2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

Volkswagen made subtle styling changes to the 2023 ID.4, 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 lights up. Despite these updates, the ID.4 didn’t look particularly SUV-like, lacking the upright profile and added ground clearance typical of traditional SUVs. This could be a drawback for buyers attracted to those features, although it’s a common issue among many current electric vehicles.

The ID.4 was built on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, offering modularity to support various models. The interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline-car interiors, featuring a minimalist design and an overall feeling of quality. Even the base ID.4 Standard model, with its manual driver’s seat, didn’t feel like a significant downgrade from higher-level trims. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts was standard for 2023, enhancing the eco-friendly appeal.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in four main trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS. The Z71 was a new addition aimed at three-row SUV shoppers interested in moderate off-roading. However, Chevrolet clarified that the Z71 wasn’t designed to compete with hardcore off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. Instead, it was engineered for reasonably rugged terrain, not extreme trails.

Pricing for the Traverse was competitive, starting at $38,995 for the LS and going up to $55,595 for the top-of-the-line RS. The Z71 model, starting at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. The interior of the Z71 had "Torch Red" accents and optional synthetic leather seating for an additional $1,000. The standard cloth seats were comfortable and breathable, making the optional upgrade less necessary.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered 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 either RWD or AWD. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

Volkswagen estimated that the smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, potentially improving acceleration and handling. The 62-kWh ID.4 Standard felt spritely during a short drive, though more seat time was needed for a proper comparison with the larger-battery RWD version. The AWD ID.4 had acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks like the Golf GTI and Golf R but lacked their handling prowess. The ID.4 used regenerative braking but didn’t offer one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the discontinued V6. AWD was optional on all trims, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system for better grip in slippery conditions.

During a test drive on highways and twisty country roads, the Traverse’s acceleration and passing power were more than acceptable for its size. The steering was adequate for general driving but felt cumbersome in tight spaces. The ride quality was excellent, even with the Z71’s all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes provided a controlled stop without excessive nose dive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. Official EPA fuel economy estimates were not available at the time of writing.

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 provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs but falling short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console, a better phone spot, and three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse’s base LS model came with seating for eight, while the LT, Z71, and RS trims offered seven seats with second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seats were suitable for average-size adults, though taller passengers might need the second-row seats adjusted for more legroom. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and a power-folding third row was available on lower trims and standard on the RS. Cargo volume was 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to approximately 96 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Traverse also featured numerous storage nooks, including a hidden storage area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was generally good, except for the third row, where the sporty rear fender design limited the view. The Z71 had a power-operated driver’s seat but a manually adjustable front passenger seat.

For 2023, the 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 ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster and ID.Light ambient lighting system were also standard. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were still a drawback, as they lacked physical feedback and could be distracting. The voice recognition system was a more convenient alternative for controlling various functions.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a new 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard on all models, with rapid response times and easy-to-navigate menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided customizable information and vehicle functions. The Google-based software included intuitive voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad in the center console securely held the phone during driving. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, but the driving mode button was poorly placed. Headlight functions were buried in the infotainment system, which could be inconvenient. The Traverse also offered Super Cruise hands-free driving aid, which worked well on pre-mapped single-lane roadways and multi-lane highways but disengaged at intersections.

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 included standard driver-assist features such as 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. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus automated parking, an automated lane-change feature for Travel Assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. However, it came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver aids, including automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, side-exit assist, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view parking camera. These features provided a reassuring level of safety during the test drive.