Lexus GX vs Volkswagen ID.4

In 2024, the Lexus GX 550 significantly departed from its predecessor, the GX 470. While the previous model featured softer, rounded corners, the newly redesigned GX 550 embraced a more geometric styling from headlight to taillight. The brand’s trademark spindle grille remained, though it was less pronounced, and was flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The front end of the 2024 GX stood much more vertically, giving it a stiffer, more aggressive appearance compared to its predecessor. The flat hood had humps perfectly positioned above the front wheels, aimed at helping drivers maintain positional awareness, especially when off-roading.

Down the side, the GX had an almost monolithic look, as if it were carved from a solid metal block. The profile featured minimal character lines, maintaining a relatively horizontal path, and the low window beltline was designed to enhance visibility. The lower edge of the window frame kicked up ahead of the C-pillar, further contributing to its rugged look. Standard running boards were present, with powered units available on the Luxury+ trim. Lexus offered the GX in six trim levels, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. The upper trims, Luxury+ and Overtrail+, highlighted the SUV’s best features, from luxury touches such as 22-inch wheels and illuminated doorsills to off-road-focused 18-inch wheels and eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette.

The interior of the GX balanced luxury with utilitarian materials. The dashboard, upright and flat, hosted a 14-inch touchscreen as the focal point but also included plenty of physical controls for off-road features and climate settings. It was less luxurious than competitors like the Land Rover Defender or the Mercedes-Benz G-Class but still felt premium and built for durability.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 maintained a conservative but timeless design. AWD versions came with standard 20-inch wheels, while the S Plus trim had a 21-inch design. The ID.4 lineup included the base model and the ID.4 Pro, with different battery capacities (62 kWh and 82 kWh, respectively) and AWD as an option for the Pro models. Prices ranged from $39,735 to $57,055, plus shipping.

For 2024, models equipped with an SK On battery qualified for a $7,500 federal tax credit, and every ID.4 included 500 kWh of free DC fast charging at Electrify America stations. Our test drive involved the ID.4 Pro S, featuring the larger battery pack and rear-wheel drive. Internally, Volkswagen revamped the interior with new color schemes like Cosmic Black and Galaxy and offered simulated leather upholstery. The Pro models debuted a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with improved usability.

Overall, the GX presented a bolder, more rugged aesthetic aimed at off-road enthusiasts, while the ID.4 offered a sleek, timeless look ideal for the conservative EV buyer.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a naturally aspirated V8 engine in previous models to a more advanced twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The new engine configuration offered significantly more power than the old V8, with impressive low-range torque for off-road driving. Built on the GA-F truck platform, also used by the J300 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX, the GX felt more stable both on-road and off-road.

Equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the GX operated smoothly, without gear-hunting under acceleration. Standard features included full-time 4WD, a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential, and, in the Overtrail trims, a locking rear differential. The Overtrail variants also included the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for increased wheel articulation and on-road stability.

During testing, the GX showed impressive acceleration and effective braking, although the favorable conditions didn’t thoroughly test brake fade. The new GX also surprised with its composed behavior on-road, minimizing body roll in corners. While off-road testing was constrained due to weather, the GX demonstrated enough capability to suggest solid performance in more demanding conditions.

For the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, performance improved notably with the new rear electric drive motor in the Pro models, delivering 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in a claimed 5.9 seconds, quicker than the previous model. AWD versions added a front electric motor, pushing total output to 335 hp and achieving a 60 mph sprint in 4.9 seconds.

The ID.4 Pro models also offered extended driving ranges: 291 miles with RWD and 263 miles with AWD, based on EPA ratings. Charging times varied, with the 62-kWh battery recharging fully in 6.25 hours and the 82-kWh battery in eight hours using Level 2 chargers. DC fast charging could bring the battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

In our test drive around Pasadena, the ID.4 Pro S showed improved acceleration and city-to-highway transition. It handled well on twisty mountain roads, maintained a firm yet comfortable ride in the city, and offered natural-feeling regenerative braking. Overall, the 2024 ID.4 Pro felt competitive, balancing performance and practicality for everyday driving.

Inside, the 2024 Lexus GX made significant strides in terms of interior design. The new minimalist and sophisticated styling reduced the number of physical buttons while retaining essential controls. Rotary knobs for climate control flanked a prominent touchscreen, and physical buttons for off-road features were conveniently placed lower on the center console.

Passenger space in the GX felt ample for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, remained cramped, suitable only for children. In comparison, the Land Rover Defender 110 offered a bit more space in the second row but even tighter third-row legroom.

The GX excelled in cargo capacity, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and reaching a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models, without the third row, provided even more space, at 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet overall.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 aimed to enhance usability and comfort with several interior updates. The transmission selector moved to a stalk on the steering column, making the dashboard cleaner. New touch-sensing controls for the steering wheel and an upgraded 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment improved user experience. Ventilated front seats in the Pro S and Pro S Plus trims added comfort, especially in hotter climates.

The ID.4’s front seats were comfortable with an excellent view and included heated features. Rear passengers had sufficient legroom and comfort amenities like air conditioning vents, USB-C ports, and a center armrest. The 60/40-split back seats featured a pass-through for longer items, and the cargo space measured 30.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the ID.4 lacked a front trunk.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrated stylishly into the dashboard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with additional functionalities available through the Drive Connect and Remote Connect subscription services. After an initial three-year trial, these services would require monthly fees ranging from $15 to $25.

The standard audio system included 10 speakers, with an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available in the Luxury+ trim. The Lexus Interface was user-friendly, but the necessity of subscription services for long-term use of certain features might be a drawback for some buyers.

For the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, the standout feature was the new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard in the Pro models. While not as graphically appealing, it improved user experience with a more intuitive layout, constantly visible climate controls, and illuminated touch-sliders for volume and temperature. The navigation system included a battery preconditioning feature for optimized DC fast-charging sessions during long trips.

Additionally, the Pro S Plus trim offered a nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. The ID.4’s new infotainment system also provided three years of complimentary access to Plus Nav and Plus Speech digital assistant services. However, the assistant, Ida, had mixed success in recognizing and acting on voice commands.

Volkswagen’s Car-Net connected services included free five-year subscriptions to Remote Access and Safe & Secure plans, facilitating remote battery management and offering emergency notification capabilities. The ID.4 could also serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot with an optional Plus Online Radio Package.

The 2024 Lexus GX addressed previous safety concerns by introducing Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard. This included pre-collision detection, avoidance and braking systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and road-sign recognition. A proactive driving assist feature added enhanced safety during adaptive cruise control usage. Although neither IIHS nor NHTSA crash-tested the GX, the modern GA-F platform and extensive ADAS were likely to improve safety ratings.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 incorporated a post-collision braking system and the IQ.Drive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capability, smoothly managing following distance and lane-centering on highways.

Additionally, the ID.4 featured a semi-autonomous parking assist system with Memory Parking, allowing users to save parking maneuvers for repetitive tasks. The NHTSA awarded the ID.4 favorable crash-test ratings, and limited IIHS assessments indicated high performance in safety tests.