2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added a distinctive retro flair to the lineup. It featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, and bronze accents, including 17-inch wheels and interior stitching. This special edition was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner's design evoked a nostalgic SoCal vibe, reminiscent of 1970s aesthetics, which appealed to those who appreciated its truck-based SUV stance. Inside, the 4Runner maintained a purposeful and solid feel, with easy-to-use controls, even when wearing gloves.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. The ID.4's design was distinctively EV, lacking the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, it shared this characteristic with other electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The ID.4 was built on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, and featured a minimalist interior with a focus on quality. The base ID.4 Standard model offered leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts, providing a comfortable and eco-friendly cabin experience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It came with a five-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels unless upgraded to a 4WD system. The 4Runner offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and had a minimum ground clearance of nine inches. It featured various off-roading technologies, including Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. The TRD Sport and Limited trims focused on on-road performance, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims enhanced off-road capabilities. Despite its off-road prowess, the 4Runner's on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models. The single-motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's handling was comfortable but allowed for some body roll on twisty roads. It featured regenerative braking but did not support one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. The interior featured comfortable seats, with the 40 ASE model using SofTex artificial leather and heated front cushions. The second-row seating area was spacious, with good legroom and USB charging ports. However, the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom 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. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 2,200 pounds and AWD models up to 2,700 pounds. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and improved phone storage, along with three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with options for a navigation system and JBL premium sound. The infotainment system's voice recognition performed well, though it lacked some modern features found in newer Toyotas.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less user-friendly, making voice commands a more practical option. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. However, it received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

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 earned the IIHS' Top Safety Pick+ rating, with high scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 featured standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It also included new features for 2023, such as Park Assist Plus and a 360-degree camera system.