2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Porsche Macan

Porsche introduced the Macan in 2015, aiming to expand its market with a smaller, more affordable SUV positioned below the Cayenne. By 2022, the Macan had undergone several updates, yet retained much of its original design. The 2022 model featured a refreshed exterior, larger standard wheels, and a new center console with haptic touch controls, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The Macan lineup included the base model, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the latter two benefiting from more powerful engines.

Our test vehicle, a Macan S, came with an MSRP of $87,670, including nearly $20,000 in extras like premium paint, wheels, and performance upgrades. The Macan S, with its Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, looked stunning. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a left-side ignition switch, a large tachometer, and a flat, wide dashboard. The red leather, gloss black interior trim, and silver metallic accents added to its upscale, sporty feel.

Volkswagen made subtle styling changes to the 2023 ID.4, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors, along with a rear VW logo that lights up, were also introduced. Despite its EV distinction, the ID.4 didn't have the traditional SUV look, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance that attract many SUV buyers. However, this was a common trait among many electric vehicles.

The ID.4 was built on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, offering modularity to support various models. The interior maintained the quality and minimalist design seen in recent VW gasoline cars. The base ID.4 Standard model, despite having a manual driver's seat, didn't feel like a significant downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro S. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts was standard for 2023, adding to the vehicle's eco-friendly appeal.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powerful engines. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS inherited the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the old Macan Turbo, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Our Macan S test car came with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, producing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package.

All Macans were equipped with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel-drive system. The 2022 model featured re-tuned steering and suspension for improved ride and handling, with larger 20-inch standard wheels and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive damping. Our test vehicle also included Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB), enhancing its performance on twisty roads.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 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 AWD version rivaled hot hatchbacks like the Golf GTI in acceleration but lacked the handling prowess. It was comfortable and refined, but allowed too much body roll on twisty roads. The regenerative braking system didn't support one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for EV newcomers. The ID.4 was enjoyable for long drives but didn't excel on challenging roads.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable experience for the driver and front-seat passenger. Our test vehicle featured 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, part of the optional Premium Package. However, the rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls looked modern but required the driver to look away from the road to use it. Cargo space was 17.2 cubic feet, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample front and rear legroom and headroom. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. VW made functional improvements to the interior for 2023, including a conventional lid for the center console and a better phone storage spot.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and connected services. The system featured touch-sensing virtual buttons and proximity sensing, making it intuitive for smartphone users. However, the voice recognition system was less reliable compared to competitors. The Macan also had separate controls for frequently adjusted features like stereo volume and climate control.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 upgraded to a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen on all models, with software updates for improved responsiveness. It retained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting and lacked physical feedback. The ID.Light feature provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a reversing camera. Blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist were optional. The Macan also offered front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and an optional Park Assist system. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance technologies available in other Porsche models. Neither NHTSA nor IIHS had published safety ratings for the Macan.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS' "Top Safety Pick+" rating. The ID.4 came with standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. For 2023, it added Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.