Volkswagen executives made their intentions clear at a recent launch event in Brooklyn: the new ID.4 electric SUV isn’t meant to compete with Tesla. Instead, its sights are set on dominant gas-powered compact SUVs like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. This strategic focus places the ID.4 squarely in one of America’s most popular vehicle segments.
During a brief test drive across Manhattan, the goal was to evaluate how the ID.4 measures up against these established rivals. As a compact SUV owner, the reviewer felt well-positioned to assess its nuances. The drive lasted about 45 minutes, covering diverse urban conditions from upper Manhattan to midtown and the West Side Highway.
The route involved extensive bumper-to-bumper traffic, a hallmark of New York City driving. This wasn’t a scenic mountain run or a pristine, empty street as seen in commercials. It was real-world city navigation, with tight squeezes between trucks and buses, and constant proximity to other vehicles.
New York’s streets provided a rigorous testing ground, featuring potholes, sinkholes, and various road imperfections. These conditions reveal a vehicle’s true character and build quality, putting the ID.4 through its paces in a demanding environment.
