2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen crafted the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport by eliminating the third row from the standard seven-passenger Atlas model, lowering the roofline by 2.3 inches for a sportier look, and shortening the SUV’s length by 5.2 inches. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five people. However, the reduced length and angled rear window decreased cargo space to 40.3 cubic feet behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 77.8 cubic feet. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, added a bold and upscale appearance, although other wheel options were less appealing. The interior offered various color combinations, but the presence of hard, glossy plastic detracted from the overall quality impression.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. The ID.4, based on VW’s MEB platform, was designed specifically for EVs, offering a minimalist and high-quality interior. The base ID.4 Standard model, despite having a manual driver’s seat, did not feel like a significant downgrade from higher-level trims. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers was standard, and the interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone. The ID.4’s design, while not particularly SUV-like, provided a comfortable and refined driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying driving experience and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to the turbo-four’s 2,000-pound rating. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and VW’s 4Motion AWD system available. The V6 engine in the SEL Premium R-Line trim felt more energetic, although the suspension tuning was criticized for being too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled in highway driving but was less impressive in urban and suburban settings.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 introduced a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models offered 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet 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 regenerative braking system allowed for energy recovery while decelerating, but VW did not pursue one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for new EV drivers. The ID.4’s driving dynamics were comfortable and refined, although it allowed too much body roll on twisty roads.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase, track width, and interior with the larger seven-passenger model, offering exceptional roominess for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, and the cargo area provided ample load-floor real estate, despite the reduced cargo space compared to the seven-passenger model. However, the lack of rubber or fabric lining in storage areas could result in rattling and scraping noises.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. The ID.4 provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it more practical than most entry-level EVs. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with a quoted towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone, as well as three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The base 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB-C ports. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless smartphone charging, and more USB ports. The upgraded infotainment system also offered access to three Car-Net connected service subscription plans. However, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition technology. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which was highly praised.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 made the 12.0-inch touchscreen standard on all models, replacing the 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates to improve responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster and ID.Light ambient lighting system were also standard. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which replaced conventional buttons, were criticized for being distracting. The voice recognition system was more user-friendly, making it easier to adjust settings without using the touchpads.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system as standard. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a low-speed automatic braking system. The SEL trim included automatic high-beam LED headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and IQ Drive, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim added a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant system and an Area View 360-degree camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.

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 crash tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS’ highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4’s standard driver-assist features included 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. The 2023 model added standard Park Assist Plus automated parking, an automated lane-change feature for Travel Assist, and a 360-degree camera system.