Volkswagen ID.4 vs Toyota Grand Highlander

Comparing the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, the look and feel of these two vehicles couldn't have been more different, yet both were equally captivating in their own right.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a true testament to Toyota’s extensive lineup of crossovers and SUVs. Positioned between the smaller Highlander and the massive Sequoia, the Grand Highlander stood out with its generous dimensions. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with the regular Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and Camry. Measuring at 201.4 inches in length and sitting on a 116.1-inch wheelbase, it was longer and more substantial compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride. Its design was robust yet conservative, evoking inspirations from rugged vehicles like the 4Runner but maintaining a blockier, more traditional SUV aesthetic. Inside, the Grand Highlander was pure luxury. The XLE trim was adorned with Softex synthetic leather, while the higher trims boasted real leather. The Platinum trim even offered Portobello (brown) upholstery, complementing its top-spec engine. Standard amenities like a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, second-row sunshades, and a removable center console added to its comfort and elegance. The quality of materials and seamless fit and finish underscored Toyota's reputation for durability and sophistication.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 exuded a conservative yet timeless allure, typical of Volkswagen designs. Drama was not part of its design principle, but it aged gracefully with subtle updates. The 2024 models, especially the AWD versions, sported 20-inch wheels, with the S Plus trim featuring 21-inch wheels. The design was sleek and modern, but without ostentation. Inside, the ID.4 offered new interior treatments for 2024. Gone was the old Cosmic interior; instead, buyers could choose between Cosmic Black or Galaxy artificial leather upholstery in the higher trims, while base models had options like Nutmeg/Brown and Stone/Black fabric with artificial leather bolsters. The new transmission shift stalk, the revised steering wheel controls, and options like ventilated front seats and a premium Harman Kardon sound system elevated the cabin experience. The new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on Pro models, marked a significant step forward in terms of usability and user experience.

Performance-wise, both the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 presented unique strengths tailored to different driving preferences.

The Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. However, the crown jewel of the lineup was the Hybrid Max powertrain, a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine that produced an impressive 362 combined net horsepower and 400 combined net lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid Max made the Grand Highlander sprint to 60 mph in a respectable 6.3 seconds. All engines were available with both FWD and AWD, except the Hybrid Max, which came only with AWD. Toyota's focus was on delivering a comfortable ride, though the steering felt a bit numb, and maneuvering the large SUV through tight spots could be challenging. Nevertheless, the acceleration, especially with the Base 2.4-liter engine, was adequate, and the brakes offered a solid, linear pedal feel.

In comparison, the Volkswagen ID.4 embraced its EV identity with gusto. The new rear electric drive motor on the single-motor Pro (82 kWh) models supplied 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in a claimed 5.9 seconds, which was 1.3 seconds quicker than the previous model. The base 62-kWh models continued with the 201 hp and 229 lb-ft torque motor. The AWD Pro models added an additional electric motor at the front, increasing the total output to 335 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque, while dropping the 0-60 mph time to an impressive 4.9 seconds. The ID.4 also shone in terms of efficiency. The Pro models with RWD offered an EPA-rated range of 291 miles and 263 miles with AWD. The charging infrastructure was robust, supporting up to 175 kW and fast-charging capability from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. The driving experience of the ID.4 was significantly enhanced with the new motor, offering smooth acceleration, commendable handling, and a comfortable ride, albeit with noticeable road noise at higher speeds.

The interior space and functionality of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 were crafted with attention to detail, aiming to maximize comfort and utility.

The Toyota Grand Highlander wasn’t just larger; it was substantially more spacious than most of its rivals, measuring 201.4 inches long on a 116.1-inch wheelbase. This extended length translated to superior cargo capacity. It offered a total of 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly more than competitors like the Kia Telluride. Even with the seats up, it provided 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row. This ample space ensured the Grand Highlander could accommodate plenty of luggage and gear without compromising passenger comfort. The interior roominess extended to the seating arrangements, with enough headroom, legroom, and shoulder room to comfortably seat adults even in the third row. The versatile second-row seats with sunshades and a removable console, alongside thoughtful touches like numerous USB-C ports and cupholders, further underscored its family-friendly design.

Volkswagen’s ID.4 also offered a well-thought-out interior but on a different scale. For 2024, the ID.4 featured several adjustments to make the space more user-friendly and comfortable. The transmission selector moved to a stalk by the steering wheel, and the new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system enhanced the overall usability. Rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom and comfortable seating with standard amenities like USB-C ports and air vents. The 60/40 split folding rear seats, which included a center pass-through, increased the cargo flexibility. However, the ID.4's cargo capacity, though respectable, lagged behind the Grand Highlander’s. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and expanded to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. Despite lacking a front trunk or frunk, the ID.4 managed to offer a comfortable and practical cabin for both passengers and cargo.

Technology was a strong point for both the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, with each brand offering advanced infotainment systems and connectivity features.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, marking a significant upgrade from Toyota's older systems. The new interface was user-friendly and visually appealing. However, to unlock the full potential of the system, buyers needed to subscribe to various connected services. The intelligent assistant, activated by saying "Hey Toyota," could handle tasks like adjusting the temperature and changing radio stations. The system supported dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 11-speaker JBL stereo system available on higher trims delivered impressive sound quality. Streaming audio integration was also available, with packages offering SiriusXM with a three-month trial and options for Wi-Fi connectivity.

Volkswagen also stepped up its game with the new 12.9-inch touchscreen in the 2024 ID.4 Pro models. The system featured a redesigned layout, which improved usability by organizing primary functions and keeping climate controls accessible at all times. This screen was accompanied by illuminated touch sliders for volume and temperature, enhancing nighttime usability. Volkswagen provided standard navigation with a battery preconditioning feature, a convenience for long trips involving fast-charging stops. Additionally, the infotainment system included three years of access to Plus Nav and Plus Speech services, along with gesture control and a digital voice assistant named Ida. Despite some limitations in voice-command recognition, the system proved mostly effective. ID.4 owners also received five years of Car-Net connected services, offering features like remote access and emergency assistance.

Safety was paramount for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, with both models offering robust safety features.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) as standard across all trims. This included a suite of advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The updated lane-departure alert could identify three-dimensional objects, reducing false warnings. Additionally, adaptive cruise control with four following-distance settings provided enhanced driving convenience. However, as a new model, the Grand Highlander had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

Similarly, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 was equipped with extensive safety features, including a post-collision braking system that activated after an accident involving airbag deployment. The standard IQ.Drive suite comprised many advanced driver-assistance technologies, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist managed following distance and lane-centering effectively during our test, while Emergency Assist could recognize unresponsive drivers and bring the vehicle to a safe stop. The semi-autonomous parking assist with Memory Parking was another notable feature. The ID.4 received favorable crash-test ratings from NHTSA, though assessments by IIHS were incomplete but promising.