2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Volkswagen made some subtle styling changes for the 2023 ID.4. The front bumper featured gloss black trim, and the rear bumper had a more squared-off 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 added ground clearance typical of traditional SUVs. This might have been a drawback for some buyers, but it was a common trait among many electric vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

The ID.4 was based on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs with built-in modularity to support various models. The interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline-car interiors, including a minimalist design and an overall feeling of quality. Even the base ID.4 Standard model, aside from a 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 Subaru Crosstrek looked very similar to the 2023 model but featured new sheet metal, a new chassis, and new colors like Sun Blaze, Offshore Blue, and Sapphire Blue. The Wilderness trim level introduced an exclusive Geyser Blue paint job. The wheelbase and overall length remained nearly the same, but the new Crosstrek had a steeper departure angle, and cargo space was slightly reduced. Familiarity with the second-generation Crosstrek meant shoppers were unlikely to notice any dimensional differences when test-driving the 2024 model.

In its base trim, the 2024 Crosstrek came with 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. Roof rails were standard on the Premium, Sport, and Limited trims, maintaining Subaru’s outdoorsy look. The new headlights ran up against the wing bar that split the car’s frameless grille, giving the front fascia a Cheshire cat look. Black plastic cladding protected each wheel arch, and air inlets and outlets built into the cladding improved fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. The split taillight design from the second generation carried over, allowing for wider trunk access.

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 produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4’s regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting and stopped short of one-pedal driving in the more aggressive “B” setting.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine on the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The base 2.0-liter engine produced 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, managed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Crosstrek was not a quick car, but the CVT provided a pleasant driving experience with simulated shift points. The Wilderness trim had a shorter final-drive ratio, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 pounds and improving acceleration from a stop. The Crosstrek’s X-Mode traction management system and standard AWD enhanced its off-road capabilities.

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. The ID.4’s towing capacity was 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 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Subaru Impreza’s platform, offered competitive cargo space and utility for a small, subcompact SUV. It provided 19.9 cubic feet of trunk space and 54.7 cubic feet of total cargo space with the second-row seats folded. The interior materials were robust and easy to clean, with a protective cargo tray standard on the Premium trim and above. The Wilderness trim added Nalgene cupholders in the trunk and all-weather floor mats.

The 2023 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 and ID.Light ambient lighting system were also standard. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, although the voice recognition system mitigated this issue.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, standard on all but the Base trim. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and an optional wireless charging pad. While the infotainment system offered crisp graphics and retained physical controls for essential functions, it suffered from glare in bright sunlight and required navigating through multiple menus for some features. In states with Right to Repair laws, Subaru removed certain features rather than modify the system.

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 crash 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, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Crosstrek included Subaru’s EyeSight safety system as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2024 model added a wider-angle lens for EyeSight and automatic emergency steering on cars with blind-spot monitoring.