2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from the previous year, simplifying its lineup to six trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. Most models came with more standard features than before. Pricing ranged from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch wheels and Aurora Red paint, gave the Atlas an upscale look, though the interior materials felt cheap for a vehicle costing nearly $54,000.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. The ID.4, based on VW’s MEB platform, offered a minimalist and quality interior, even in the base Standard model. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers was standard, and the interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and a better phone spot. The ID.4’s design, while not traditionally SUV-like, provided more interior space than other affordable EVs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The turbo-four had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and fuel economy of 22-23 mpg, while the V6 could tow up to 5,000 pounds with a fuel economy of 19-20 mpg. The Atlas featured driving modes like Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, and the 4Motion AWD system included Active Control calibrations. However, the V6 engine lacked power, efficiency, and refinement, leading to dissatisfaction.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came with 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 coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive “B” setting for energy recovery.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas featured V-Tex leatherette seating, heated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat as standard. Higher trims added tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and genuine leather upholstery. The Atlas excelled in interior space, seating seven people comfortably, with a low step-in height and numerous storage areas. Cargo space was exceptional, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 96.8 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It provided more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. The ID.4 also had a 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 phone spot, along with three-zone climate control and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with last-generation infotainment, while higher trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome process for tuning the radio and using voice commands.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a 12.0-inch touchscreen as standard on all models, with software updates to improve responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The ID.4’s user interface included haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which lacked physical feedback and could be distracting. However, the natural-language voice recognition system made it easier to control functions like audio volume and temperature. The ID.Light system provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and Travel Assist. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings and exit ramps. The Atlas received four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA and did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

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, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. For 2023, the ID.4 added Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.