2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor, yet maintained the same overall length. It offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than some rivals. The RX appeared smaller due to reduced rear overhang, softer design lines, and a down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar, creating a floating roof effect. The front featured a better-integrated spindle-style grille with a modern mesh texture, flowing into an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design, block lettering for the Lexus name, and a sporty bumper with simulated air vents.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons and knobs, featuring digital instrumentation and a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. The Intelligent Assistant technology made using the RX’s features easier, though it required a subscription after three years. Quality levels were high, with NuLuxe artificial leather standard and genuine leather available. The RX 350 was available in various trims, including Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, and F Sport Handling, with pricing expected to be similar to the outgoing model.

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. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lit up. The ID.4, based on VW’s MEB platform, didn’t have the upright profile of traditional SUVs, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, it offered a minimalist interior design with a feeling of quality, even in the base ID.4 Standard model. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers was standard for 2023.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. During a media event, the RX 350 Luxury with AWD and 21-inch wheels displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven pavement but offered a smooth ride most of the time. The RX 350 F Sport Handling, with an adaptive damping suspension, felt more secure and sure-footed, especially in Sport mode. Both models had 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires, but the F Sport Handling’s adaptive suspension reduced unwanted bouncing and rolling.

The RX 350 FWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the AWD version did it in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for the FWD and 24 mpg for the AWD, though real-world results were slightly lower. The turbocharged engine, despite its less refined note, was a good choice for the RX, offering better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the outgoing V6.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, with RWD only. 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 delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft 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 with AWD had acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks like the Golf GTI but lacked the handling prowess. It was comfortable and refined but allowed too much body roll on twisty roads. The regenerative braking system didn’t support one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for EV newcomers. The ID.4 was a great choice for long drives, offering a comfortable ride and decent driving dynamics.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport Handling had black NuLuxe simulated leather seats, Dark Graphite trim, and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. Both models offered exceptional comfort, though the F Sport’s bolsters might have been too snug for some. The back seat was roomy and supportive, with good legroom and leg support, though taller passengers might have found headroom tight.

Lexus provided useful storage areas and claimed improved cargo space over the previous RX. The trunk measured 29.6 cubic feet with the second row in position and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, which was more than before but still not generous for the segment.

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. It had 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with a quoted capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models.

VW made small interior changes for 2023, including a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone. Three-zone climate control was now available, with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services plans. Drive Connect, free for three years, offered Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant natural voice recognition. User profiles could be set up for different drivers, and Apple Music or Amazon Music could be streamed through embedded apps.

The 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, though it required some adjustment for optimal sound. Digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, a digital rearview mirror, and digital key smartphone technology were also available. A color head-up display (HUD) was an option, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 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 were still a drawback, as they lacked physical feedback and could be distracting. However, the natural-language voice recognition made it easier to use the system.

The ID.4 also featured ID.Light, an ambient lighting system that changed color based on drive mode and provided visual cues for navigation. It was a clever feature but easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and curve speed-reduction function. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were new semi-autonomous driving technologies for 2023. LSS+ 3.0 was impressive but had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and non-predictive curve-speed reduction technology.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover crash tests. The 2022 model received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4 also had a good complement of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.