2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban carried forward the brand's full-size truck design language, which was introduced with its 2021 redesign. This design was shared with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup, giving the Suburban a supersized appearance with its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels. The Suburban offered a variety of grille, fascia, and wheel designs across its six trims, allowing for a degree of customization despite its single body style. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, 22-inch black-painted wheels, and sporty monochromatic black grille. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin ranging from comfortable on the base LS trim to luxurious on the High Country. The RST model featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, though the predominantly black interior made the cabin feel somewhat dark.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design. The new wheel designs and colors, along with a light-up rear VW logo, added to its refreshed look. While the ID.4 was easily recognizable as an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its modularity with other VW models, promising versatility. Inside, the ID.4 maintained a minimalist design with quality materials, even on the base Standard model. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers was standard, and the interior changes for 2023 improved functionality, such as a conventional lid for the center console and better phone storage.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six. The 5.3-liter V8, standard on most trims, produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-liter V8, standard on the High Country and optional on other trims, delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The new turbodiesel engine provided 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering excellent fuel economy and a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased cargo space. Our RST test vehicle featured the 6.2-liter V8, part of the Sport Performance package, which enhanced towing capabilities and provided a noticeable power boost. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models offered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivaled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but lacked their handling prowess. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience rather than one-pedal driving.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most models offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with a third row that provided ample headroom and legroom. The Suburban boasted 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The power-sliding center console and various storage compartments added to its practicality. However, its large size made maneuvering and parking challenging, especially in urban areas. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls was a notable change from the traditional column-mounted shifter.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with generous front and rear legroom and headroom. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V in terms of space, it was practical for an entry-level EV. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with a capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and improved phone storage, enhancing functionality.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured a range of technology options, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch version was available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a WiFi hotspot, were standard across the lineup. The audio system ranged from a basic six-speaker setup on the LS to a premium Bose 10-speaker system on the Premier and High Country.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. The user interface featured sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition, though the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, adding a unique touch to the driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban included the Chevy Safety Assist suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and more. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning became standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection and five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS had not tested the current-generation Suburban.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS' "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 offered standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. For 2023, it added Park Assist Plus and a 360-degree camera system.