2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Dodge Hornet

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 to improve 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 ground clearance typical of traditional SUVs. This could be a drawback for buyers attracted to those features. However, the ID.4's design was in line with many other electric vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, which also blurred the lines between hatchback and SUV.

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 a sense of quality. Even the base ID.4 Standard model, with its manual driver’s seat, didn't feel like a significant downgrade from higher trims. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts was standard for 2023, enhancing the eco-friendly appeal.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet, while not a V8 muscle car like the Charger or Challenger, still showcased Dodge’s distinctive styling. It featured a muscular front end with integrated heat extractors on the hood and a new Rhombi logo on the grille. The tail lamp extended across the width of the crossover, with an illuminated Rhomb at its center, and oversized tailpipes at the rear corners emphasized its performance credentials. The Hornet was available in four trim levels: GT, GT Plus, R/T, and R/T Plus, with the latter two employing a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Built alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet shared visual similarities with its Italian sibling but maintained classic Dodge design elements. The interior benefited from a modern feel, thanks to its Italian influence. Our test vehicle, an R/T Plus with the Track Pack, featured Alcantara upholstery and a Dodge Rhombi logo on the seats. The center stack was slightly tilted toward the driver, and physical switches for climate control and a widescreen infotainment display added to the user-friendly experience. However, some buttons on the steering wheel felt outdated, and the heavily bolstered seats might not appeal to all shoppers.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh 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. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. However, the ID.4's handling was not as sharp as hot hatchbacks like the Golf GTI and Golf R, with noticeable body roll on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet offered different powertrains for its GT and R/T trim levels. The GT featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. However, it required premium fuel. The R/T, a plug-in hybrid, combined a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine with a 15.5-kWh battery and two electric motors, producing 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The R/T used a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric AWD system. Despite its extra weight, the R/T was quick, with a heavy pedal and a Sport mode for enhanced performance. The suspension balanced comfort and handling, while the steering was accurate but heavy. The R/T offered an all-electric driving range of about 30 miles, with various driving modes to optimize battery use.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample front and rear legroom and headroom. It offered 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. The ID.4 also 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 available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet prioritized front passenger comfort, with good headroom and visibility. However, the rear seat felt cramped due to the high beltline and all-black interior, despite having 38 inches of legroom and headroom. The R/T's PHEV battery reduced cargo capacity, offering 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 50.5 cubic feet with the seat folded, compared to 27 and 54.7 cubic feet in the GT trims. Both versions fell short of the Hyundai Tucson PHEV's cargo space.

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 distracting, lacking physical feedback. Voice recognition was a more convenient alternative for controlling various functions.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet featured a best-in-class 12.3-inch digital driver information display and a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display with UConnect 5, an Android-based system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with a premium Harman Kardon audio system and wireless phone charger. The system was user-friendly and customizable, though it occasionally experienced slow response times. The ability to set up a dedicated user profile and add widgets enhanced the personalization experience.

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 earned the IIHS' highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. Standard safety features included 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, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet had not yet been evaluated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The optional Tech Pack added level 2 autonomous driving functions, enhancing safety and convenience.