Volkswagen ID.4 vs Subaru Crosstrek

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek bore a striking resemblance to the 2023 model, featuring new sheet metal, a new chassis, and additional colors such as Sun Blaze, Offshore Blue, and Sapphire Blue. The introduction of the Wilderness trim brought a unique Geyser Blue option. Though the wheelbase and overall length remained nearly the same, the new Crosstrek featured a steeper departure angle and slightly less cargo space. Test drivers familiar with the second-generation Crosstrek found only minute dimensional differences in the 2024 model.

Base models of the Crosstrek were equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires, offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road adventures. Higher trims like Premium, Sport, and Limited sported standard roof rails, though not crossbars like the Subaru Outback. The redesigned rails maintained an outdoorsy appeal, crucial for enthusiasts of outdoor activities.

The Crosstrek’s new design showcased headlights that seamlessly blended into the wing bar of the frameless grille, evoking a smiling Cheshire cat appearance. Black plastic cladding around the wheel arches, featuring aerodynamically beneficial air inlets and outlets, added a functional and protective touch. The rear end retained its split taillight design for wider trunk access, a hallmark of Subaru’s “Kaizen” philosophy.

The Crosstrek Wilderness trim was characterized by unique interior and exterior design elements, such as a hexagonal front grille, bigger cladding pieces, new bumpers, hexagonal LED fog lights, and copper accents. Ground clearance increased to 9.3 inches, with a ladder-style roof rack capable of holding significant dynamic and static loads. The interior boasted StarTex synthetic leather, copper accents, all-weather floor mats, and enhanced cargo area lighting.

Transitioning to the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, it sported a conservative but timeless design that aged well. AWD versions featured standard 20-inch wheels, while S Plus trims boasted 21-inch wheels. The ID.4 lineup included two models: the ID.4 with a 62-kWh battery and the ID.4 Pro with an 82-kWh battery, with trim levels ranging from base to S Plus. Prices varied from $39,735 to $57,055, with additional destination charges.

The 2024 ID.4 included benefits such as a federal tax credit of $7,500 and 500 kWh of free DC fast charging at Electrify America (EA) stations. Inside, VW updated the interiors with Cosmic Black or Galaxy color schemes for the S and S Plus trims, replacing last year's Cosmic interior. Changes included a new transmission shift stalk, revised steering wheel controls, available ventilated front seats, and an optional Harman Kardon premium sound system. All ID.4 Pro models now featured a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Though the ID.4’s interior initially seemed unconventional, it had become less so over time, especially for experienced EV drivers. We noted quirks like dual-function power window controls, and the auto on/off feature could add some hassle. However, a hidden steering column button allowed manual operation.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine on the Sport and Limited trims, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The Wilderness trim also adopted this powerful engine. The smaller 2.0-liter engine, equipped on the Premium trim we tested in early 2023, produced 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and Subaru had refined this transmission significantly to reduce droning and rubber banding effects.

Despite the higher power of the 2.5-liter engine, the Crosstrek was not considered a quick car, and both engines lagged behind turbocharged competitors in overall performance. The Wilderness trim featured paddle shifters and a shorter final-drive ratio, improving uphill and stop acceleration and increasing towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. Still, higher RPMs resulted in increased road noise and decreased fuel economy.

The Crosstrek’s fuel economy was competitive for a subcompact crossover with AWD, achieving 27 mpg city, 34 highway, and 29 combined with the 2.0-liter engine. The 2.5-liter engine achieved 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, while the Wilderness trim managed 25 city, 29 highway, and 27 combined.

Contrastingly, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a new rear electric drive motor for the single-motor Pro models, producing 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The standard 62-kWh models used a previous motor with 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. The Pro AWD models added a front motor for 335 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The ID.4 Pro models offered increased driving range on a full charge, with 291 miles for RWD and 263 miles for AWD. Standard 62-kWh models achieved 206 miles of range. All models supported 11-kW Level 2 home charging, with the 62-kWh battery charging fully in 6.25 hours, and the 82-kWh battery in eight hours. DC fast charging allowed a 10% to 80% charge in about 30 minutes.

Driving the ID.4 Pro S with RWD in Pasadena, California, yielded impressive acceleration and efficient power distribution. However, the ride felt firm, and more road noise entered the cabin at higher speeds. Regenerative braking was effective, though it did not support one-pedal driving.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Subaru Impreza’s platform, offered competitive cargo space and utility for a subcompact SUV despite its rugged styling. The rear seat provided good legroom and headroom for most passengers, though very tall individuals may prefer the front seat. Trunk space measured 19.9 cubic feet, less than rivals like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-30, but folding down the second row yielded 54.7 cubic feet of total cargo space.

The Crosstrek's interior materials felt low-rent but robust and easy to clean, with ample storage solutions, including a protective cargo tray on higher trims. The Wilderness trim added adventure-focused features like Nalgene cupholders in the trunk, all-weather floor mats, and a cargo tray.

In comparison, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4’s interior improvements enhanced usability and comfort. The transmission selector moved to a stalk beside the steering wheel, and touch-sensing controls were reassigned for better ergonomics. However, some touch-sensing controls were prone to accidental activation.

The Pro models featured a new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, illuminated touch sliders for volume and temperature, and a simplified user interface. Ventilated front seats and artificial leather upholstery improved comfort, especially in hot climates. The ID.4 provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. Unlike the Crosstrek, the ID.4 lacked a front trunk (frunk).

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek highlighted an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen display, standard on all but the Base trim. The display offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad (standard on Sport and Limited trims). Physical controls for essential functions remained, but some features were difficult to locate due to layered menus. Notably, compliance issues with Right to Repair laws resulted in the removal of remote start features in certain states.

For the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, the significant technological update was the 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system on Pro models. The user experience improved with an intuitive layout, better climate control accessibility, and illuminated touch sliders. The navigation system included battery preconditioning, and the new Harman Kardon sound system was available on S Plus trims. Gesture control was an added feature, though underused during testing.

The ID.4 also featured customizable voice assistant “Ida,” though it had limited success in practical applications. Volkswagen’s Car-Net connected services included Remote Access, Safe & Secure plans, and a Wi-Fi hotspot feature.

The Subaru Crosstrek consistently earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS since 2013, and the 2023 model received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight ADAS, the 2024 model offered enhanced safety with automatic emergency steering and improved camera angles.

Every Volkswagen ID.4 included IQ.Drive ADAS and a post-collision braking system. The semi-autonomous Travel Assist feature managed distance and lane-centering effectively during brief testing. The semi-autonomous parking assist system added convenience with Memory Parking for predefined maneuvers. The NHTSA rated the ID.4 favorably, and ongoing IIHS evaluations indicated strong performance.