2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

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 those features. 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.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that included new lighting elements, such as light-up VW logos and a front light bar connecting the daytime running lights. These changes gave the Atlas a more Americanized look, moving away from its European influences. The interior also saw updates, with a revised center console and a freestanding infotainment touchscreen. The Atlas aimed to feel more upscale with improved fake wood trim and new weaved plastic trim. Leatherette seats were standard, with leather upholstery available on higher trims. However, some materials, like the stitching on the center console, felt cheaper than expected for a top-tier model.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models. 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, potentially improving 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, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

For 2024, the Volkswagen Atlas streamlined its powertrain options to a single 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered standard FWD and optional AWD. The Atlas was quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor, with FWD models achieving 0-60 mph in 8 seconds and AWD models in 8.3 seconds. Despite the improved performance, the Atlas remained a family hauler focused on comfort rather than sportiness. The 4Motion AWD system was designed primarily for pavement, with limited off-road capabilities. The Atlas maintained a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE model, which was rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample interior space, surpassing other affordable EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf in front-seat and rear-seat legroom. 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. Small interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and a better phone storage spot, along with available three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas added more standard features, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. The SE with Technology trim included a power liftgate, while the SEL trim added leather upholstery and heated second-row seats. The Atlas offered seating for seven, with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The Atlas provided competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with the best third-row legroom in its class. Cargo space varied from 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in place to 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows 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 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 less user-friendly than conventional buttons, making the voice recognition feature more practical for most adjustments.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas also saw tech upgrades, with a 12-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster now standard. Wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included across all trims. The Atlas featured up to eight USB-C ports, including a dash cam port on higher trims. A head-up display was standard on SEL and above trims. The premium audio system switched from Fender to Harman Kardon, offering a 12-speaker system on higher trims. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the haptic touchpads for functions like audio volume and headlights were less intuitive than traditional buttons.

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, structurally similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS' highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating. Standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. The ID.4 also added Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system for 2023.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The 2023 model, structurally similar to the 2024 version, received the highest "Good" score in all crash tests except the updated moderate overlap front test, where it was rated "Marginal." The Atlas included more standard driver-assist features for 2024, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added predictive adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also featured automatic post-collision braking, a crash response system, and emergency assist.