2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's earlier, boxy designs. It presented a purposeful yet understated front end, with a solid grille and distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights that added a modern touch. The XC90's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Gray paint that offered a rich, deep hue in sunlight. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and beautiful cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. The ID.4's design, while distinctly EV, lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, making it less appealing to some SUV buyers. The interior maintained a minimalist design with quality materials, including leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers. The ID.4's spaciousness was a highlight, offering more legroom and headroom than many affordable EVs, along with a practical cargo space of 30.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 engine, featuring both a supercharger and turbocharger, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. These powertrains offered smoother operation and slightly better fuel efficiency. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration, a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and minimal road and wind noise. The brakes provided a solid pedal feel, and the XC90 handled well despite its size, though it lacked extensive customizable driving dynamics.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, enhancing acceleration and handling. However, the ID.4's handling was less engaging on twisty roads due to noticeable body roll. The regenerative braking system allowed for coasting but did not support one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was peaceful and pleasant, but its Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage frustrations. The lack of a dedicated space for a cell phone and limited cubby space were notable drawbacks. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. Cargo space was decent, with 12.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. However, it fell short compared to competitors like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than many affordable EVs. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with a capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. VW made functional improvements to the interior for 2023, including a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats were also available.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, the first standard infotainment system of its kind. Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant were integrated, providing a seamless user experience. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, and more physical buttons would have been appreciated. The minimalist design was visually appealing but required some adjustment for daily use.

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, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster and natural-language voice recognition enhanced the user experience. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting and lacked physical feedback. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance but was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance from the car ahead and supported lane centering.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS' Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0 with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering. The ID.4 also added Park Assist Plus automated parking and a 360-degree camera system for 2023.