Compare the2024 Volkswagen ID.4VS 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge

Both the ID.4 and the XC40 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.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Volkswagen ID.4 is safer than the XC40 Recharge:

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 XC40 Recharge is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Volkswagen’s powertrain warranty covers the ID.4 4 years and 50,000 miles longer than Volvo covers the XC40 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 XC40 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 XC40 Recharge Twin Motor’s optional electric motors.

On the EPA test cycle the ID.4 gets better mileage than the XC40 Recharge:

The ID.4 Pro can travel longer on a full charge than the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor (263 miles vs. 254 miles).

For better stopping power the ID.4’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the XC40 Recharge:

The ID.4 stops shorter than the XC40 Recharge:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the ID.4 Pro S Plus has standard 21-inch wheels. The XC40 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 XC40 Recharge (108.8 inches vs. 106.4 inches).

The ID.4 Pro S AWD handles at .86 G’s, while the XC40 Recharge AWD 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 5.9 feet tighter than the XC40 Recharge’s (31.5 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The ID.4 AWD’s turning circle is 1 feet tighter than the XC40 Recharge’s (36.42 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The design of the Volkswagen ID.4 amounts to more than styling. The ID.4 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .28 Cd. That is significantly lower than the XC40 Recharge (.329) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the ID.4 get better fuel mileage.

The front grille of the ID.4 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The XC40 Recharge doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The ID.4 has 3 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more front shoulder room and 1.5 inches more rear legroom than the XC40 Recharge.

The ID.4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the XC40 Recharge with its rear seat up (30.3 vs. 16 cubic feet). The ID.4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the XC40 Recharge with its rear seat folded (64.2 vs. 57.5 cubic feet).

The ID.4’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the XC40 Recharge’s (2200 vs. 2000 pounds).

trailer stability control is standard on the ID.4, using 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. A trailer sway program costs extra on the XC40 Recharge.

The ID.4 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The XC40 Recharge doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

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 XC40 Recharge 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 XC40 Recharge.

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 XC40 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 XC40 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 XC40 Recharge doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Volkswagen ID.4 will be $2814 to $13099 less than for the Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its December 2021 issue and they ranked the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro higher than the Volvo XC40 Recharge AWD.

The Volkswagen ID.4 outsold the Volvo XC40 by 34% during 2023.