2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 sported several styling upgrades, with a new front bumper featuring gloss black trim, and a squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics, as per Volkswagen's claims. All wheel designs and colors were fresh for 2023, and the rear VW logo received a stylish lighting update. Despite these changes, the ID.4’s appearance didn’t embody the traditional SUV spirit. Its lack of an upright profile and additional ground clearance made it less SUV-like, which might have been a drawback since those are key appeal factors for SUV buyers. Nevertheless, this was a common narrative among contemporary EVs; vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV were marketed as SUVs despite their resemblance to hatchbacks due to their platform.

Built on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs with modularity to support various models, the ID.4 served as the EV equivalent to the MQB platform underpinning models like the VW Atlas and Jetta. This platform's efficiency was evident in other forthcoming models, such as the ID.Buzz electric van, set to debut in 2024.

Inside, the ID.4 maintained the high-quality minimalist design seen in recent VW interiors. Even the base ID.4 Standard model, with its manual driver’s seat, did not feel like a downgrade compared to the higher-end ID.4 Pro S. The use of leatherette upholstery and seat and door-panel inserts made partly from recycled fibers were standard for 2023, offering a blend of luxury and sustainability.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid embraced a bold transformation since its 2019 redesign, moving from softer, typical crossover styling to a more robust and blocky look. The trapezoidal grille, adopted from Toyota's truck line, added heft, and the beveled and angled bodywork effectively framed the headlights. While initially striking, this design approach was later echoed by competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50.

The RAV4 Hybrid’s interior continued the angular motif, featuring a multi-tiered dashboard with beveled cutouts creating visual interest. The infotainment touchscreen, positioned atop the dash, along with an assortment of physical buttons and knobs, provided user-friendly feature control. Materials used were about average for the price, with a mix of hard plastics and lightly padded surfaces. However, the base and new Woodland trims featured a downmarket urethane steering wheel and center armrest, which felt rubbery and cheap, impacting tactile experience. Thankfully, higher trims offered leather-wrapped alternatives, maintaining the strong build quality across the lineup.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 introduced a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models with Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) only. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus trims continued with the 82-kWh pack available in both RWD and All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Regardless of battery pack, single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The dual-motor AWD configuration upped the output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, according to VW.

The smaller battery pack reportedly reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, potentially enhancing acceleration and handling. The 62-kWh ID.4 Standard felt sprightly during city drives, though more time was needed for a deeper comparison with the larger-battery RWD version. However, it did not seem to compromise driving dynamics significantly.

AWD models offered acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks like VW’s Golf GTI and Golf R, although they lacked the handling finesse, allowing too much body roll for true sporty driving on twisty roads. Nevertheless, the ID.4 excelled in providing comfortable and refined long-distance travel, though it fell short on exploiting the most enjoyable driving roads.

Using regenerative braking to recover energy during deceleration, the ID.4 allowed coasting in its default setting and stopped short of one-pedal driving even in the more aggressive "B" setting. This setup might have disappointed some EV enthusiasts but offered a familiar experience for new EV drivers.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor/generator, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. A second electric motor at the rear axle provided AWD, producing a combined 219 horsepower, propelling the RAV4 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds—adequate for most driving situations.

The Hybrid powertrain was about half a second quicker than the standard RAV4, while the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime achieved an impressive 5.5-second sprint to 60 mph. Within the segment, the Kia Sportage hybrid was marginally quicker, and the Honda CR-V Hybrid’s 8-second time placed it close in competition.

The RAV4 Hybrid's brakes initially engaged regenerative braking, smoothly transitioning to physical brakes under harder stops, with no noticeable shift. The suspension provided a comfortable ride over bumps with competent cornering, prioritizing comfort over sportiness. Despite its unremarkable driving dynamics, it satisfied most drivers' needs without inducing complaints.

Inside, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 genuinely lived up to its SUV billing with considerable interior space compared to other affordable EVs. It offered more front and rear seat legroom than both the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Nissan Leaf, along with more headroom than the updated 2023 Kia Niro EV. The ID.4 boasted 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and expanded to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, outclassing most entry-level EVs. However, benchmarking it against gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 revealed a shortfall in interior space, though it remained a practical choice within its segment.

Additionally, the ID.4 featured towing capabilities, quoting a capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models, providing moderate functionality but inadequate for heavy loads. The 2023 refresh brought enhancements like a conventional center console lid, a phone spot between cupholders and storage bin, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats, boosting functionality.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided ample space in the front seats for larger passengers and comfortably accommodated average-sized adults in the rear. While it offered slightly more rear headroom than the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, legroom was modestly reduced. The rear seat cushions were set low, potentially uncomfortable for taller passengers on extended journeys. Behind the rear seats, the RAV4 Hybrid offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, just a fraction less than the non-hybrid version, with no significant battery pack intrusion. Comparatively, the Honda CR-V’s 39.5 cubic feet and the Kia Sportage’s 39.3 cubic feet presented marginal advantages.

The RAV4 excelled in providing interior storage for personal items, with a wide dashboard shelf for the front passenger, a phone tray in front of the center console, and an optional, though sometimes unavailable, wireless charging pad. Large cupholders and a spacious center armrest bin, along with average-sized door pockets, rounded out the practical storage solutions.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4’s technological update for 2023 featured a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen across all models, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The system received software updates for improved responsiveness, supplemented by standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. Despite these enhancements, the user experience remained largely the same, offering sharp graphics, a choice of interface styles, and capable voice recognition.

However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel continued to replace traditional buttons, lacking physical feedback, which could be distracting. Voice recognition often served as a convenient alternative, effectively mitigating some interface issues. Additionally, the ID.Light feature, integrating ambient lighting with AI assistance, offered navigation cues via color-changing lights, adding a subtle yet clever touch.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s new infotainment system marked a significant improvement. The touchscreen's sharp graphics and logically arranged menus were a welcome change. Positioned atop the dashboard, it reduced driving distractions. Most trims came with a modest 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen. The base display's buttons were somewhat small and required precise tapping.

Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were complemented by optional wireless charging, though availability could be affected by ongoing supply chain challenges. The system supported over-the-air updates and offered Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities along with remote vehicle monitoring and control. Higher trims featured a fully digital instrument panel. The standard audio system, with six speakers, provided decent sound, while the top Limited trim boasted an 11-speaker JBL system for a richer audio experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), scoring perfectly in frontal and side crash tests, and earning four stars in rollover tests. While the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hadn’t released ratings for the 2023 model, the 2022 ID.4 earned the top “Top Safety Pick+” designation, with excellent scores across most categories, save for an “Average” rating for standard headlights on lower trims.

Notably, the ID.4 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including 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 Travel Assist 2.0. Emergency Assist 3.0 also offered automatic vehicle pull-over if the driver was incapacitated. For 2023, VW added standard Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also garnered high safety ratings, securing five out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded the RAV4 its highest score of “Good” in most tests, though the moderate overlap frontal and side-impact tests yielded “Acceptable” ratings. The RAV4 achieved theTop Safety Pick designation.