Crossover Clash: Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Mach-E From Ford

Why You Can Trust Compare.com

At Compare.com, it’s our mission to find simple ways to help our customers save money on the things they need. While we partner with some of the companies and brands we talk about in our articles, all of our content is written and reviewed by our independent editorial team and never influenced by our partnerships. Learn about how we make money, review our editorial standards, and reference our data methodology to learn more about why you can trust Compare.com.

Written by Nick Versaw

Updated June 23rd, 2022

Choosing a new electric vehicle is no easy task, particularly when the electric SUV segment grows with each model year. Two crossovers that turned the heads of critics and drivers in 2022 are the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E. 

Both of these electric SUVs offer a deft combination of interior styling, navigation technology, and spirited all-electric powertrains. 

If you’re curious about a match-up between the ID.4 vs. Mach-E, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll review the specs of these two popular electric crossovers to help you decide which one is best for your budget, passenger needs, and driving habits. 

The ID.4 vs. Mach-E

When you get right down to it, these two electric crossovers share more similarities than differences, with the main variances coming in miles of range and acceleration capability. Let’s first check out the different trim levels of each vehicle to get a better idea of what each has to offer.

Volkswagen ID.4 Trims

The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is available in two different models, with each trim ascending in price and features. Each model has a RWD and AWD powertrain option.  The ID.4 comes in 10 color options and with your choice of an all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive powertrain. 

Volkswagen ID.4 Pro

RWD MSRP: $41,230

AWD MSRP: $44,910

The base model ID.4 Pro relies on an electric motor and 82-kWh battery that’s capable of 201 hp. This trim comes with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto. The car also offers ID. Light communication and wireless charging technology, which will free the cabin of charging cables. All versions of the ID.4 come standard with a robust array of safety features such as front pedestrian monitoring, rear traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. 

Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S

RWD MSRP: $45,730

AWD MSRP: $49,410

Both the RWD and AWD versions of the ID.4 Pro S focus on a more luxurious electric car experience. The car’s LED headlights automatically adjust to the light levels and time of day where you’re driving. The vehicle also features a complete auto-park system and a more advanced safety package with blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Interior highlights include a 12-inch touchscreen navigation system and buttery soft leather seating for a comfortable ride.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Trims

If you’re curious about test driving the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E, there are four different trim levels to choose from. Each higher trim has a higher starting price and more advanced comfort and technology features:

Ford Mustang Mach-E Select

MSRP: $43,895

The base model Mach-E showcases Ford’s new suite of safety features available in all the trim levels. The Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 integrates critical safety systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping technology, lane-centering, and sign recognition. While it might not have as many bells and whistles as higher trim levels, all the essential features buyers are looking for are here, like Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto. Each Ford Mach-E also comes with a 15.5-inch touchscreen navigation and infotainment system that’s larger than those found in most competitive vehicles. 

Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium

MSRP: $48,775

Like to have an open-air feeling when you’re driving? The Mach-E Premium offers a fixed-in-place panoramic glass roof for a convertible-like feel without mussing your hair. Aluminum wheels give this trim a more aggressive stance, while upholstery upgrades increase passenger comfort. 

Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1

MSRP: $52,450

The Mach-E California Route 1 might be one of the most forward-thinking car options on the market today. It features Ford’s BlueCruise semi-autonomous driver-assist technology and auto-parking system. Are you looking to go the distance? The California Route 1 trim offers the car’s best range at 314 miles on a full charge with an extended battery option and rear-wheel drive powertrain. 

Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition

MSRP: $61,995

The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition is the only model that’s available with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain, which may be of interest to drivers who must battle winter roads. And if style is a priority, extra exterior accents like aluminum wheels with added black painted in-lays gussy up this version. 

Performance

When it comes to acceleration, the Volkswagen ID.4 is no match for the Ford Mustang Mach-E. After all, Ford wouldn’t bestow its hallowed Mustang moniker — which harkens back to the days of speedy muscle cars — on a car that didn’t have impressive speed.

The Mustang Mach-E GT Performance can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, while the Volkswagen ID.4 trails at 5.7 seconds. Truth be told, both times are impressive and will leave you with plenty of passing power on the highway.

Cargo Capability

Those looking for massive cargo space might want to explore larger SUVs, perhaps even a hybrid. The cargo space of these two vehicles — which are nearly identical at approximately 30 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 60 cubic feet with the rear seats down — is great for basic errands and trips to the grocery store. But it may not be enough for those with more than two children or who plan to utilize their SUV for long vacations or road trips. 

Pricing

Shoppers on a budget will prefer the more affordable Volkswagen ID.4. The starting MSRP of $49,410, the top trim of the VW ID.4, the Pro S AWD model, is only about $5,000 more than the base model Ford Mustang Mach-E, a rear-wheel-drive only model that starts at $43,895. Considering the added features of the ID.4 Pro S, it certainly seems like the better value in comparison. And don’t forget, the price of either car is lower if your purchase is eligible for EV tax credit and rebate programs. 

ID.4 vs. Mach-E: Making the Choice

Both the VW ID.4 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E are compelling options for drivers eager to upgrade to an emissions-free vehicle. Since the electric SUVs are so similar in price, the real decision comes down to what you’re looking for in your all-electric powertrain. Here’s a chart that breaks down their basic differences:

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is definitely the more aggressive of the two vehicles when it comes to performance, while the ID.4 is probably the more comfortable of the two cars, particularly if you go with the leather seating in the AWD Pro S model.

No matter which one you choose, both present a far more affordable entry-level price when compared to higher-priced electric crossovers made by competitors like Tesla.

Research Electric Crossovers

Many drivers like to update their ride every two or three years, so there’s a robust pre-owned market for electric vehicles like the ID.4 and the Mach-E. Buying pre-owned is another way to make your automotive dollars go a bit further.

Before purchasing an electric vehicle, research your options with Compare.com’s EV comparison tool. Search for EVs in your area and sort by features like mileage, exterior color, price, and body type:

Nick Versaw Managing Editor

Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in creating educational content about insurance and other related topics. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.