2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Lexus NX

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and turbocharged NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid based on the Toyota Rav4 Prime. The review focused on the turbocharged NX 350 in F Sport and Luxury trims.

Design was a key pillar for Lexus, and the NX was unmistakably a Lexus with its prominent spindle grille. Styling details reflected a simplified and refined approach, similar to the Lexus IS sports sedan. The new NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most models featured NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The F Sport trim distinguished itself with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, it featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation. The interior adopted a minimalist look, with many functions integrated into the available 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use quickly.

For the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, VW made subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design to improve aerodynamics. All wheel designs and colors were new for 2023, and the rear VW logo now lit up. The ID.4, based on VW’s MEB platform designed specifically for EVs, had a minimalist interior design with a feeling of quality. The base ID.4 Standard model, aside from a manual driver’s seat, didn’t feel like much of a downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro S. Leatherette upholstery with seat and door-panel inserts made partly from recycled fibers were standard for 2023.

Electrification was a key focus for the 2022 Lexus NX. The NX 350h offered a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+, with its high-capacity lithium-ion battery, was a 302-hp plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) delivering an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range before switching to gas-electric hybrid operation. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission powering all four wheels. The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional.

The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension with performance dampers and standard 20-inch wheels. On winding desert roads, the F Sport felt taut and lean, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer and more relaxed driving character. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX had a ground clearance of 7.7 inches, limiting its off-road capability.

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 models retained the 82-kWh pack, available with RWD or AWD. Single-motor RWD models were rated at 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models produced 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4’s AWD version had acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks like the VW Golf GTI and Golf R but lacked the handling prowess.

The ID.4 used regenerative braking to recover energy while decelerating, with a default regen setting allowing coasting and a more aggressive “B” setting stopping short of one-pedal driving. This provided a more familiar experience for EV first-timers.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for people and cargo, though it didn’t necessarily feel that way from the driver’s seat. The new dashboard design created a more intimate and cozy feeling. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX’s panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. Lexus claimed a 14% increase in cargo space, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than a Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. The ID.4 had 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. VW benchmarked the ID.4 against gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, though it fell short of those vehicles in interior space. The ID.4 had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. For 2023, the ID.4’s center console had a conventional lid, a better spot for a phone, and three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen display standard and a 14-inch screen optional. Standard equipment included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system optional. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to either front-seat occupant, with a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles with digital key capability.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 had a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen on all models, replacing the 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates to improve responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster remained standard. The ID.4’s user interface included haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which replaced conventional buttons. The ID.Light system, part ambient lighting and part AI assistant, changed color depending on the drive mode and flashed to indicate navigation directions.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) collection of technologies, with features such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover crash tests. The 2022 model received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating. The ID.4 had standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. For 2023, the ID.4 added standard Park Assist Plus automated parking, an automated lane-change feature for Travel Assist, and a 360-degree camera system.