2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Hyundai Tucson

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 might have been a drawback for some buyers, although it was a common trait among many 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 seem like much of a downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro S. Leatherette upholstery with seat and door-panel inserts made partly from recycled fibers were standard for 2023.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson, introduced in its current generation for the 2022 model year, carried over its fantastic styling into 2024. The design featured taut angles and unique choices like headlights that blended into the grille, creating a handsome, contemporary package. The Tucson’s athletic presence was enhanced by contrasting angles and a well-executed headlight integration. Unlike some automakers that make all their vehicles look the same, Hyundai gave each model its unique style. Trim levels included SE, SEL, XRT, and Limited, each offering distinct features like alloy wheels, roof rails, and unique exterior trims.

Inside, the Tucson’s modern, refined cabin was packed with technology in an approachable way. While some details, like the missing volume dial, were less favorable, the overall layout was user-friendly. The base SE trim included features like two USB ports, remote keyless entry, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added more advanced features, with the Limited trim offering ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bose premium stereo system.

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 RWD or AWD. Single-motor RWD models, regardless of battery pack, were rated at 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The dual-motor AWD powertrain 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 VW’s Golf GTI and Golf R but lacked the handling prowess. The ID.4 used regenerative braking but didn’t offer one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for EV newcomers.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power was routed to the front wheels or available AWD. This was the only non-hybrid powertrain, which was adequate for around-town driving but less impressive for highway speeds and passing maneuvers. For more power, the 226-hp Tucson Hybrid or the 261-hp Tucson Plug-In Hybrid were better options.

The Tucson excelled in handling and ride quality, offering a comfortable ride and precise steering. It wasn’t as athletic as some competitors like the Mazda CX-5, but it provided a well-rounded driving experience. The proprietary button-style shifter design on hybrid models required some getting used to but was intuitive enough once learned.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than a 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 rear seats folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it was practical for an affordable EV. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Small interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson offered up to 74.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 38.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in use, making it one of the best in the compact SUV segment. The SE trim came with a manual liftgate, while higher trims featured a hands-free power liftgate. The Tucson’s smart liftgate system was intuitive, requiring only proximity with the key fob to operate. The Tucson accommodated up to five passengers, with spacious seating in both rows. The cabin featured deep cup holders and a center tray with room for items, including a standard wireless device charging pad.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. Despite the updates, the user experience was hampered by haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which lacked physical feedback and could be distracting. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation cues but was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson’s standard infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a fully digital instrument panel. However, the larger screen lost wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and replaced thumb rollers with a haptic volume toggle. The touchscreen and haptic buttons worked well with gloves, which was useful in cold weather. Hyundai’s remote start system evolved to detect the key fob and allow the driver to put the car in Drive without pressing the start button.

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. Standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came standard with numerous driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Limited trim added front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and Hyundai’s Smart Park remote-parking feature. The Tucson received a “Good” overall score from the IIHS and a “Superior” rating for crash-prevention technology. The NHTSA awarded it five stars in a frontal crash test and four stars in a rollover test.