If you’re cross‑shopping a Volkswagen ID.4 against a similar gas SUV, the real question isn’t sticker price. It’s long‑term money: fuel, maintenance, taxes, resale. In this guide we’ll put numbers to “Volkswagen ID.4 vs gas car cost” so you can see what you’re likely to spend over five years in the U.S. today.
Key takeaway in 10 seconds
For a typical American driver putting about 15,000 miles a year on a compact SUV, a Volkswagen ID.4 will usually cut **energy and maintenance costs by several thousand dollars over five years** versus a comparable gasoline SUV, often enough to offset most or all of the EV’s higher upfront price, especially if you use incentives.
ID.4 vs gas: what this comparison covers
- A current‑generation Volkswagen ID.4 (2024 model year efficiency and costs as a proxy).
- A typical compact gas SUV with a combined rating around 28 mpg.
- Average U.S. residential electricity rates around $0.17 per kWh in 2025.
- Average U.S. gasoline near $3.00 per gallon heading into 2026.
- Five‑year ownership, assuming 15,000 miles per year (75,000 miles total).
Real‑world costs for your household will depend on where you live, your utility plan, gas prices in your state, and whether you buy new or used. So think of the numbers here as **directional**, not penny‑perfect. We’ll walk through the math so you can easily plug in your own rates.
ID.4 vs gas SUV: quick cost snapshot (5 years, 75,000 miles)
Energy costs: electricity vs gasoline
Let’s start with the line item you feel every week: fuel. The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all‑electric compact SUV, so your energy spend is electricity, not gasoline.
Volkswagen ID.4 electricity use
For 2024 models, the Volkswagen ID.4 is rated around 32–33 kWh per 100 miles combined, depending on whether you choose rear‑wheel drive or all‑wheel drive. That’s a useful benchmark because it lets us translate your electricity rate into a cost per mile.
- Assume 33 kWh/100 miles (0.33 kWh per mile).
- Assume a typical U.S. residential rate of **$0.17 per kWh**.
- Electricity cost per mile ≈ 0.33 × $0.17 ≈ **$0.056 per mile**.
- At 15,000 miles per year, annual electricity ≈ 15,000 × $0.056 ≈ **$840**.
- Over five years (75,000 miles), that’s roughly **$4,200** in electricity.
Lower rates can make the math even better
If you charge mostly at home on a discounted overnight or EV time‑of‑use plan, you might pay closer to $0.10–$0.13 per kWh. That can drop your per‑mile cost into the **3–4 cents** range and take another thousand dollars or more out of your 5‑year fuel bill.
Comparable gas SUV fuel use
Now let’s compare a mainstream compact SUV, something like a Honda CR‑V, Toyota RAV4, or gas‑powered Volkswagen Tiguan. Many current models land around **28 mpg combined** in real‑world driving.
- Average gas price assumption: **$3.00 per gallon** nationwide.
- Fuel per mile at 28 mpg: 1 ÷ 28 ≈ **0.036 gallons per mile**.
- Fuel cost per mile: 0.036 × $3.00 ≈ **$0.11 per mile**.
- At 15,000 miles per year: 15,000 × $0.11 ≈ **$1,650 per year**.
- Over five years (75,000 miles): about **$8,250** in gasoline.
Volkswagen ID.4 (electric)
- Energy use: ~33 kWh/100 miles
- Cost per mile: about 5.5–6¢
- Annual energy cost: ≈ $800–$900
- 5‑year energy cost: ≈ $4,000–$4,500
Assumes mostly home charging at around $0.17/kWh and 15,000 miles per year.
Comparable gas SUV
- Fuel economy: ~28 mpg combined
- Cost per mile: about 10–12¢
- Annual fuel cost: ≈ $1,600–$1,800
- 5‑year fuel cost: ≈ $8,000–$9,000
Assumes $3.00 per gallon gasoline and the same 15,000 miles per year.
Fuel savings in plain English
Even with today’s relatively moderate gas prices, an ID.4 can easily save **around $4,000 in fuel alone over five years** versus a similar gasoline SUV, assuming home charging and typical U.S. prices.
Maintenance and repairs: where EVs pull ahead
Fuel isn’t the only operating cost. Oil changes, spark plugs, exhaust systems, and complex automatic transmissions all add up over time in a gas vehicle. The ID.4 dodges almost all of that.
Why the ID.4 is cheaper to maintain
- No oil changes or engine tune‑ups.
- No timing belt, spark plugs, or fuel injectors.
- Far fewer moving parts in the drivetrain.
- Regenerative braking reduces brake wear, so pads and rotors last longer.
- No emissions system (catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, etc.) to service or replace.
Real‑world data backs this up. Independent cost‑to‑own analyses for the 2024 ID.4 show 5‑year maintenance and repair costs in the ballpark of $4,000 or less, and that includes tires and routine checks. Comparable gas SUVs often sit several thousand dollars higher when you add in routine engine service and out‑of‑warranty repairs.
One caveat: tires
EVs like the ID.4 are heavier and deliver instant torque. That can wear tires faster, especially if you accelerate hard. Budget for **slightly more frequent tire replacement** than you might be used to with a lighter compact gas SUV.
How gas SUV maintenance stacks up
Over five years and 75,000 miles, a conventional compact SUV will typically need multiple oil changes, transmission fluid service, engine air and cabin filters, plus the usual brake and suspension work. That can easily add up to **$6,000–$8,000 in maintenance and minor repairs**, depending on the brand and how you drive.
Volkswagen ID.4
- Simple scheduled services
- No oil changes
- Less brake wear thanks to regen
- Fewer drivetrain components to fail
- Typical 5‑year maintenance & repairs: lower mid‑$4k range
Gas compact SUV
- Oil & filter changes every 5k–7.5k miles
- Transmission & coolant services
- More complex exhaust and emissions systems
- More wear items under the hood
- Typical 5‑year maintenance & repairs: often $6k–$8k
Purchase price, incentives, and depreciation
So far the ID.4 looks good on running costs. The usual pushback is, “But EVs cost more to buy.” That used to be a slam‑dunk argument. It still matters, but the gap is narrowing, and incentives change the math again.
Sticker price and real transaction price
A new Volkswagen ID.4 typically lists higher than a similarly equipped gas compact SUV. Depending on trim, you might see a **$5,000–$10,000 higher MSRP** versus, say, a comparably sized Tiguan or RAV4. On the other hand, EV discounts, dealer incentives, and federal or state programs can shrink, or sometimes erase, that difference at the deal table.
Don’t forget federal and state incentives
Depending on how the vehicle is built and how you purchase it, an ID.4 may qualify for federal EV tax credits or leasing incentives, plus state or utility rebates. That can effectively knock **thousands of dollars off** your net cost. Rules are complex and change often, so always verify current eligibility before you sign.
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Depreciation: EVs vs gas
Depreciation, the loss in value as a vehicle ages, is the single biggest cost in the first five years, for EVs and gas cars alike. Historically, some EVs have dropped faster than their gas counterparts, in part because technology moves quickly and incentives effectively discount new models. But demand for practical, family‑friendly electric SUVs like the ID.4 has been strengthening, helping shore up resale values.
Recent 5‑year cost‑to‑own estimates for a new ID.4 show depreciation roughly in line with other compact crossovers in the same price band. In other words, when you compare apples to apples, **depreciation by itself isn’t a reason to avoid the ID.4**, it’s just a cost you need to factor in for any new vehicle.
5‑year cost scenario: ID.4 vs gas SUV
To make “Volkswagen ID.4 vs gas car cost” concrete, let’s run a simplified five‑year scenario. These aren’t exact quotes, they’re ballpark numbers to show directionally how the pieces add up.
Illustrative 5‑year cost of ownership: ID.4 vs gas SUV
Approximate 5‑year costs for a new Volkswagen ID.4 vs a similar new gasoline compact SUV, assuming 75,000 miles, typical U.S. prices, and no major accidents or unusual repairs.
| Category | Volkswagen ID.4 (electric) | Comparable gas SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (fuel/electricity) | ≈ $4,200 | ≈ $8,250 |
| Maintenance & repairs | ≈ $4,000 | ≈ $7,000 |
| Insurance | Similar, varies by driver | Similar, varies by driver |
| Depreciation | Similar to other compact SUVs | Similar to other compact SUVs |
| Total operating costs (no depreciation) | ≈ $8,000–$9,000 | ≈ $15,000+ |
Use this as a framework and plug in your local energy prices, insurance quotes, and purchase details to fine‑tune the numbers for your situation.
Big picture
Looking purely at operating costs (fuel + maintenance + small repairs), an ID.4 can realistically run **$6,000–$8,000 cheaper than a comparable gas SUV over five years** for a typical American driver. How that compares to any sticker‑price difference is the heart of your decision.
Non‑money factors that still impact your wallet
Even when you’re focused on dollars, there are practical considerations that can move your costs up or down in real life.
Practical factors that change the cost picture
Some of these don’t show up in a spreadsheet, but you’ll feel them day to day.
Home charging access
If you can charge at home, you capture the biggest savings and convenience benefits. If you rely on public DC fast charging at higher per‑kWh prices, your energy costs move closer to gasoline.
Your driving pattern
Short, stop‑and‑go commutes play to an EV’s strengths. Long‑distance, high‑speed highway driving narrows the efficiency gap and can add fast‑charging costs.
Climate and seasons
Cold winters can temporarily cut EV range and bump up electricity use. Very hot or cold climates can also affect gas mileage in a conventional SUV.
Public fast charging isn’t a gas‑station clone
If you live in an apartment with no home or workplace charging and rely heavily on DC fast chargers, you’ll pay more for electricity and spend more time waiting. That doesn’t erase the ID.4’s advantages, but it **can shrink your total savings** versus a gas SUV.
How it changes if you buy used or finance
So far we’ve talked mostly in new‑car terms. But a growing share of ID.4 shoppers are looking at **used** examples, in part because early depreciation can make the numbers very attractive.
Used ID.4 vs used gas SUV
On the used market, a three‑year‑old ID.4 can sometimes be priced similarly to or even below a comparable gas SUV. At that point, the EV’s lower energy and maintenance costs become “found money” because you’re no longer paying a premium upfront.
The one extra data point you need with a used EV is **battery health**. A strong, well‑cared‑for battery preserves range and future resale value. A heavily degraded pack might lower the price but also your usable range and long‑term confidence.
How Recharged handles battery health
Every EV sold through Recharged includes a Recharged Score Report with verified battery health. That gives you an objective read on pack condition, so you can compare a used ID.4 directly to a used gas SUV with far more confidence.
Financing and monthly payment math
If you finance your purchase, it’s worth comparing **monthly cost to own**, not just monthly payment. For example, your ID.4 payment might run $40–$80 more per month than a gas SUV, but you could easily save $70–$100 a month on fuel and maintenance, especially at higher mileage. Over a 60‑month loan, that can turn a seemingly more expensive vehicle into the cheaper choice in practice.
Monthly cost reality check: questions to ask yourself
1. What’s my true monthly fuel cost today?
Look back at a few months of bank or credit‑card statements and total your gasoline purchases. Many drivers underestimate this number by 20–30%.
2. Can I charge at home or work?
If the answer is yes, use your utility’s rate and the ID.4’s kWh/100‑mile figure to estimate your real charging cost instead of guessing.
3. How many miles do I actually drive?
High‑mileage drivers see the biggest savings with an ID.4. At 20,000+ miles per year, the fuel cost gap versus a gas SUV gets dramatic.
4. What’s my time horizon?
If you typically keep vehicles 2–3 years, resale and lease deals matter more. If you keep them 7–10 years, operating costs dominate the picture.
How Recharged helps you run the numbers
Sorting through “Volkswagen ID.4 vs gas car cost” on your own can feel like spinning plates, energy prices, maintenance, incentives, resale. Recharged is built to make that easier, especially if you’re comparing **used EVs vs used gas vehicles**.
Why shoppers use Recharged for ID.4 vs gas comparisons
Tools and support designed specifically for EV ownership decisions.
Recharged Score battery diagnostics
Every EV, including Volkswagen ID.4 models, comes with a Recharged Score Report that measures battery health and expected range. You’re not guessing how the pack has aged.
Transparent pricing & TCO view
Listings show fair market pricing, and our EV‑specialist team can help you walk through total cost of ownership versus a comparable gas SUV, down to estimated fuel and maintenance.
Financing, trade‑in, and delivery
Recharged offers financing, instant offers or consignment for your current car, and nationwide delivery. You can handle the whole transaction digitally or visit our Experience Center in Richmond, VA.
If you’re curious how an ID.4 stacks up against the gas SUV sitting in your driveway today, you can start by browsing ID.4 listings, getting a trade‑in offer, and asking an EV specialist to help you line up **monthly payment + fuel + maintenance** on each side.
FAQ: Volkswagen ID.4 vs gas car cost
Frequently asked questions about ID.4 vs gas SUV costs
Bottom line: is a Volkswagen ID.4 cheaper than a gas SUV?
When you put hard numbers to “Volkswagen ID.4 vs gas car cost,” a clear pattern emerges. For the average American driver with access to home charging, a Volkswagen ID.4 typically **costs less to run and maintain** than a similar gas SUV, and over five years that difference can easily reach several thousand dollars, even before you factor in incentives.
If you’re only looking at monthly payment, the ID.4 might look pricier at first glance. But the moment you add fuel and maintenance back into the equation, the story often flips. That’s where tools like the Recharged Score Report, transparent used‑EV pricing, and EV‑savvy financing can help you see the full picture. If your goal is to cut your total cost of ownership without giving up the space and comfort of a compact SUV, the ID.4 deserves a serious spot on your short list.
