2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 showcased a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately midsize SUV profile at over 16 feet long. The standard 19-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim, enhancing its commanding presence. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, while the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy, yet elegant look, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats exuded luxury, complemented by a dash split by thin horizontal air vents and adorned with metal and matte wood trim. The center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the unique two-spoke steering wheel added a distinctive touch. Despite the 14.5-inch infotainment screen appearing somewhat out of place, the spacious and luxurious interior provided a comfortable environment.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors, along with a light-up rear VW logo, added to its refreshed look. Although it was easily distinguishable as an EV, the ID.4 lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its modularity with various models, including the upcoming ID.Buzz electric van. The interior maintained a minimalist design with quality materials, offering a seamless transition from VW’s gasoline models. The base ID.4 Standard model, despite its manual driver’s seat, did not feel like a significant downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro S, thanks to standard leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was available exclusively with all-wheel drive, offering a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, taking around five and a half seconds to reach 60 mph, it excelled in highway driving. The smooth power delivery and shifts, combined with an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions, provided a quiet and comfortable ride, enhanced by active noise cancellation.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models with rear-wheel drive, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models retained the 82-kWh pack with options for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The single-motor rear-wheel-drive models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor all-wheel-drive models increased output to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, enhancing acceleration and handling. Although the ID.4 offered hot hatchback-like acceleration with all-wheel drive, it allowed too much body roll for spirited driving on twisty roads. The regenerative braking system provided a familiar driving experience, with coasting in the default setting and a more aggressive “B” setting without full one-pedal driving.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a wealth of features and luxury touches. Standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were complemented by ventilated front and rear seats with multiple adjustments. The Ergo Motion driver’s seat offered fatigue-reducing inflation and deflation pockets, while Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited to 30 inches. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key option. The tri-zone climate control system and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort and entertainment. With 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the GV80 offered impressive utility.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with greater front and rear-seat legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it was the most practical SUV among affordable EVs. The ID.4’s towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for rear-wheel-drive models and 2,700 pounds for all-wheel-drive models provided some capability, though not for large loads. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console, improved phone storage, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach for touch use, the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered a satisfying “clicky” feel and handwriting detection. The system’s menu structure presented a learning curve, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, albeit not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside, adding a convenient feature.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. Software updates improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The user interface offered sharp graphics and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a split-screen view, with natural-language voice recognition for ease of use. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel lacked physical feedback, making them distracting. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car’s blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster, providing a clear view without neck craning. The Highway Drive Assist system used cameras, radar, and navigation to offer hands-on/eyes-up driving assistance on approved highways, with automatic lane changes and speed adjustments. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, though the headlights and LATCH system received “Acceptable” ratings.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. While IIHS ratings for the 2023 model were not available, the similar 2022 model received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0 with adaptive cruise control and lane centering. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.