2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

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 was illuminated. Despite these changes, the ID.4 maintained a distinct EV appearance, lacking the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which could be a drawback for buyers seeking a more conventional SUV look. However, this design approach was common among many electric vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, which also blurred the lines between hatchback and SUV.

Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 was designed specifically for electric vehicles, offering modularity to support various models. The interior retained the minimalist design and quality feel of VW’s gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibers as standard. The base ID.4 Standard model, despite having a manual driver’s seat, did not feel like a significant downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro S, showcasing VW’s commitment to quality across the range.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series, each offering different levels of performance and efficiency. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, combined a supercharged and turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only range and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. All models came with standard all-wheel drive.

Volvo offered the XC90 in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trims, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding destination charges. The Ultimate trim, as tested, included luxury features like massaging front seats, a premium headliner, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The XC90’s exterior featured a subdued, earthy color palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery and natural wood trim, allowing buyers to customize their vehicle to their preferences.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models with rear-wheel drive, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models, available with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The single-motor rear-wheel-drive models produced 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor all-wheel-drive 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, offering a more traditional driving experience.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kWh battery and a 107-kW electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only range and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV could accelerate from 0-60 mph in five seconds. Recharging was straightforward, with options for a standard household outlet or a faster 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, the XC90’s performance waned as the battery approached its minimum charge, and the SUV’s handling was more luxury-oriented than performance-focused.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample interior space, with more front and rear legroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 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, surpassing most entry-level EVs. The ID.4’s towing capacity was 2,200 pounds for rear-wheel-drive models and 2,700 pounds for all-wheel-drive 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 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 featured a well-equipped interior, even in the base Core trim, with power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, and wood trim. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional luxury features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a more accommodating third row than expected. Cargo capacity was 65.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital instrument cluster. Despite software updates, the user experience remained similar, with sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. The haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive than traditional buttons, but voice recognition often made them redundant. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, though it was easily overlooked.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The system was more intuitive than previous versions, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera. The Google Assistant provided a generally rewarding experience, though it sometimes required different prompts for desired actions.

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 received the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. Standard safety 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, automated lane-change, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating in all but rollover resistance, where it earned four stars. The 2023 model was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, the XC90’s advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as some rivals, lacking a hands-free driving system. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was included but had limitations, such as struggling with curves and lane markings. Despite these issues, the XC90’s safety features worked smoothly overall.