The EV market has entered the point where affordable vehicles are readily available. The Volkswagen ID.4 has been subject to great acclaim, but how does it stack against Chevy’s entry-level Bolt EUV? Both vehicles occupy a similar niche, but there are some key differences between the two of them. These EVs are the first expressly designed electric models from both manufacturers and they’re a great way to get into an affordable EV.
Let’s take a closer look at these two EVs, review the performance and the specs, and figure out which is the best purchase for your needs. Choosing an EV doesn’t need to be tricky, at least when you’re armed with the right knowledge. There are quite a few similarities between these vehicles, but let’s figure out which is worth your investment.
Volkswagen ID.4 vs Chevy Bolt EUV: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Volkswagen ID.4 | Chevy Bolt EUV | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 200hp | 200hp |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Operational Range | 275 miles | 247 miles |
| Charging Rate | 7.5 hours at 240 volts | 7 hours at 240 volts |
| Battery Capacity | 82 kWh | 66 kWh |
| Warranty | 4 years or 50,000 miles for the powertrain | 5 years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain |
| Driver Assistance | Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Blind Spot, Lane Assist | Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Following Distance Indicator, IntelliBeam Auto High Beams |
| Wheelbase | 108.9 inches | 105.3 inches |
Volkswagen ID.4 vs Chevy Bolt EUV: What’s the Difference?
Both of these EVs are great entry-level models that provide a less expensive alternative to the Tesla Model Y. Where things really start to get interesting is how they perform against one another.
Both vehicles are roughly the same size, occupying the crossover SUV niche. They can easily seat five passengers and are meant to be reliable daily drivers over high-performance sports vehicles.
Though they may occupy the same particular niche of EVs, the way they operate and the user experience are vastly different between both of them. Before any conclusions are drawn, let’s take a look at the facts behind both vehicles.
Performance
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The ID.4 has an edge when it comes to nominal operational range. Users get an additional 28 miles of driving range with the ID.4, thanks in part to its larger battery. Chevy’s Bolt EUV is a lighter vehicle overall, which translates to a little more pep regarding acceleration.
The Bolt EUV generates an additional 63 lbs of torque over the ID.4, coming in at 266 ft/lbs. This helps massively with acceleration and, as a result, the ID.4 feels a bit sluggish in comparison. Both have plenty of performance for daily drivers since most consumers aren’t going to take these to a race track. Both reach highway speeds at an acceptable rate.
Charge time is a little different, as the ID.4 can charge to an 80% charge a bit faster from a DCFC station than the Bolt. This is done in mere moments, however, and the difference isn’t stark enough to be noticeable. Both vehicles use the same charger connection, so it’s up to which one you may prefer.
User Experience
The ID.4 has a handful of your typical instruments for controlling the vehicle. For most aspects of the vehicle’s control, you’ll be relying on the 12-inch infotainment display. Shifting gears and adjusting windows is, thankfully, not strictly relegated solely to the infotainment panel.
VW’s user experience for the infotainment panel could be better, as navigating the various menus is rather cumbersome. It is usable but it isn’t nearly as intuitive as other infotainment implementations.
The Chevy Bolt EUV has a smaller infotainment screen overall, but more physical controls. The interior of the Bolt EUV’s instruments is more akin to a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle and should make for an easy transition for those just starting with EVs.
Both vehicles feature connectivity with Apple and Android devices; the choice will more or less come down to which interface is more pleasing to you. Chevy’s OS for the Bolt EUV’s infotainment screen is slightly more intuitive, in stark contrast to the cumbersome ID.4.
Safety Features
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The ID.4 has more features available by default with its base-level trim package. There is a fair bit of parity between the two EVS with the highest trim level of the Bolt EUV, however. Both EVs will have industry-standard features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assistance. Neither is equipped for autonomous driving.
Chevy strips away some of the additional safety features at the lower trim levels. Things like adaptive cruise control, collision detection, and lane keep assist are available in the most basic trim package, though. The ID.4 has enjoyed a higher safety rating for the last few years compared to a good deal of EVs on the market.
Volkswagen ID.4 vs Chevy Bolt EUV: 6 Must-Know Facts
- Volkswagen ID.4 was VW’s first original EV design.
- Volkswagen ID.4 is one of the safest EVs on the market.
- Volkswagen ID.4 comes with 3 free months of charging thanks to a partnership with Electrify America.
- Chevy Bolt EUV is one of the most affordable EVs on the market.
- Standard Level 2 Charger outlet installation comes free with the purchase of a 2023 Bolt EUV.
- Chevy Bolt EUV is eligible for the federal tax credit for EVs, equaling $7500 returned to the customer.
Volkswagen ID.4 and Chevy Bolt EUV: Recent Updates
Technology for EVs is constantly improving. Here are some of the updates the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Chevy Bolt EUV have received since February 2023:
Volkswagen ID.4:
- All trims have a heat pump.
- A low-cost model is now available.
- A 12-inch infotainment screen is now standard on all models.
- A software update will improve the performance of the infotainment system.
Chevy Bolt EUV:
- Super Cruise will now be available, which is GM’s hands-free driver-assistance technology.
- A software update will be added that improves the vehicle’s range and performance.
Volkswagen ID.4 and Chevy Bolt EUV: What’s Next?
With how quickly technology is advancing, we can most likely expect to see some major updates from Volkswagen and Chevy in the next six to 18 months. Here are some possible updates we could see:
- Improved battery technology: We can expect new battery technology that will improve the range and performance of both vehicles.
- Advanced driver-assistance features: More advanced driver-assistance features are expected for both vehicles, such as lane centering and adaptive cruise control.
- Over-the-air updates: Both vehicles are already capable of receiving over-the-air updates. This means that the performance and features can be improved without requiring a trip to the dealership.
- Wider availability of charging infrastructure: Charing your electric vehicle will be easier and more convenient because the charging infrastructure is continuing to expand as more electric cars are hitting the market.
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Volkswagen ID.4 vs Chevy Bolt EUV: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Choose?
Declaring an outright winner is tough. If safety is your utmost concern, then VW’s ID.4 comes highly rated by the IIHS. For those wanting an affordable vehicle with a bevy of modern features and amenities, then the Bolt EUV is the best choice.
While the Bolt EUV loses out in terms of range, it is the superior choice for the actual user experience and in other areas of performance. The Bolt EUV’s lack of parity in regard to the range can be attributed to a smaller battery. Factor in the difference in cost and it’s tough to argue against Chevy‘s EV, as even the most deluxe trim package is still far less expensive than a new VW ID.4.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©North Monaco/Shutterstock.com.
