Many consumers have shied away from electric vehicles because of the price. It wasn’t that long ago that the best EV was the Tesla Model X, but it was too expensive and eccentric for most American car shoppers. Though many new EVs continue to carry hefty price tags, some automakers are developing affordable models with mass-market appeal. That includes the Volkswagen ID.4.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is priced to compete

The Volkswagen ID.4 isn’t the German automaker’s first all-electric SUV sold stateside, nor is it VW’s first EV. Remember the e-Golf? But there’s a key difference between the ID.4 and the e-Golf. VW converted the hatchback into an EV, but the carmaker created the ID.4 from scratch as a battery-powered electric SUV.

It’s attractively priced at $39,995 and made the U.S. News list of the cheapest electric SUVs. So, what do you get for that price?

First, you get an impressive 250 miles of electric range with a fully charged battery. Its standard configuration is rear-wheel drive, but you can opt for all-wheel drive. The ID.4  absorbs the road’s blows well and has enough torque to let you easily navigate traffic and accelerate.

It also offers a high-end interior with comfortable seats, plenty of space for adults in both rows, and generous cargo capacity. However, its infotainment system isn’t the most intuitive. If that’s not a dealbreaker for you, the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 offers great performance and value.

More about the Volkswagen ID.4’s performance

Having debuted in 2021, the Volkswagen ID.4 is a new vehicle. It sees substantial updates for its 2022 model year, which will be available in all 50 states. To be more accessible to consumers, this compact SUV is rumored to have a new base trim. Thanks to a move in production to Chattanooga, Tennessee, VW can offer the new base model and drop the price, MotorTrend reports.

Volkswagen hopes its strategic moves will attract new buyers as the automaker branches out into the affordable EUV arena, along with the Nissan Ariya and Chevy Bolt. The ID.4 is also competing against the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y.

The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 will debut a more potent AWD configuration getting an impressive 302 hp. The base models with RWD will produce 201 hp.

As for charging times: It will take around 12 hours to charge this EUV fully using a 240-volt outlet. If you use a fast DC charger, you can get to 80 percent from rock bottom in about 40 minutes. An eight-year/100,000-mile warranty will cover the battery. 

It’s also loaded with features

The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 offers an elegant, aerodynamic exterior design using chrome accents and wave relief elements as styling cues. But its interior, with a minimalist presentation and abundant active safety features, is where this EV truly shines. 

This compact EUV boasts a surprisingly spacious cabin. The layout offers seating for four. The adjustable front seats also have heating and ventilation capabilities. The backseats tilt and elongate for greater comfort. And the cargo area behind the second row offers ample space as well.

Another perk: You can activate many of the electronic features using your smartphone. This identification system allows you to choose entertainment, navigation, and interior climate controls.

Overall, the Volkswagen ID.4 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a stylish, affordably priced EV. The 2022 model will give competitors a serious run for their money.