2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark grey vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback an aggressive appearance, further enhanced by a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, offered a more cohesive look, especially when paired with a dark paint colour to tone down the bold design elements. The Outback was available in seven trims, with the Onyx Edition priced at $38,695 in Canada, and the Limited trim, which we tested, priced at $42,990 including destination charges. The interior of the Limited trim was praised for its upscale feel, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and a cohesive design, although the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. The ID.4, based on VW's MEB platform, was easily distinguishable as an EV but lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. The interior carried over the minimalist design and quality feel from VW's gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres as standard. The ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. VW also made functional improvements to the interior for 2023, including a conventional lid for the centre console and a better spot for a phone.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard 2.5-litre engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled with passing and climbing power, and its fuel efficiency was below expectations at 9.2 L/100 km. The turbocharged XT models offered a more satisfying 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, though they were less fuel-efficient. All Outback models featured a CVT that mimicked an eight-speed automatic and came with a standard Active Torque Split AWD system. The Outback excelled off-road, thanks to its X-Mode traction system and generous ground clearance, but the standard engine felt underpowered, especially at elevation.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a 62-kWh battery pack with RWD and an 82-kWh pack with RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models delivered 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, but it lacked one-pedal driving. While the ID.4's acceleration was impressive, its handling was less so, with too much body roll on twisty roads. The ID.4 was comfortable and refined, making it suitable for long drives, but it didn't offer the same level of driving engagement as some hot hatchbacks.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Limited trim offered a comfortable interior with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Outback provided ample legroom and cargo space, with 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the seats folded. The vehicle's high ground clearance made it easy to enter and exit, and the robust roof rails were ready for accessories. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space in the cabin.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 boasted more interior space than other affordable EVs, with generous front and rear legroom and headroom. Its cargo capacity of 858 litres with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded was substantial for an entry-level EV. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with a capacity of 1,000 kg for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. VW made small interior changes for 2023, including a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage. The ID.4's interior was functional and practical, making it a strong contender in the affordable EV segment.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system on all trims except the Base, which had a 7-inch screen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with subscription-based Starlink connected services. The infotainment system's usability had improved, but the graphics and colourful icons were not to everyone's taste. The voice recognition system was limited, often requiring the use of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation and other functions. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring sharp graphics and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a split-screen view. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, lacking physical feedback. The ID.4 also featured ID.Light, an ambient lighting system that provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes. While the infotainment system was generally user-friendly, the haptic controls were a notable drawback.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The system also featured a new Automatic Emergency Steering function and a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for improved pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Outback received top safety ratings from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were criticized for their artificial steering feel, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 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's Top Safety Pick+ rating. The ID.4 came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. For 2023, the ID.4 added Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system, enhancing its safety credentials.