2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Dodge Hornet

The 2023 Dodge Hornet showcased a bold design that was unmistakably Dodge, with its aggressive front end featuring a wide "raccoon mask" face, bulging hood, and dual extractors. The illuminated Rhombi logo on the taillights added a distinctive touch. However, from the side and rear, the Hornet bore a resemblance to the Porsche Macan or Cayenne, which might have felt less Dodge-like to brand loyalists. The choice of standard silver 17-inch wheels was divisive, with some finding them cheap-looking, though the Blacktop and Track Pack packages offered more appealing wheel options. Inside, the Hornet emphasized performance with red stitching and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, while the GT Plus trim offered more luxurious seating options.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more aerodynamic rear bumper design. While it was clearly an EV, the ID.4 lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its underpinnings with other VW models, promising modularity and versatility. Inside, the ID.4 boasted a minimalist design with quality materials, offering a spacious interior with more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. The cargo space was also generous, making it a practical choice for those seeking an affordable EV with SUV-like attributes.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet was touted for its "best-in-class performance," powered by a Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This outperformed many competitors, with only the Mazda CX-30 coming close in terms of power. The Hornet's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and steering, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. While the base Hornet GT was responsive at lower speeds, it experienced some lag during mid-speed acceleration. The Hornet R/T's hybrid powertrain offered improved pickup, making it a compelling choice for performance enthusiasts.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a 62-kWh battery 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 version increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight, enhancing acceleration and handling. While the ID.4's AWD version rivaled hot hatchbacks in acceleration, it lacked the handling prowess. The regenerative braking system allowed for coasting, providing a familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's interior offered comfort and adjustability, especially in the GT Plus trim with leather seats and four-way powered lumbar adjustment. The driver-oriented cockpit layout favored performance, though the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed visibility. The Hornet's seating options included heated and ventilated seats, with Alcantara versions available in the Track Pack. The Hornet's interior design emphasized driver engagement, with a focus on performance-oriented features.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. With 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, the ID.4 provided ample storage. It also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 2,200 pounds and AWD models up to 2,700 pounds. The interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and improved phone storage, enhancing functionality.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet featured a driver-focused cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The Uconnect 5 system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The GT Plus trim added a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some advanced features required touchscreen access.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less user-friendly. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance. The infotainment system's user experience was enhanced by voice recognition, reducing reliance on touch controls.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet came equipped with standard driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The Tech Pack added advanced features like a 360-degree camera and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. However, the Hornet had not yet been evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS' "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with high scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including 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.