2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Subaru Ascent

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including a 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 illuminated. Despite these changes, the ID.4 maintained a distinct EV appearance but lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which could be a drawback for buyers seeking those features. The interior continued VW's trend of minimalist design and quality, with leatherette upholstery and recycled fiber inserts standard for 2023.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Ascent's design was less universally appealing. The previous year's refresh added visually offensive tusks and a bold spear across the grille, which did not resonate well with all consumers. The Ascent lineup remained unchanged, offering various trims from Base to Touring, with prices ranging from $34,395 to $48,695. The Touring trim included premium features like a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The interior design was functional but lacked sophistication, resembling a modular Lego set.

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. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft 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 on twisty roads was less impressive, with noticeable body roll. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. A CVT powered all four wheels through a standard AWD system with active torque vectoring. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds (2,000 pounds for the Base trim). It performed well in various driving conditions, from city streets to off-road trails, but struggled on twisty mountain roads due to its weight and suspension tuning. Fuel economy was a weak point, with EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, and real-world figures even lower.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more front and rear legroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. Towing capacity was 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 and improved phone storage. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats was also available.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent prioritized functionality, with features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs. The Touring trim offered comfortable Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and wide-opening rear doors for easy access. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but lacked legroom compared to rivals. The third-row seats were suitable for short trips, with air conditioning vents and storage space. Cargo space was 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

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, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The user interface included sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition but was hindered by haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which lacked physical feedback. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation cues.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured the latest Starlink infotainment system with an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered Starlink connected services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Physical buttons and knobs controlled essential functions, and Cabin Connect projected the driver's voice through the speakers. A surround-view camera and camera-based rearview mirror were available on upper trims.

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' 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 Subaru Ascent also earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in all assessments except rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2023. The Ascent's EyeSight package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic reverse braking, and a Driver Focus monitoring system. However, the lane-centering assist technology was less reliable, causing steering issues during testing.