2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback an aggressive appearance, further enhanced by a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, making it a more appealing choice for those who preferred a darker paint color to tone down the design's excesses. The Onyx Edition became more accessible in 2023, available with the base powertrain at a starting price of $33,495, a $5,100 savings compared to the turbocharged version.

In contrast, 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 aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now illuminated. While the ID.4 was easily distinguishable as an EV compared to VW's gasoline models, it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, it shared this characteristic with many current electric vehicles. The ID.4's interior maintained a minimalist design with a quality feel, featuring leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibers, even in the base Standard model.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design, which helped lower the vehicle's center of gravity for better handling. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). However, the 3,781-pound test vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The Outback's towing capacity was rated at 3,500 pounds, but the engine's fuel efficiency was disappointing, achieving only 25.6 mpg in combined driving, below the EPA's estimate of 28 mpg. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models delivered 260 hp at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 rpm and 4,800 rpm, though at the cost of reduced fuel efficiency and a higher price.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models with RWD and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models, available with RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft 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. The ID.4's AWD version rivaled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but lacked the handling prowess. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience, allowing coasting in its default setting and stopping short of one-pedal driving.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Touring model offered a comfortable interior with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The rear outboard seats were also heated, making it a cozy choice for colder climates. The Outback provided ample legroom and cargo space, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The vehicle's high ground clearance made entry and exit easy, and the robust roof rack was ready for various accessories.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 boasted more interior space than other affordable EVs, offering more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in terms of interior space, it was a practical choice among entry-level EVs. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models rated at 2,200 pounds and AWD models at 2,700 pounds. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and improved phone storage.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system on all trims except the Base, which had a 7-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with subscription-based Starlink connected services. While the system's usability improved, the graphics and colorful icons were not universally liked. The voice recognition system struggled with basic commands, making wireless smartphone connectivity essential. Additional tech features included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

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, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The user interface featured sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition, though the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, adding a unique touch to the driving experience.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized safety with new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Base model included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Outback's safety systems were effective, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist could feel artificial.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model earned the IIHS' highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like 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.