Which VW SUV is Right for Your Kansas City Family?

As the number of available EVs continues to grow, buyers everywhere are asking the same question: “How do I pick the best electric vehicle for my needs?” Well, it depends. Some EVs prioritize the maximum amount of range, while others opt for thrilling performance, and others still are built with maximum affordability in mind. And then, we have those rare models that seem do a little bit of everything, like the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 and Hyundai IONIQ 5. Both have received plenty of hype from critics, so we’ve decided to put them head-to-head to see which one has the edge. Price Both SUVs are considered among the most affordable electric vehicles that are currently available. Here’s the breakdown of their MSRPs, as of the time of this writing. 2024 VW ID.4: • Standard: $39,735 • Pro: $44,875 • S: $44,855 $46,990 • AWD Pro: $48,755 • Pro S: $49,995 • AWD Pro S: $53,875 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5: • SE Standard Range: $41,800 • SE: $45,850 • S: $44,855 • SEL: $47,400 • Limited: $53,500 • D100 Platinum Edition: $59,400 The ID.4 starts out a couple grand lower, and the special edition IONIQ 5 D100 is the most expensive by a pretty wide margin. However, there’s one more thing to consider: potential tax credits. According to the official U.S. government website, the ID.4 may qualify for the full $7,500 EV tax credit, while the IONIQ 5 may not, which puts Hyundai at a serious disadvantage. If you want to learn more about whether you can take advantage of tax credits on a new electric car, contact your local VW dealership. Range For the 2024 model year, improvements to the ID.4’s range put it just about even with that of the IONIQ 5. 2024 ID.4 2024 IONIQ 5 Standard range 206 miles 220 miles Long range (AWD) 263 miles 260 miles Long range (RWD) 291 miles 303 miles While the ID.4 is rated for a few less miles, the difference will likely not be noticeable in real-world conditions. Power Because of the near-instant torque delivered by an electric motor, many EV drivers expect a much more thrilling and responsive ride than they’d get out of a gas-powered car. Since both EV SUVs have 3 different powertrain options, the performance changes significantly between modes. 2024 ID.4 2024 IONIQ 5 Standard range 201 horsepower 168 horsepower Long range (AWD) 335 horsepower 320 horsepower Long range (RWD) 282 horsepower 225 horsepower No matter which one you opt for, the ID.4 packs much more power and delivers better performance. Interior Space and Comfort The ID.4 and IONIQ 5 are both considered compact electric SUVs, but their passenger and cargo dimensions show a distinct contrast between the two. 2024 ID.4 2024 IONIQ 5 Head room (front/rear) 41.1 in./38.4 in. 39.8 in./38.7 in. Shoulder room (front/rear) 57.5 in./55.9 in. 57.7 in./57.7 in. Hip room (front/rear) 54.4 in./46.7 in. 53.9 in./53.6 in. Leg room (front/rear) 41.1 in./37.6 in. 41.7 in./39.4 in. Cargo area (behind 2nd row) 30.3 cu. ft. 27.2 cu. ft. Cargo area (behind 1st row) 64.2 cu. ft. 59.3 cu. ft. While the IONIQ 5 has a bit more second-row room in general, the ID.4 has more space up front, and it also has significantly more cargo capacity. Tech As you’d expect from a current-gen EV, both come standard with a heaping helping of infotainment gizmos—the ID.4 has a 12-inch center touch screen, while the IONIQ 5 has a slightly larger 12.3-incher. Both come with features like Bluetooth device connection, multiple USB ports, Wi-Fi capability, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, although only the ID.4 comes standard with wireless Apple and Android integration. The ID.4 is also the only one to come with standard wireless device charging. The ID.4 and IONIQ 5 also have an impressive collection of standard driver assistance features through IQ.DRIVE and SmartSense, respectively. Both SUVs also earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS this year, putting them amidst the safest electric vehicles available. Test Drive the Volkswagen ID.4 Near Overland Park, KS If you’re interested in learning more about the best electric SUV in town, stop by Molle Volkswagen of Kansas City, where we offer tons of excellent monthly super specials on new vehicles. Give us a call at (816) 941-9500 or stop by our dealership near Leawood, KS today.

Nothing lasts forever, and unfortunately, that includes cars. At some point, almost every car owner will have to get rid of their old ride and buy a new one. You can always sell it directly to someone else, but that process often turns into a major headache for everyone involved. The easier solution? Simply trade it into the dealership. While it’s true that trading isn’t always as lucrative as selling on the private market, there are plenty of lifehacks you can use to squeeze more money out of your trade-in deal. Read on to discover our top tips. Research Your Car’s Value When you start to consider trading your car in, before you ever visit a dealership or talk to a salesman, do some research to get a rough estimate of your car’s trade-in value. There are plenty of places to do this online—sites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds are two of the most popular, and you can also value your trade on your local dealership’s website, which may also come with an appraisal or cash offer. To get the most accurate idea, it’s best practice to value your trade on multiple websites. Having a good idea of your car’s value is crucial when the time comes to negotiate later. Keep Service Records If you have your car worked on—whether it be at the dealership, by local mechanic, or DIY—always keep receipts filed away in a safe place. Detailed service records are another excellent tool when negotiating a car’s trade-in value because it proves that the car has a solid track record and has been well-maintained. Get Multiple Appraisals When you finally start visiting dealerships to get an official trade-in appraisal, it’s tempting to go with the first offer. However, different dealerships may give you different dollar amounts, so experts often recommend going to at least three different ones before making a final decision. Remember, you can easily value your trade online at most major dealerships. Detail Your Car “Detailing” is auto industry slang that basically means a deep cleaning. You can have this done professionally, but spending money certainly isn’t necessary. Simply vacuum the carpets and upholstery thoroughly, wipe down any hard surfaces, and give your vehicle a good wash, and it can pay off big time. When dealerships value a car, cleanliness is a major consideration. In fact, it can even make the difference between a “rough trade-in” and a “clean trade-in,” which can get you hundreds more dollars on your appraisal. Fix Minor Issues If your vehicle has major mechanical or electronic problems, it may not be worth it to fix them before you trade. However, any easily fixable issues like burnt out headlamps and taillights, worn out windshield wipers, and small exterior paint chipping should be taken care of. Much like a good detail job, fixing these issues can have a significant impact on your car’s appraisal. Trade at the Right Time Sometimes, when people trade a car in, it’s because it’s on its last legs and they need a new ride fast. But, if you’re lucky enough to choose when you trade, trading at certain times of the year can net you more value. For instance, you may get more for trading a convertible in the summer than you would in the winter. Trade-in values can also fluctuate based on the economy and the state of the car business, so trading when there’s a high demand for used vehicles can be massively beneficial. Don’t Be Scared to Negotiate Don’t forget, you don’t have to accept the first offer you get. If you did your research, kept service records, and got other offers, now is the time to break them out to see if you can get a higher dollar amount. Frequently Asked Questions Does my trade-in count as a down payment? Absolutely. Trading your old vehicle in can be an excellent way to cover some of the necessary down payment when financing your next car, and in some cases, it may even cover the entire down payment. What is the best time to trade my car in? The less miles a car has, the more money you’ll likely get, and some sources recommend trading in between 3 to 5 years old if you bought a new vehicle because the factory warranty likely won’t have expired. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Broadly speaking, it’s never a bad time to trade a vehicle as long as it’s been well-maintained and is still in good mechanical shape. What is a rough trade-in? When we say, “rough trade-in,” we mean a car that is exceptionally dirty, has glaring cosmetic issues, needs major mechanical repairs, or some combination of the three. These vehicles require a lot of work for the dealership to refurbish, so if you have a rough trade, you won’t get nearly as much as if it was in good condition. Can I trade my car if I still owe money on it? Yes, in most cases you can trade a vehicle even if you’re still paying on the loan. You generally have two options: either roll your remaining payments into the new loan, or use your trade-in to pay off the old loan. What does it mean if I’m “upside down” on a car loan? Being “upside down” on a car loan mean that you owe more than the vehicle is actually worth. This is otherwise known as negative equity. Get Top Dollar for Your Trade in Kansas City If you’re looking to get the most out of your trade-in, use our easy online Value Your Trade tool to get an appraisal in seconds. After that, you can browse a top-notch selection of new Volkswagen models and affordable used cars for sale to find your next dream ride. Contact us online or call 816-941-9500 to get started today.

Picking the perfect make and model for your needs is an essential part of the car shopping process, but it’s also just the beginning. To get all the tech, comfort, and performance features you want, you’ll also need to narrow it down to the right trim level. The Volkswagen Atlas is the largest SUV in the automaker’s lineup, offering a spacious cabin and tons of power across all models. But which trim level is right for your family? Read on to discover everything you need to know. 2026 VW Atlas Trims SE Starting price: $39,310 Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI® Drivetrain: FWD or AWD Key features: 18-inch machined alloy wheels Driving Mode Selection Black roof rails LED headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System Climatronic® three-zone climate control V-Tex leatherette seating Heated and ventilated front seats 12-inch center touch screen 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro 6 USB-C ports Wireless phone charger IQ.DRIVE SE with Technology Starting price: $43,730 Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI® Drivetrain: FWD or AWD Key features: Most SE features 20-inch machined alloy wheels Remote start Sunroof Front grille with integrated light bar Hands-free Easy Open/Close remote power rear liftgate Rear view mirror with integrated HomeLink® 115-volt power outlet Front and rear Park Distance Control Peak Edition Starting price: $48,060 Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI® Drivetrain: Standard AWD Key features: Most SE with Technology features 18-inch black alloy wheels All-terrain tires Peak Edition bumpers and exterior accents Peak Edition interior accents Power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof Multi-color adjustable ambient lighting SEL Starting price: $49,620 Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI® Drivetrain: Standard AWD Key features: Most SE with Technology features 20-inch machined alloy wheels Power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof Leather seating 10-way power adjustable driver seats with lumbar and memory 8-way power adjustable front passenger seat Heated 1st and 2nd row Head-up display Multi-color adjustable ambient lighting Dynamic Road Sign Display SEL Premium R-Line Starting price: $54,630 Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI® Drivetrain: Standard AWD Key features: Most SEL features 21-inch machined alloy wheels R-Line exterior accents Perforated Vienna leather seating Massaging front seats with 4-way lumbar Harmon Kardon® Premium Audio System Overhead View Camera (Area View) 2026 VW Atlas Fuel Economy and Performance The Atlas comes standard with a burly 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that cranks out 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The SE and SE with Technology trims can be optioned with either front-wheel drive or 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, while the upper three trim levels come standard with 4MOTION® for added capability. Drive Mode Select comes standard across the board. FWD-equipped models come with five modes for Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow, while 4MOTION® models come with a sixth Offroad mode. Front-wheel drive Atlas models are rated for up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, or about 23 mpg combined, while 4MOTION® models return slightly less. 2026 VW Atlas Dimensions The base-level Atlas SE comes with second-row bench seating, allowing space for seven people to ride comfortably. All other trims can be optioned second-row captain’s chairs for a premium passenger experience. Here’s a look at the interior measurements of the 2026 Atlas: Seating capacity 6 to 7 Head room (1st row) 41.3 in Head room (2nd row) 40.4 in Head room (3rd row) 38.3 in Leg room (1st row) 41.7 in Leg room (2nd row) 37.6 in Leg room (3rd row) 33.7 in Total passenger volume 153.7 cu ft Cargo volume (behind 3rd row) 20.6 cu ft Cargo volume (behind 2nd row) 55.5 cu ft Cargo volume (behind 1st row) 96.6 cu ft 2026 VW Atlas Interior and Tech The Atlas comes standard with a wide range of infotainment features, including a 12-inch center touch screen with App-Connect® wireless device integration (Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™), a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro for vehicle diagnostic and advanced driving systems, a wireless phone charger, and access to myVW+ connected services including and in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. Other standard comfort features include premium upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, while upper-level trims get even more features like the panoramic sunroof, premium audio system, and more. 2026 VW Atlas Safety Features All Atlas models come standard with IQ.DRIVE, Volkswagen’s collection of ADAS features that includes the following: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go Semi-automated driving assistance (Travel Assist) Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist) Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist) Blind Spot Monitor (Side Assist) Rear Traffic Alert Semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency (Emergency Assist) Other available features in higher trim levels include Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Park Assist, Park Distance Control, Head-up Display, Dynamic Road Sign Display, and Area View. Frequently Asked Questions What is the cheapest VW Atlas trim? The Atlas SE is the most affordable trim, with a starting price of under $40,000. It comes incredibly well-equipped, offering frugal shoppers a genuine luxury-adjacent experience. What is the most expensive VW Atlas trim? The SEL Premium R-Line is the fully loaded version of the Atlas, with premium upholstery seating comfort, and technology for shoppers who want the cream of the crop. What is the towing capacity of the 2026 VW Atlas? The Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the tow hitch, which comes standard in the SE with Technology trim and up. Which 2026 VW Atlas trims have captain’s chairs? All trim levels come standard with second-row bench seats, but every trim except for the base-level SE can be optioned with second-row captain’s chairs for a small upcharge. Which 2026 VW Atlas trim has a sunroof? The SE with Technology trim comes with a standard sunroof, while all higher-level trims get a panoramic sunroof. Shop Volkswagen Atlas Trims near Overland Park Whether you choose the affordable SE, the fully loaded SEL Premium R-Line, or anything in-between, Molle Volkswagen of Kansas City is your go-to destination for a wide range of new Atlas models for sale. You can also save a ton when you take advantage of our VW Atlas lease deals and Molle Super Specials. Contact us online or call us at 816-941-9500 to schedule a test drive today.