2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner harkened back to the rugged SUV craze of the 1980s, maintaining its truck-based roots and never straying from its relationship with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its adventurous spirit, evident in its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper designed for off-road obstacles. Inside, the 4Runner's function-first approach was clear, though the dash layout felt dated, reminiscent of its last full redesign in 2009.

Toyota's decision to keep the 4Runner's traditional design wasn't out of stubbornness but rather a strategic choice, given the brand's strong lineup of crossovers like the Highlander for family duties. This allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of off-road enthusiasts. The 2022 model offered various trims, from the base SR5 to the off-road-ready TRD Pro and the more road-oriented Limited, each with a unique set of features and capabilities.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including a gloss black front bumper trim and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors, along with a rear VW logo that lit up, added to its refreshed look. While the ID.4 was easily distinguishable as an EV compared to VW's gasoline models, it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, this was a common trait among many current electric vehicles.

Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its modularity with a variety of models, similar to the MQB platform for gasoline vehicles. The interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW models, featuring a minimalist design and a sense of quality. Even the base ID.4 Standard model felt well-appointed, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibers. The 2023 updates included a conventional lid for the center console, a better phone spot, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This dated engine was chosen for its reliability and decent initial acceleration, though it felt underwhelming in most driving situations. Power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or available 4WD with low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and a jostling experience over bumps, reminiscent of traditional trucks and SUVs.

Off-road, the 4Runner's weaknesses on pavement disappeared. The suspension, which felt garish on the road, excelled in absorbing rocks, bumps, and root beds. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers but less than compact pickups.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models with RWD, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack with options for RWD or AWD. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models upped the output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, 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 models rivaled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but lacked the handling finesse. While comfortable and refined, the ID.4 allowed too much body roll on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present but didn't support one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for EV newcomers. The ID.4 was a great long-distance cruiser, but its handling on challenging roads was less impressive.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third row, available on select trims, reduced maximum cargo space and added seating capacity for up to seven. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access.

Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin wasn't cramped but could have been more efficient. There were plenty of storage spaces, but modern SUVs offered better cabin packaging. The 4Runner's interior design reflected its last full redesign in 2009, with a layout that felt dated compared to newer models.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more front and rear legroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it was the most practical among affordable EVs.

The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with RWD models rated at 2,200 pounds and AWD models at 2,700 pounds. VW made small interior changes for 2023, including a conventional lid for the center console, a better phone spot, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring hard buttons and dials for easy use. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system covered the tech basics, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. The 4Runner's infotainment system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, making it user-friendly even with gloves on.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 upgraded to a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen for 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 and natural-language voice recognition were also standard.

However, the ID.4's user interface still relied on haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which lacked physical feedback and could be distracting. The voice recognition system mitigated this issue by allowing easy control of functions like audio volume and temperature. The ID.Light feature, which changed color based on drive mode and navigation directions, added a unique touch to the interior.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, such as forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system were available. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA for frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

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, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS' highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating. The ID.4 came with standard driver-assist features like 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. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus automated parking, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.