Volkswagen ID.4 vs Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 came in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The XC90 B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine. The B6 variant added a supercharger for enhanced performance, while the Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid offering the highest performance, maximum efficiency, and an estimated 32-mile electric-only range. All models included all-wheel drive (AWD) as a standard feature. Available in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trims, the XC90's price ranged from $56,000 to $79,600, exclusive of a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 test vehicle in Ultimate trim came with seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, a premium headliner, an active air suspension, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch for a 5,000-pound towing capacity, settling at an MSRP of $89,145 including the destination charge. Volvo’s mastery in color and materials was evident in the XC90. The exterior palette was subdued and earthy, complementing its luxury yet practical, safety-focused, and sustainable identity. Various wheel designs were available up to 21 inches, with a Bright theme featuring chrome and polished metal, contrasting the typical blacked-out trend. Inside, the XC90's dated design was elevated by rich materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. Operations like wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather in various colors enhanced the premium feel, along with the Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim. Conversely, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 took a more conservative yet timeless design approach. AWD models sported 20-inch wheels, with the S Plus trim offering a 21-inch design. The ID.4 came in two models: ID.4 and ID.4 Pro. The ID.4 featured a 62-kWh battery, whereas the ID.4 Pro was equipped with an 82-kWh battery, both available in three trims: base, S, and S Plus. Pricing ranged from $39,735 to $57,055, not accounting for a $1,425 destination charge. VW’s ID.4 models sourced batteries from SK On, qualifying for the full $7,500 federal tax credit at purchase. Each 2024 ID.4 also included 500 kWh of free DC fast charging at Electrify America (EA) stations and a three-year EA Pass+ membership for discounted rates. The ID.4 Pro S test model, priced at $51,815 before the $7,500 credit, was equipped with rear-wheel drive, the larger battery pack, and mid-level trim. Volkswagen revamped the interior color schemes for 2024, offering Cosmic Black or Galaxy artificial leather upholstery while maintaining the standard Nutmeg/Brown and Stone/Black fabric with artificial leather bolsters. Interior updates included a new transmission shift stalk, revised steering wheel controls, available ventilated front seats, and an optional Harman Kardon premium sound system. The significant change was the new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing the user experience significantly from previous years.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This ensemble produced 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, delivered to all wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered an electric-only range of 32 miles and, when used as a hybrid, averaged 27 mpg in combined driving. In Power mode, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging the XC90 was straightforward. A standard household outlet charged it in about 12 hours, with a 240-volt outlet halving the time. Additional modes like Charge, Hold, and Auto allowed for battery management for different driving needs. The test model struggled to meet the full electric range in hot temperatures, covering 28 miles instead of 32, and achieved 24.5 mpg combined, slightly below the EPA’s 27 mpg estimate. Despite its lively powertrain and authoritative acceleration, the XC90 Recharge T8 revealed limitations in handling and ride quality. The firm ride on irregular pavement and loose structures diminished the driving experience, not living up to the standards of a flagship luxury SUV. The 21-inch wheels further degraded ride quality despite the adaptive air suspension. Enthusiastic driving revealed more roll, pitch, and dive than ideal, alongside steering that lacked sharpness and communication. In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 offered newfound vigor with its rear electric drive motor in the single-motor Pro (82 kWh) models, delivering 282 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 5.9 seconds—1.3 seconds quicker than the 2023 model. The 62-kWh models retained the previous motor with 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. The AWD Pro added a front motor, providing 335 hp with a 4.9-second dash to 60 mph. The ID.4 Pro boasted a range of 291 miles with RWD and 263 miles with AWD on a full 82-kWh battery charge. The 62-kWh model could travel 206 miles. Compatible with 11-kW Level 2 home charging stations, the ID.4 charged the smaller battery in 6.25 hours and the larger in less than eight. At DC fast chargers, the 62-kWh accepted 140 kW, while the 82-kWh handled 175 kW, charging from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. During media event testing, the ID.4 Pro S with RWD demonstrated improved acceleration and efficiency, merging onto freeways effortlessly and navigating mountain roads skillfully with verified efficiency of 28.6 kWh/100 miles. Though firm, the ride wasn’t uncomfortable, and the brake pedal felt natural despite regenerative braking quirks. Overall, the ID.4 proved competitive and comfortable for everyday driving.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in its base Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. A panoramic glass roof illuminated the interior, complemented by a one-touch swipe control for the sunshade. Higher trims like Plus and Ultimate added features such as a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, upgraded interior lighting, an integrated booster child seat, and rear door sunshades. The front seats were highly adjustable but occasionally cumbersome, though they offered exceptional comfort with a commanding driving position. However, during evaluations on a hot day, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode until the gas engine activated. The XC90 accommodated seven passengers, with an option for six with second-row captain’s chairs. Storage was adequate, with 65.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the third-row down and 85.7 cubic feet with the second-row folded. For the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, interior updates improved usability and comfort. The transmission selector moved to a stalk on the right of the steering wheel, and wiper controls shifted to the left stalk. Changes included grouping lighting controls on a touch-sensing pad on the dashboard and minor revisions to touch-sensing steering wheel controls. The Pro models boasted a new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with improved usability. Touch-sensing sliders for volume and temperature were illuminated, and new ventilated front seats were available. The ID.4's front seats were comfortable with optimal visibility, and rear seats provided ample legroom and footroom despite a firm ride. The rear seats and a center armrest enhanced comfort for passengers. Cargo space in the ID.4 was practical, offering 30.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64.2 cubic feet with seats folded. Unlike the XC90, the ID.4 lacked a front trunk.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system integrated Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play access, and Google Assistant. Android compatibility was paired with Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio. Available audio systems ranged from a 14-speaker Harman Kardon to a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system, enhancing the auditory experience. The Google Built-in infotainment system, though smaller in size, was intuitive and featured responsive voice commands via Google Assistant. Additional tech included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera with standard front and rear parking sensors. Meanwhile, the standout feature in the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 was the 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Pro models, enhancing user experience. The home screen hosted four main data panels, with illuminated volume and temperature touch-sliders at night. The standard navigation included a battery preconditioning feature for efficient DC fast charging station visits. A new optional Harman Kardon premium sound system for S Plus trims and enhanced user customizability made the ID.4’s system more appealing. The infotainment offered Plus Nav and Plus Speech for three years, a digital voice assistant named Ida, and native integration for improved usability. However, Ida's efficacy varied depending on the query. Additionally, every ID.4 came with a five-year subscription to Remote Access and Safe & Secure Car-Net connected service plans, allowing remote operation and emergency assistance via a smartphone app. The ID.4 could become a Wi-Fi hotspot, adding a Plus Online Radio Package.

Safety was a hallmark for Volvo, evidenced by the XC90’s top crash-test ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it five stars in every assessment except rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2023 XC90 a Top Safety Pick+, with the 2024 rating pending. Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the XC90 included Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving, which paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. However, during testing, Pilot Assist showed limitations, especially with complex freeway exit maneuvers, shaking confidence in its reliability. The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a post-collision braking system and Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive suite of ADAS. This included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, the latter recognizing unresponsive drivers and halting the vehicle safely. During our short testing, Travel Assist managed following distance and lane-centering smoothly. Memory Parking, a semi-autonomous park-assist feature, saved up to five parking maneuvers for easier navigation in tight spots. The ID.4 earned favorable NHTSA ratings, though IIHS evaluations were incomplete but positive in initial assessments.