Volkswagen vs. Tesla
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from Volkswagen and Tesla contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both Volkswagen and Tesla cars.
When comparing the Volkswagen brand to the Tesla brand, Volkswagen has the advantage in the areas of used car pricing and variety of models offered. Tesla has the advantage in the areas of depreciation, horsepower, fuel efficiency, towing capacity, safety, retained value and vehicle rankings.
Volkswagen versus Tesla: Pricing and Value: Volkswagen has a lower used vehicle starting price in 3 out of 3 comparisons. Tesla models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 2 out of 3 comparisons.
Volkswagen versus Tesla: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Tesla vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 3 out of 3 model comparisons. Tesla offers a longer driving range in 2 out of 2 model comparisons. Tesla offers a greater towing capacity in 3 out of 3 comparisons.
Volkswagen versus Tesla: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: Tesla has better safety ratings in 1 out of 3 comparisons. Volkswagen and Tesla tie for safety in 2 comparisons. Tesla shows higher ratings for retained value in 2 out of 3 comparisons.
Safest Car Rankings: Tesla has the better car ranking in 1 category: Model X in Safest Electric SUVs.
Available Body Styles: Volkswagen offers 5 SUVs, 3 sedans, and 2 hatchbacks. In comparison, Tesla offers 2 SUVs and 2 sedans.
Drivetrain Options: Volkswagen offers 9 gasoline vehicles and 1 electric vehicle. Tesla offers 5 electric vehicles.
Volkswagen offers 7 all-wheel-drive models, 8 front-wheel-drive models, and 1 rear-wheel-drive model. Tesla offers 5 all-wheel-drive models and 2 rear-wheel-drive models.
New Car Pricing
EVs
Volkswagen ID.4
$37,593 - $55,988
Volkswagen ID.4
$37,593 - $55,988
Other Comparisons
Volkswagen Tiguan
$30,000 - $40,812
New Car Pricing
EVs
Tesla Model Y
Not Yet Available
Tesla Model Y
Not Yet Available
Other Comparisons
Tesla Model Y
Not Yet Available
Used Car Pricing
EVs
Volkswagen ID.4
$27,555 - $50,246
Volkswagen ID.4
$27,555 - $50,246
Other Comparisons
Volkswagen Tiguan
$28,946 - $39,417
Used Car Pricing
EVs
Tesla Model Y
$39,977 - $51,617
Tesla Model Y
$39,977 - $51,617
Other Comparisons
Tesla Model Y
$39,977 - $51,617
5-Year Depreciation (Lower is better)
EVs
Volkswagen ID.4
54.1%
Volkswagen ID.4
54.1%
Other Comparisons
Volkswagen Tiguan
41.3%
5-Year Depreciation (Lower is better)
EVs
Tesla Model Y
53.4%
Tesla Model Y
53.4%
Other Comparisons
Tesla Model Y
53.4%
Horsepower / Torque
EVs
Volkswagen ID.4
201 hp / 229 foot-lbs
Volkswagen ID.4
201 hp / 229 foot-lbs
Other Comparisons
Volkswagen Tiguan
184 hp / 221 foot-lbs
Horsepower / Torque
EVs
Tesla Model Y
295 hp / 309 foot-lbs
Tesla Model Y
295 hp / 309 foot-lbs
Other Comparisons
Tesla Model Y
295 hp / 309 foot-lbs
MPG (city/highway/combined)
Other Comparisons
Volkswagen Tiguan
23 / 30 / 26
MPG (city/highway/combined)
Other Comparisons
Tesla Model Y
Not Yet Available
EV Range
Volkswagen ID.4
209 miles
Volkswagen ID.4
209 miles
EV Range
Tesla Model Y
260 miles
Tesla Model Y
260 miles
iSeeCars Overall Quality Ratings
EVs
Volkswagen ID.4
Not available
Volkswagen ID.4
Not available
Other Comparisons
Volkswagen Tiguan
8.2 / 10
iSeeCars Overall Quality Ratings
EVs
Tesla Model Y
Not available
Tesla Model Y
Not available
Other Comparisons
Tesla Model Y
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Ratings
EVs
Volkswagen ID.4
Not available
Volkswagen ID.4
Not available
Other Comparisons
Volkswagen Tiguan
7.4 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Ratings
EVs
Tesla Model Y
Not available
Tesla Model Y
Not available
Other Comparisons
Tesla Model Y
Not available
iSeeCars Safety Ratings
EVs
Volkswagen ID.4
10 / 10
Volkswagen ID.4
10 / 10
Other Comparisons
Volkswagen Tiguan
9.3 / 10
iSeeCars Safety Ratings
EVs
Tesla Model Y
10 / 10
Tesla Model Y
10 / 10
Other Comparisons
Tesla Model Y
10 / 10
iSeeCars Resale Value Ratings
EVs
Volkswagen ID.4
7.1 / 10
Volkswagen ID.4
7.1 / 10
Other Comparisons
Volkswagen Tiguan
7.9 / 10
iSeeCars Resale Value Ratings
EVs
Tesla Model Y
7.2 / 10
Tesla Model Y
7.2 / 10
Other Comparisons
Tesla Model Y
7.2 / 10
iSeeCars Safest Car Rankings
EVs
Volkswagen ID.4
#7 of 44 in
Safest Electric SUVs
Volkswagen ID.4
#7 of 44 in
Safest Electric SUVs
Other Comparisons
Volkswagen Tiguan
#13 of 39 in
Safest SUVs with 3 Rows
iSeeCars Safest Car Rankings
EVs
Tesla Model Y
#6 of 44 in
Safest Electric SUVs
Tesla Model Y
#6 of 44 in
Safest Electric SUVs
Other Comparisons
Tesla Model Y
#6 of 44 in
Safest Electric SUVs