2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, 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 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 a more conventional SUV look.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, boxy shape, which, while outdated, remained appropriate for an all-terrain vehicle. The flared fenders and rugged design elements like the chunky grille and underbody skid plates on the TRD Pro model emphasized its off-road capabilities. The 4Runner's design, though old-school, provided a sense of stability and readiness for tough terrains, appealing to those who prioritize ruggedness over modern aesthetics.

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 delivered 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models increased output to 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 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 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While these specs were comparable to the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's transmission limited its responsiveness and fuel economy. The TRD Pro model came standard with 4WD and a two-speed transfer case, while other trims offered RWD with optional 4WD. On-road, the 4Runner felt slow, with significant rear-end squat during acceleration and a noisy engine. Off-road, its soft suspension excelled, but on pavement, it resulted in body roll and floatiness. The 4Runner's handling was less composed, especially when unloaded, but improved with a full cargo load.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample interior space, surpassing other affordable EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf in front and rear legroom, and headroom compared to the 2023 Kia Niro EV. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, making it practical for an entry-level EV. 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 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though outdated, was functional with large climate-control dials and driveline levers that were easy to use even with gloves. The front seats offered plenty of space, but the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be an issue for taller drivers. The second row provided ample legroom but limited headroom for taller passengers due to the elevated bench height. The 4Runner could hold 47.2 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet with the seats stowed. The optional sliding deck reduced capacity but added convenience. The 4Runner also featured a sliding glass rear window and a hitch receiver with a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

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, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The user interface included sharp graphics, natural-language voice recognition, and ID.Light, an ambient lighting system that also provided navigation cues. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting and lacked physical feedback.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system featured an eight-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TRD Pro model included a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, but road noise often obscured its quality. Additional terrain controls in the headliner console required familiarity with the owner's manual. The Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems, along with differential controls, enhanced off-road capabilities but were less intuitive without prior knowledge.

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, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS' "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in all crash tests except for an "Average" rating for standard headlights. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like 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 Toyota 4Runner received four stars from the NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, five stars for side impacts, and three stars in rollover evaluations. The IIHS gave it "Good" scores for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests but "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The TRD Pro and Limited trims added a surround-view camera system, with the Limited also featuring front and rear parking sensors. However, the 4Runner's safety alerts were often oversensitive.