Volkswagen ID.4 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5

Thanks to a new, more powerful rear-drive motor, increased driving range to nearly 300 miles, a next-generation infotainment system with substantial user-experience improvements, and a handful of comfort and convenience upgrades, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 is a better electric SUV than before. However, it no longer includes complimentary DC fast charging for three years. Instead, you get up to 500 kWh of free charging, after which you’ll pay to play.

Verdict: While the downgrade in free charging is a bummer, the updated 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 is not. With the technology better sorted, improved comfort, an impressive sound system, and more power, performance, and range, VeeDub’s electric SUV need not make apologies.

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It would appear to be the calendar, not the competition, that has the Ioniq 5 due for a mid-cycle refresh. We liked it when it burst onto the scene as an angular oddball in a sea of soft-lined sameness, and it has only improved over the last few years.

Verdict: Hyundai makes minor but welcome changes and avoids tweaking the many things that were working well, successfully making a good thing better.