2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

When shopping for a 2022 Jeep Wrangler, buyers had to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. Depending on this choice, they could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive (4WD) was standard, with multiple systems available based on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions offering different roof options and other features. The price range varied from about $30,000 to $80,000, excluding the destination charge.

Our test vehicle was the new High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim. It featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, a Gorilla Glass windshield, and High Tide or Beach hood decals. The Xtreme Recon package set it apart with a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. Additional features included a gasoline V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, an automatic transmission, Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, and various option groups. The MSRP was $58,845, including the $1,595 destination charge. Jeep also introduced minor equipment modifications and new paint colors for 2022.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lit up. The ID.4, based on VW’s MEB platform, didn’t have the upright profile and ground clearance of traditional SUVs, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, it offered a minimalist interior design with a feeling of quality, even in the base Standard model. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers was standard for 2023.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option. The Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was also included. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the eTorque V6, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications reduced this to an average of 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler’s driving experience was unique, with a rough-and-tumble feel, loud cabin noise, and frequent fuel stops. Despite these drawbacks, the Wrangler offered an immersive and adventurous driving experience, especially with the top and doors removed.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available only with RWD. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack, available with RWD or AWD. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models offered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, 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 driving dynamics were comfortable and refined, though it allowed too much body roll for truly entertaining handling on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was available but didn’t support one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for EV newcomers.

Getting in and out of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was challenging, especially with the High Tide’s raised suspension. The manual height adjuster for the driver’s seat required regular re-adjustment. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, and the interior featured plastic and rubber materials with some padded spots. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring leaning forward or relying on the reversing camera. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with a small tray on the dashboard, a deep center console box, and a narrow glove compartment. The tailgate, with a 35-inch spare tire, was heavy and required caution when opening. Cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 72.4 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front and rear-seat legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. Cargo space was 30.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with a quoted capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console, a better spot for a phone, and three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a relatively basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen on all models, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. The user interface included sharp graphics, natural-language voice recognition, and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a traditional split-screen view. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, though voice recognition mitigated this issue. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for protection in IIHS testing, with poor headlight performance.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS’ highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4 also included a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.