2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was synonymous with the Land Rover brand. Its design was a testament to elegance, with features like pop-out door handles that, while potentially unreliable, added to its allure. The Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with a sporty yet refined silhouette that echoed the grandeur of the larger Range Rover models. The vehicle's long wheelbase, short overhangs, and signature Land Rover grille were complemented by subtle design elements like the sloping roof and flush door handles, creating a streamlined yet robust appearance. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and an exemplary fit and finish, with a polished black center stack and attractive seat patterns.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 presented a more understated design, with subtle styling updates for the model year. The front and rear bumpers were refined for improved aerodynamics, and new wheel designs added a fresh touch. While the ID.4 was unmistakably an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, it was based on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, promising versatility and future expansion. The interior carried over the minimalist design and quality feel of VW's gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery and recycled fiber inserts. The ID.4's cabin was practical and spacious, offering more room than many other affordable EVs.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a driving experience that was distinct from previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved handling and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. While the powertrain provided average response, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system offered more power, with up to 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque in the R-Dynamic HSE trim. The Velar's Terrain Response system and All Terrain Progress Control added versatility, though its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base models and an 82-kWh pack for higher trims. The single-motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD variants increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight, enhancing acceleration and handling. While the ID.4's AWD version rivaled hot hatchbacks in acceleration, it lacked the handling prowess. The regenerative braking system allowed for energy recovery, though it didn't support one-pedal driving, offering a more conventional experience for new EV drivers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was more compact than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were criticized for being impractical and potentially dangerous. The Pivi Pro infotainment system, however, improved the user interface with faster and easier navigation.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than many affordable EVs. With 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, it was practical for an entry-level EV. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, 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 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. It included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation capabilities. The system also offered a 360-degree camera and off-road mode, though the driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen and software updates for improved responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a digital instrument cluster. The haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive, but the voice recognition system compensated for this. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but it received a five-star rating from the European NCAP. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was expected to perform well in IIHS tests, similar to the 2022 model. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including 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.