2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, distinguishing itself from the standard Outback models. It featured a higher ride height with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers that improved approach and departure angles. The exterior was marked by a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior was dominated by dark gray and black tones with StarTex water-repellant upholstery. Despite its utilitarian design, the Outback Wilderness offered a sense of purpose and personality, appealing to those seeking a more adventurous vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 showcased subtle styling changes that enhanced its aerodynamic profile. The front and rear bumpers received updates, and the rear VW logo was illuminated. While it maintained a distinct EV appearance, the ID.4 lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, it offered a minimalist and quality interior, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibers. The ID.4's design was more about practicality and modernity, appealing to those interested in a contemporary electric vehicle.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize crossover, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Wilderness trim featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, though its performance was somewhat hindered by the CVT's droning and soft gear changes. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and advanced traction systems, making it the most capable Outback model.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a 62-kWh pack for the base models and an 82-kWh pack for higher trims. The single-motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's handling was comfortable but allowed for some body roll, making it less engaging on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience rather than one-pedal driving, which might have disappointed some EV enthusiasts.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The interior offered heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable seats for both driver and passenger. Rear seat space was generous, with air conditioning vents and USB ports, though the StarTex material extended to the back seats. The cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and included waterproof materials and a robust roof rack for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 boasted more interior space than many affordable EVs, with ample legroom and headroom. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet when folded. The ID.4 also provided 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, along with three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring physical knobs for volume and tuning but relying heavily on the touchscreen for other functions. Voice recognition technology was limited, making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto preferable options. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available on other trims, but offered a convenient PIN code entry system for active lifestyles.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 upgraded to a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen across all models, with software updates for improved responsiveness. It retained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital instrument cluster. The user interface included 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 assistance, adding a unique touch to the driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in crash tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS. The ID.4 included a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus and an automated lane-change feature.