2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo was illuminated. Despite its electric vehicle identity, the ID.4 did not possess the traditional SUV look, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance typical of SUVs. This design choice might have been a drawback for buyers attracted to the classic SUV aesthetic. The ID.4 was built on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, and shared interior qualities with VW’s gasoline models, offering a minimalist design and quality feel. The base ID.4 Standard model included leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts, maintaining a high standard of interior quality.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a premium appearance, often perceived as more refined than its non-European competitors. Standard LED headlights and taillights, along with an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line, enhanced its exterior appeal. The Tiguan’s base trim offered limited color options, while higher trims allowed for more customization, albeit with some restrictions. Interior features varied across trims, with the base Tiguan S offering heated front seats and cloth upholstery, while the SEL R-Line boasted real leather, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. The Tiguan’s design and features aimed to provide a stylish and comfortable driving experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery 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 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4’s AWD version offered acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks but lacked the handling finesse. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience rather than one-pedal driving.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD available for an additional cost on lower trims and standard on the top trim. The AWD option slightly reduced fuel economy, with the base Tiguan S achieving 25 mpg combined. The Tiguan SEL R-Line’s power delivery was inconsistent, with turbo and transmission lag, and the steering felt light and rubbery. However, visibility and handling were commendable, contributing to a comfortable and maneuverable driving experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample interior space, surpassing other affordable EVs in front-seat and rear-seat legroom and headroom. 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 and improved phone storage, along with available three-zone climate control.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan’s seating capacity varied with drivetrain choice: FWD models seated seven, while AWD models seated five. The two-row Tiguan offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row configuration reduced cargo space but maintained passenger space. The Tiguan provided generous headroom and legroom for front and second-row passengers, though the third row was notably tighter. Despite its compact crossover classification, the Tiguan was one of the few in its class to offer a third row.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, featuring software updates for improved responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and voice recognition, though the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less user-friendly. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. The infotainment system, accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen, had monochromatic graphics that felt out of place in the stylish vehicle. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with the base Tiguan S having a smaller 6.5-inch screen. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch display. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight on the top trim.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model earned the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ rating, with high scores in crash tests and 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. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awardee, and its safety features improved for 2024 with the standard inclusion of Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite. This added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Additional standard features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection. Park Distance Control became standard on the SE R-Line Black trim, though its performance was mixed.