Toyota bZ4X vs. Volkswagen ID.4: Complete comparison 2026

In today's showdown, we take a look at the innovative electric SUV Toyota bZ4X, which is also sold under the shortened name Toyota bZ in selected markets such as North America or Ireland. Its rival is the established Volkswagen ID.4, which is available in Asian countries under the names ID.4 Crozz or ID.4 X and which, as part of recent corporate changes, is gradually transitioning to the new designation ID. Tiguan. Let's explore the features of both cars in detail and find out together which of these modern family electric vehicles emerges as the overall winner from our direct comparison.

Looking at the exterior dimensions of both electric family SUVs, we find that although they target the same audience, their proportions differ slightly. The Toyota bZ4X is, with its length of 4690 mm, approximately 106 to 108 mm longer than the Volkswagen ID.4 (4582–4584 mm depending on the version and equipment). In terms of width, both models are almost identical; the bZ4X measures 1860 mm and the ID.4 just a negligible 8 millimetres less (1852 mm). The greater overall length of the Japanese car gives it a more elongated, dynamic silhouette, while the slightly shorter body of its German competitor, on the other hand, makes manoeuvring in narrow city streets and parallel parking easier.

A different approach to design can be found when looking at the height of both vehicles. The Volkswagen ID.4 comes across as a more traditional, robust SUV with a height between 1632 and 1640 mm, whereas Toyota bets on a lower build with a value of exactly 1600 mm. Toyota's lower centre of gravity and more aerodynamic profile can theoretically help overall highway stability and airflow efficiency. Volkswagen, on the other hand, benefits from its slightly taller build in the interior – passengers have more headroom, which will be appreciated especially by taller adult passengers.

However, the key parameter for the interior layout is the wheelbase, where the Japanese representative leads significantly. The Toyota bZ4X offers a generous 2850 mm, which is nearly 80 mm more than the Volkswagen ID.4 with its 2769–2771 mm. This difference translates positively into longitudinal legroom in the rear seats, where the Toyota can easily compete even with cars a class larger. When choosing a used car, it mainly depends on personal preferences: if maximum knee room is a priority for you and you are attracted by a sportier low profile, the Toyota makes sense, while if you prefer a more airy feeling overhead with more compact exterior dimensions, the Volkswagen will serve you better.

Luggage capacity is a key factor for many buyers, especially when choosing a practical family electric SUV. When comparing models available on the used car market from the first years of production (around 4 years old), the German model has a clear advantage in the basic configuration. The Volkswagen ID.4 offers a generous standard trunk volume of 543 liters, which is significantly more than the Toyota bZ4X, which has a space of 452 liters. In practice, the 91-liter difference represents space for one larger suitcase or several extra travel bags. This makes the Volkswagen a slightly more suitable choice for worry-free packing for a weekend or a longer family holiday without having to stack luggage all the way to the roof.

However, an interesting twist comes when you need to transport bulkier cargo and fold down the rear seats. Here, the situation levels out, and in terms of space, the two cars are almost identical, or even the opposite. The maximum volume of the Volkswagen ID.4 stops at 1,575 liters after fully folding the seats, while the Toyota bZ4X, thanks to its excellent interior packaging, offers up to 1,589 liters. The Japanese model also scores points with a sufficiently wide loading opening and a relatively flat loading surface, which greatly facilitates handling longer sports equipment, bicycles, or bulky furniture from a DIY store.

When choosing a used car, however, it is good to keep in mind the minor differences between individual equipment levels and versions. While the Volkswagen ID.4 surprisingly maintains its 543-liter capacity even in the more powerful dual-motor GTX version with all-wheel drive, the situation is slightly different for the Toyota bZ4X. Some models with the AWD (all-wheel drive) badge or versions equipped with the optional JBL audio system with a subwoofer have a different floor layout, and the trunk volume can thus drop to between 410 and 421 liters. It is also important to mention that neither of these SUVs offers a practical storage space under the front hood (the so-called frunk), so muddy charging cables must always be stored in the double floor of the rear trunk. As a result, the Volkswagen better meets the typical needs of a family, but the Toyota does not lag behind at all when fully loaded.

Historically, electric vehicles have not been among the champions of towing heavy loads, but for many buyers, the trailer weight remains an absolutely key figure. It determines the overall practicality of the car, whether it's for transporting garden waste, moving bulky items, or traveling with a caravan. Looking at roughly four-year-old used cars from 2021 to 2024, the two compared models offer quite different possibilities that can play a crucial role in choosing a vehicle.

If we focus on older Toyota bZ4X models (from 2022–2024), we find that their towing capacity is very limited. Both the standard and maximum braked trailer weight for these model years is only 750 kg, which also corresponds to the capacity for an unbraked trailer. In contrast, the first-generation Volkswagen ID.4 (from 2021–2023) fares significantly better. Its basic rear-wheel-drive versions, such as the ID.4 Pure or Pro Performance, can easily handle a braked trailer weighing 1,000 kg. For more powerful variants or all-wheel-drive models, including the Pro version or the sportier ID.4 GTX, the maximum limit for these model years increases to a solid 1,200 kg. In the case of an unbraked trailer, Volkswagen also offers a standard limit of 750 kg.

In practice, these differences mean that while the tow bar on the Toyota bZ4X serves primarily as a solid base for a heavier e-bike rack or is sufficient for a small trailer for a weekend trip to the DIY store, the Volkswagen ID.4 is much more versatile. The higher weight limit gives you the necessary space for a few extra suitcases in the form of a bulky roof box with a fully loaded trailer behind the car, but above all, it allows you to hitch up even a lighter caravan for a longer holiday or safely move heavier pieces of furniture.

From the perspective of overall utility value, the German representative clearly has the upper hand in this age category for active drivers. Although Toyota has significantly increased the towing capacity in its newer models, in the market for roughly four-year-old used cars, the ID.4 offers noticeably better and more usable towing capabilities, significantly expanding its everyday versatility.

Battle of Electric Concepts: Diversity vs. Simplicity

Both models, the Toyota bZ4X and the Volkswagen ID.4, position themselves in the market as family battery electric SUVs (BEVs), but their approach to powertrains is diametrically different, which fundamentally influences used car buyers. While the Japanese automaker bets on a minimalistic and exceptionally clear range of two variants for its first full-fledged electric car (standard FWD with 150 kW and a slightly more powerful AWD with 160 kW), Volkswagen sticks to its proven tactic of a broad portfolio. For a four-year-old ID.4 model, customers can choose from purely budget and city-oriented variants (Pure with 109 kW), through stronger "mileage eaters" (Pro Performance with 150 kW), to high-performance all-wheel drive under the GTX label (220 kW). This diversity of concepts gives Volkswagen a clear advantage in flexibility for buyers with a very tight or, conversely, higher budget. Toyota, in return, excels with an excellent compromise, emphasizing an outstanding traction system for AWD models called X-MODE, developed with Subaru, which gives the bZ4X surprising capabilities for its class in light off-road conditions or snow. For both manufacturers, the driving force is pure electricity combined with a single-speed automatic transmission.

Powertrain Range: Toyota bZ4X

The Toyota bZ4X (EAM1 generation) entered the market in the spring of 2022 and follows a philosophy where there is no need to complicate the price list. The base is the front-wheel drive (FWD) version, which delivers 150 kW (204 hp) and a generous 266 Nm of torque via a single electric motor, making it an absolutely ideal and balanced setup for longer daily trips with an emphasis on the lowest possible energy consumption. More demanding clients in the used car market can then opt for the sophisticated AWD version with all-wheel drive. It uses two separate 80kW motors on the front and rear axles, generating a combined system output of 160 kW (218 hp) with a maximum torque of 337 Nm. Although both motorizations remained untouched in later production phases, you can no longer find the original early equipment packages today, such as the widely sold Comfort and Technology Package AWD from the period 08/2022 to 04/2024. These richly equipped first versions are thus an exclusive matter solely for the market of nearly new and four-year-old used cars.

Powertrain Range: Volkswagen ID.4

While Toyota's offering is sparse and stable, the situation for the Volkswagen ID.4 (1st generation) changed dramatically between 2021 and 2024. For the market of roughly four-year-old vehicles, this means one absolutely key thing: most used cars from this period rely on power units that are no longer in production and have become the exclusive domain of the second-hand market. Those looking for a more affordable family car often come across the rear-wheel drive Pure (109 kW) and Pure Performance (125 kW) models from 2021 and 2022, whose production has already ended. The Pro Performance (150 kW) variant, producing a solid 310 Nm, has thus become a clear favorite among used cars, with its life cycle for new vehicles ending in October 2023. This highly versatile variant was complemented by the Pro 4MOTION (195 kW) all-wheel drive. However, if a driver required pure dynamics, they could choose the top-tier GTX 4MOTION (220 kW, 460 Nm) edition. Similar to the Pro specification, the original 220 kW GTX also ceased production in October 2023 to make way for even more powerful successors (GTX from 10/23 offers 250 kW). For budget-conscious drivers, we recommend looking for available Pure Performance models, while individuals preferring brisker highway travel with 4x4 drive will undoubtedly appreciate the availability of the aforementioned original 220 kW GTX model.

Choosing the right powertrain is crucial for long-term satisfaction with electric vehicles, as it affects not only real-world range and dynamics but also charging speed and overall vehicle reliability. While the Toyota bZ4X entered the market in 2022 with an emphasis on robustness and long-term battery life through very conservative management, the Volkswagen ID.4—a representative of the established MEB platform from 2021–2022—bets on rear-wheel drive, which gives it excellent agility in the city, and offers a wider range of batteries. Both cars primarily target families, yet their approach to efficiency and software management differs significantly. Our recommendations are based on real-world experience, consumption, user feedback, and the mechanical reliability of vehicles approximately three to four years old.

For the Toyota bZ4X, we recommend: FWD (front-wheel drive), 150 kW (204 hp)

• Why it's the best choice: The single-axle drive version (produced since 2022) is a much more logical choice for everyday use and price/performance ratio than the slightly more powerful AWD (160 kW) version. It features the same 71.4 kWh battery, but due to the absence of a rear electric motor, it is lighter and significantly more efficient, which translates into valuable extra kilometers of real-world range in used cars.
• Technical advantages: The 150 kW output and 266 Nm of torque are easily sufficient for safe overtaking and more dynamic driving even with a fully loaded vehicle. Real-world combined consumption can be maintained around 17–18 kWh/100 km. Furthermore, Toyota's batteries are characterized by an extremely conservative management system, which means minimal cell degradation over the years—very reassuring news for anyone interested in a used car.
• Risks and weaknesses: Early bZ4X models (especially vehicles from 2022 and early 2023) suffered from software "teething troubles" in the form of very slow fast charging (DC) in cold weather and an overly pessimistic range indicator. The car often reported 0% battery even when a large safety reserve remained.
• Who the car is ideal for: This powertrain will be most appreciated by calmer drivers, families operating primarily in suburban environments, and buyers looking for the legendary "Japanese indestructibility" and maximum battery life without the stress. It is not an ideal highway cruiser for daily long-distance trips, but it is a highly reliable car for every day.

For the Volkswagen ID.4, we recommend: Pro Performance (rear-wheel drive), 150 kW (204 hp)

• Why it's the best choice: The ID.4 Pro Performance model from 2021–2023 represents the absolute "sweet spot" of the used car market. It has a larger battery with a usable capacity of 77 kWh (unlike the weaker Pure versions, which have only 52 kWh and have been available since 2021). The Pro Performance version provides the car with a very solid real-world range, commonly exceeding 400 km. While the more powerful all-wheel-drive models (GTX) offer slightly better dynamics, they unnecessarily increase weight, consumption, and the mechanical complexity of the vehicle.
• Technical advantages: The electric motor mounted on the rear axle provides smooth pull with 310 Nm of torque and excellent traction during acceleration. Because the front wheels are used exclusively for steering and are not limited by drive shafts, the ID.4 has a fantastic turning circle with a radius of only 10.2 meters. The result is a surprisingly agile and easy-to-maneuver family SUV, even in cramped underground garages.
• Risks and weaknesses: Mechanically and structurally, MEB platforms in four-year-old used cars are very durable, and the degradation of the 77 kWh battery is slow and predictable. However, the pain point of the early years is the slow and unstable infotainment system, which was prone to freezing or restarting.
• Who the car is ideal for: The Pro Performance version is excellent for families requiring space, superior driving comfort, and quietness. Thanks to the large battery and stable fast-charging curve, this car is not afraid of highway routes or longer summer vacations to the sea. It will suit anyone transitioning to an electric vehicle from traditional large cars like the Volkswagen Passat or Škoda Superb.

Official consumption figures provided by manufacturers often appear very optimistic in catalogs, but the reality on the road tends to be somewhat different. This is doubly true for electric vehicles, where consumption and subsequent range heavily depend on the route profile, driving style, and outside temperature. To get the most accurate picture of how both electric SUVs perform as roughly four-year-old used cars, we used real-world data from hundreds of users on the Spritmonitor.de portal, reflecting everyday family and highway use.

Very interesting trends emerge from the collected data. The Toyota bZ4X proves to be the more economical choice overall in the real world. According to long-term data, the Japanese representative shows a solid average of around 15.3 kWh/100 km. With the Volkswagen ID.4, on the other hand, we encounter a minor paradox more commonly known from the era of conventional powertrains – a weaker motorization does not automatically mean lower consumption. The base Pure version and the standard Pro version range between 16.8 and 17.1 kWh/100 km. In contrast, the more popular and powerful Pro Performance variant (150 kW) paradoxically fares slightly better, settling at an average of 16.5 kWh. The reason is a more efficient matching of engine power to vehicle weight and more sophisticated recuperation calibration. The least economical, though most capable model, is the sport-tuned GTX all-wheel drive with consumption approaching 17.6 kWh/100 km.

For the average user, a clear recommendation follows from these facts. If you are looking for an electric car primarily for efficient movement on suburban routes and frequent stop-and-go traffic, the Toyota bZ4X can reduce operating costs for home charging thanks to its exemplary energy management. Conversely, those interested in the Volkswagen ID.4 who frequently take to the highways should not aim for the weakest versions when choosing from a used car dealership. The Pro Performance model makes clear sense in terms of efficiency, as it requires slightly less energy for its services on long trips than the weaker specifications, while offering a much more pleasant power reserve for safe overtaking.

In conclusion, although the Japanese model wins the consumption comparison quite convincingly, a difference of roughly 1.5 to 2 kWh per hundred kilometers does not represent a financial catastrophe. With a typical annual mileage in an electric SUV, this value will not drastically affect the family budget. Consumption as such should therefore not be the sole determining argument in this duel – decisions should rather be based on the required trunk size, usable battery capacity, and real-world highway range, which is influenced not only by efficiency itself but also by the overall battery size of both rivals.

When choosing a used electric SUV around four years old, it's not just the original purchase price that matters, but primarily the different rates of depreciation and the varying lengths of time both models have been on the market. While one of the vehicles is already firmly established on the secondary market, the other is still perceived more as a hot new arrival, which is naturally reflected in the used car price tags.

Volkswagen ID.4 (typically 2021–2022 models)

• Price range: Approximately from €18,000 to €33,000
• Market situation: Volkswagen introduced the ID.4 quite early, which means it is now represented in large numbers on the used car market. Those interested in roughly four-year-old cars have a huge selection across all of Europe.
• Best value for money: Basic models with a smaller battery (52 kWh) or higher mileage can be purchased very cheaply, even below the €21,000 mark. The much more desirable Pro version with the larger 77kWh battery consistently ranges between €25,000 and €29,000. The relatively steep depreciation of the first model years makes a used ID.4 an extremely attractive choice with an excellent price-to-utility ratio for a family.

Toyota bZ4X (typically 2022–2023 models)

• Price range: Approximately from €27,000 to €39,000
• Market situation: Toyota's first full-fledged electric car entered the market a bit later. Currently, it is therefore among the younger and rarer used cars. Compared to Volkswagen, the used car selection is significantly more modest.
• Why it holds its value: For used cars, the premium brand surcharge is fully evident. Toyota traditionally maintains a higher residual value thanks to its reputation for reliable cars and strong traction battery warranty programs (often in the hundreds of thousands of kilometers). Due to the shorter time on the market and limited availability, you have to expect a higher initial investment. Better-equipped all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions can approach or even slightly exceed the €37,000 mark.

Quick Overview of the Used Car Market

Both of these family-oriented electric vehicles, the Toyota bZ4X and the Volkswagen ID.4, achieved the maximum five-star rating in independent Euro NCAP crash tests. However, when interpreting these results for roughly four-year-old used cars, it is essential to understand the broader context and check the specific year of testing. Euro NCAP test protocols are constantly evolving and becoming stricter over the years – adding more complex simulations of frontal impacts into moving obstacles, emergency scenarios at intersections, and much more demanding parameters for detecting cyclists or pedestrians. Percentage results from different years are therefore not absolutely and directly comparable; they serve more as an indicator of how successfully a given model handled the strict methodologies of its time.

Toyota bZ4X (Year of testing: 2022)

The Toyota bZ4X underwent testing at the end of 2022. Its excellent result fully reflects the implementation of the then-latest assistance features within the advanced Toyota Safety Sense package. The model earned an extraordinary 91% in the safety assist category, where test commissioners particularly praised the precise autonomous emergency braking that reacts not only to cars but also to vulnerable road users. With adult occupants (88%) and child occupants (87%), the structure handled impacts excellently, and the passenger compartment remained highly stable. Protection of vulnerable road users at 79% is a very solid standard for a larger electric SUV.

Volkswagen ID.4 (Year of testing: 2021)

The Volkswagen ID.4 underwent crash tests a year earlier, in 2021. Its results clearly demonstrate the structural advantages of the rigid MEB platform, thanks to which the ID.4 excels primarily in passive safety. Adult occupant protection reached a great 93% and child protection exactly 89%. Volkswagen significantly benefited from, among other things, the installation of an innovative center airbag, which effectively prevents the heads of the driver and front passenger from colliding during a severe side impact. With a rating of 85% for assistance systems and 76% for vulnerable road users, the car proves that its standard features, including the innovative Car2X hazard warning technology, set a complete trend at the time.

Final Safety Evaluation

Overall, both models offer a first-class safety standard for everyday driving. While the Volkswagen ID.4 dominates thanks to its exceptionally massive architecture, which earned it slightly higher percentage gains in purely passive protection for both adults and children, the Toyota bZ4X effectively counters with a more modern and even slightly better-rated set of active assistants that can effectively prevent dangerous situations. In terms of long-term protection, both of these choices are a guarantee of maximum safety according to the strictest European standards for those interested in a used electric car.

In addition to standard equipment, each model offers several unique features that can be decisive for the customer and demonstrate the automakers' completely different approaches to innovation and the daily use of an electric vehicle.

Toyota bZ4X: Off-road capabilities and solar innovation

• Advanced X-MODE all-wheel drive: Developed in collaboration with Subaru, this system gives the electric Toyota unprecedented off-road capabilities in its class. It includes a Grip Control function for maintaining a constant speed in difficult terrain, allowing the vehicle to handle surprisingly demanding conditions.
• Solar panels on the roof: A unique optional feature that can capture solar energy and store it directly in the traction battery. Theoretically, it can extend the car's range by up to 1,800 kilometers per year and helps power on-board systems even when parked.
• Radiant infrared heating: An innovative heating system for the front seat footwell area ensures exceptionally fast thermal comfort immediately after starting. An additional advantage of this solution is lower energy consumption compared to conventional hot-air heating, which helps preserve range during the winter months.
• Infotainment and remote access: The Toyota Smart Connect system relies on a large and clear touchscreen. It features full connectivity, remote access to the vehicle via a mobile app for charging planning or cabin pre-heating, and support for over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

Volkswagen ID.4: Augmented reality and intelligent communication

• Augmented Reality (AR) Head-up Display: One of the biggest technological highlights of the ID.4. This advanced system projects navigation arrows and driver assistance warnings directly into the driver's field of vision so that they visually "float" above the road ahead, significantly easing orientation at complex intersections.
• ID. Light smart lighting: A narrow LED strip located under the windshield acts as a visual assistant. It communicates with the driver through color changes and moving animations – alerting to turn directions, showing battery charging status, or responding to voice control activation.
• GTX sports variant: For customers looking for a more dynamic drive, Volkswagen offers the specific GTX version. It adds all-wheel drive via two electric motors, a stiffer suspension setup, more powerful brakes, and more distinctive exterior and interior accents.
• IQ.Light headlights: Top-of-the-line Matrix LED headlights that can constantly and actively mask oncoming vehicles, allowing the driver to keep high beams on permanently. They also feature a playful design element – when approaching the car, the lenses lift and rotate, simulating a human eye-opening welcome.
• Smart use of space: Thanks to the MEB platform specifically designed for electric vehicles, the ID.4 offers a completely flat floor without a center tunnel. This allowed for the installation of a very practical and flexible center console with variable holders and a huge storage space for everyday items.

The Toyota bZ4X is an ideal choice for drivers who appreciate the brand's legendary reliability, long battery warranty, and require confidence from their SUV even off paved roads. However, due to the smaller trunk and slower charging, it is more suitable for daily suburban commuting than for regular long-distance trips across Europe.

The Volkswagen ID.4 will primarily appeal to families looking for an exceptionally spacious, comfortable, and practical electric SUV with balanced driving characteristics for everyday use. Although models from the first years of production may suffer from teething problems in the area of touch controls and software, its overall practicality and comfort make it a very rational choice on the used car market.

Based on our own CarAudit data, long-term user experience, service reports, and recall statistics, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that buyers of these used electric vehicles should watch out for.

Although the Japanese automaker usually excels in unrivaled reliability, the first generation of the purely electric Toyota bZ4X model struggled in its early days with several teething problems and specifics that are good to check on used cars.

• Chassis and wheels: The most famous early problem from the first year of production (2022) was a recall due to the risk of wheel bolts loosening, which could lead in extreme cases to a wheel falling off while driving. For used cars, always verify whether this repair and bolt replacement was carried out at an authorized service center.
• Battery and charging: Many owners report significantly slower DC fast charging speeds, especially in cold weather and for all-wheel-drive versions. Initially, the onboard system also hid an unnecessarily large battery capacity as a reserve below 0%, which artificially reduced the real range. It is recommended to check if the car's software has been updated to optimize range, add a battery percentage display, and improve thermal management.
• Interior: Rather than a mechanical problem, it's about material wear – owners often complain about the extensive use of glossy "piano black" plastics on the center console. These plastics are extremely prone to scratching and are often visibly worn on several-year-old used cars.
• Electronics: There are reports of occasional outages or freezes of the infotainment and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection. These problems are usually solved by a simple system restart or an over-the-air (OTA) update.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is among the very popular family electric SUVs, but for the first model years from 2020 to 2022, software and minor electronic faults appear quite frequently, requiring thorough attention before purchase.

• Infotainment and software: By far the most complaints are directed at the slow, freezing, and frequently restarting onboard system, especially in cars with the original software version 2.x. Before buying a used car, it is absolutely crucial to perform an independent used car inspection and verify whether the system was updated by a dealer to version 3.0 or higher, which solves most bugs and speeds up response.
• Electronics and 12V battery: Early models suffered significantly from problems with rapid discharge of the classic 12V onboard lead-acid battery, which caused an inability to "start" and put the car into operation, even though the main traction battery was full. Volkswagen addressed this problem with a recall and a mass replacement of batteries with a higher-quality type along with a software update.
• Body and exterior hardware: Electronic door handles can freeze in frosty weather or show microswitch faults. For certain units, a recall was issued due to the risk of moisture penetration into the printed circuit boards in the handles, which could cause the doors to open spontaneously while driving.
• Controls and ergonomics: This is not directly a defect, but a feature that users often complain about – the touch buttons on the steering wheel can react inaccurately, and the touch bar for volume and temperature control under the central display is not backlit. Operating it in the dark is therefore often frustrating.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. For modern electric vehicles, this is doubly true because, in addition to common mechanical parts, software updates and traction battery health play a vital role. A comprehensive car inspection by an experienced expert should therefore be the first step before a final purchase decision to avoid unpleasant and expensive surprises. Here are some specific points to focus on for these two models.

When choosing a Toyota bZ4X:

• Battery Management System (BMS) Software Updates: The very first software versions had very conservative settings. They limited fast-charging speeds (especially in winter) and maintained an excessively large hidden battery reserve, which artificially shortened the range shown on the display. Check the menu or via an authorized service center to see if the car has the 2023 system update installed, which significantly eliminates these issues.
• Recall History (Wheel Attachment): The very first units from 2022 had a well-publicized problem with loosening wheel bolts. Check the service book and use the VIN code to ensure the car has undergone the factory recall and that the hubs and bolts have been replaced with updated parts.
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Testing: If you are buying the dual-motor version, test the smoothness of acceleration and recuperation during a test drive. When driving with the X-MODE system on, there should be no unusual mechanical sounds, bangs, or excessive humming from the axles and electric motors.
• Condition of Interior Plastics: Toyota used glossy "piano black" extensively on the center console and around the controls in this model. This material is extremely prone to scratching. A detailed visual inspection can give you a clear indication of how carefully the previous owner treated the car.
• Traction Battery Degradation (SoH): Although Toyota offers excellent battery warranties, request a diagnostic State of Health (SoH) test. Wear varies depending on how often the previous owner used DC fast-charging stations compared to slower home AC charging.

When choosing a Volkswagen ID.4:

• Infotainment Software Version: For 2021 and 2022 models, this point is absolutely critical. Older software versions (2.x or 3.0 series) suffered from frequent freezing, restarts, and very slow response times. Check the software version directly in the system settings on the central display. Ideally, the car should be updated to version 3.2 or higher; otherwise, you face a lengthy update process at an authorized service center.
• 12V Battery Condition and Replacement: Older ID.4 models had a weak 12V battery from the factory, which drained quickly when downloading large updates. Volkswagen replaced these batteries as part of a service campaign. Look for a record of the physical replacement of this 12V battery in the service history, as it is a prerequisite for over-the-air (OTA) updates to function.
• Front Axle and Chassis Noise: During the test drive, intentionally drive over speed bumps or on poor surfaces. Heavier electric cars in the ID family often suffer from squeaking and knocking from the front stabilizer, shock absorber mounts, or control arm bushings. Any squeaking sounds from the front mean a necessary investment in the chassis.
• Capacitive Button Response: Test all touch buttons on the steering wheel, the touch bar under the display (volume and temperature sliders), and the driver's window control panel. They often don't respond immediately or, conversely, record "ghost" touches (random activations without touch). Avoid cars where these panels seem faulty.
• Uneven Rear Tire Wear: The car's high weight combined with the immediate torque of the rear electric motor causes rapid rear tire wear on the ID.4. Carefully measure the tread depth not only in the middle but also on the inner and outer edges of the tire to detect any potential wheel alignment issues.

Sources: ADAC, idnes.cz, mdcr.cz, autoservis.cz, auto-mania.cz, autorskola.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.