2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, shedding some of its quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The black molding strips on the roof were removed, and the windshield wipers were tucked under the hood's lip. The model tested was in a dusky, oceanic gray-green called Nordic Forest Pearl, one of two new colors. The HR-V Sport trim featured 18-inch black alloy wheels, a black rear spoiler, a chrome exhaust, and a more aggressive grille, while the EX-L trim boasted perforated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and an eight-way power driver’s seat.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design to improve aerodynamics. All wheel designs and colors were new for 2023, and the rear VW logo now lit up. The ID.4, based on VW’s MEB platform, had a minimalist interior design with a feeling of quality. The base ID.4 Standard model, despite having a manual driver’s seat, did not feel like a downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro S. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts was standard for 2023, and the interior changes improved functionality, including a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the 2022 model. The updated CVT incorporated a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds during acceleration. Drivers could choose from Normal, Snow, or ECON drive modes, or engage Sport mode by pulling the shifter back a notch. The HR-V was available with FWD or AWD, and the new front and fully independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, made it fun to drive on mountain roads, though it was not overpowered. Competitors like the Kia Seltos and Ford Bronco Sport offered multiple powertrain options, including turbos.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 introduced a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available only with RWD. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack, available with RWD or AWD. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models upped output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving zero to 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 provided acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks but lacked handling precision. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, offering a more familiar experience for EV newcomers.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, felt comfortably sized and well thought out. The center console featured a shelf for drive modes, parking brake, and hill-descent control, with two USB ports for cord storage. The HR-V sacrificed less than half an inch of rear-seat headroom for its fastback look, with 39.4 inches in the front (38.4 with the moonroof) and 38.0 inches in the rear. Cargo space was 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 with them folded. The 60/40 split rear seats created a nearly flat floor when folded down. The new car had 98.7 cubic feet of passenger volume in LX and Sport trims and 97.3 for EX-L, with front legroom improved to 41.9 inches.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than a Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. Cargo space was 30.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. The ID.4’s towing capacity was 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. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats was now available.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style touchscreen for the infotainment system, with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup, with wireless versions on the EX-L trim. All HR-Vs had a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch color touchscreen display, while the EX-L had a 9-inch display with six programmable shortcuts and a Smart Shortcuts feature. Three USB-A ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system were standard, with Sport trims adding a six-speaker system and EX-L trims featuring an eight-speaker system, WiFi capability, and SiriusXM and HD Radio.

The 2023 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 for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. The haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, replacing conventional buttons, were distracting, but the voice recognition system mitigated this issue. The ID.Light ambient lighting system provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes, blending in with other visual and audio warnings.

The 2023 Honda HR-V now included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard on all trims. This suite featured adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. A driver-attention monitor was standard, and a blind-spot information system was included on Sport and EX-L trims. EX-L also had front and rear parking sensors and low-speed braking control. The 2023 HR-V had not yet been crash-tested, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the 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 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. For 2023, the ID.4 added Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.