recharge has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Volkswagen’s powertrain warranty covers the ID.4 4 years and 50,000 miles longer than Volvo covers the C40 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 C40 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.

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 Volvo vehicles. With 1 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Volkswagen higher than Volvo.

The ID.4 Pro’s optional electric motors produces 7 lbs.-ft. more torque (501 vs. 494) than the C40 Recharge’s optional electric motors.

On the EPA test cycle the ID.4 gets better mileage than the C40 Recharge:

The ID.4 Pro can travel longer on a full charge than the C40 Recharge (263 miles vs. 257 miles).

The ID.4 has a standard locking charge port which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The C40 Recharge doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

For better stopping power the ID.4’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the C40 Recharge:

The ID.4 stops shorter than the C40 Recharge:

The ID.4 Pro S Plus’ 255/40R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the C40 Recharge’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the ID.4 Pro S Plus has standard 21-inch wheels. The C40 Recharge’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the ID.4’s wheelbase is 2.4 inches longer than on the C40 Recharge (108.8 inches vs. 106.4 inches).

The ID.4 Pro S AWD handles at .86 G’s, while the C40 Recharge Ultimate pulls only .82 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 C40 Recharge’s (31.5 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The ID.4 AWD’s turning circle is 1 feet tighter than the C40 Recharge’s (36.42 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

For greater off-road capability the ID.4 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the C40 Recharge (6.8 vs. 6.7 inches), allowing the ID.4 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Volkswagen ID.4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 450 pounds less than the Volvo C40 Recharge.

The ID.4 has 1.2 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear headroom and 1.5 inches more rear legroom than the C40 Recharge.

The ID.4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the C40 Recharge with its rear seat up (30.3 vs. 15 cubic feet). The ID.4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the C40 Recharge with its rear seat folded (64.2 vs. 48.7 cubic feet).

The ID.4’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the C40 Recharge’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 C40 Recharge doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the ID.4 Pro S/Pro S Plus keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The C40 Recharge doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

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 C40 Recharge.

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 C40 Recharge 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 $495 to $2340 less than the C40 Recharge 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 C40 Recharge only retains 43.8% to 44.65%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Volkswagen ID.4 will be $4834 to $18196 less than for the Volvo C40 Recharge.

The Volkswagen ID.4 outsold the Volvo C40 Recharge by almost six to one during 2023.