2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Honda Passport

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 ground clearance typical of traditional SUVs. This could be a drawback for buyers attracted to the rugged styling of conventional SUVs. However, the ID.4’s minimalist interior design and quality materials, including leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers, carried over from VW’s gasoline models, providing a premium feel even in the base model.

Honda, on the other hand, kept the 2024 Passport’s design largely unchanged from previous years, despite rolling out a new design language across other models. The Passport featured a more upright grille and squared-off corners, but it still shared much with Honda’s older designs. The Passport’s interior was simple and unassuming, with physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The TrailSport trim added rugged touches like all-terrain tires and roof rails, but the overall look remained consistent with previous models. The interior was spacious, with ample cargo space and comfortable seating for five adults, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery 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. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the 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, enhancing acceleration and handling. However, the ID.4’s handling was not as sharp as its acceleration, with noticeable body roll on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2024 Honda Passport came with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport’s acceleration was adequate for its size, with smooth and unobtrusive gear shifts. However, peak torque was only available at 4,700 RPM, requiring higher revs for quick acceleration. The TrailSport trim featured a wider track, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and a suspension tuned for off-road driving. The Passport’s steering was well-balanced and accurate, and it offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, surpassing some competitors but falling short of others like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

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, making it practical for everyday use. 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 storage spot, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2024 Honda Passport excelled in cargo capacity, offering 41.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The rear seats folded flush with the trunk floor, making it easy to load long items. The Passport’s interior was spacious, with comfortable seating for five adults and plenty of cupholders. The center console bin was redesigned for 2024, providing more storage space. The Passport’s utilitarian design included large air vents, simple controls, and ample storage, making it a practical choice for families.

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, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster and natural-language voice recognition were also standard. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, lacking physical feedback. The ID.Light system provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes, adding a unique touch to the user experience.

The 2024 Honda Passport featured an 8-inch touchscreen, which felt small given the vehicle’s size. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a wireless charging pad were standard. The infotainment system offered sharp resolution and quick response times, but the turn-by-turn directions on the driver’s information display were intrusive in city driving. The TrailSport trim’s seven-speaker audio system was underwhelming, and audiophiles might prefer competitors with more advanced sound systems.

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 except for an “Average” rating for standard headlights. The ID.4 came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0 with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Honda Passport included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic monitoring, and adaptive cruise control as standard features under the “Honda Sensing” umbrella. However, the Passport received an “Acceptable” rating in the passenger-side small overlap crash test and a “Marginal” rating in the updated side-impact crash tests from the IIHS. The NHTSA awarded the Passport five stars overall but gave it four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests.