2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colours were introduced, and the rear VW logo was illuminated. Despite these changes, the ID.4 maintained a distinct EV appearance, lacking the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which could be a drawback for buyers seeking those attributes. The ID.4 was built on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, offering a modular approach similar to the MQB platform used in other VW models. Inside, the ID.4 carried over the minimalist design and quality feel from VW's gasoline models, with standard leatherette upholstery and recycled fibre inserts.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, showcased a more substantial and blocky appearance, with a trapezoidal grille borrowed from Toyota's truck line. This design choice added a sense of heft, complemented by beveled and angled bodywork framing the headlights. Over time, other manufacturers adopted similar styling cues. The interior continued the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard and a common layout featuring an infotainment touchscreen and physical controls. Materials quality was average, with some hard plastics but lightly padded surfaces in contact areas. The base model lacked a leather-wrapped steering wheel, opting for a urethane wheel that felt less premium. However, build quality was strong, with no noticeable creaks or squeaks during driving.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack, available in both RWD and all-wheel drive (AWD). The single electric motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD variant increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 109 kilograms, enhancing acceleration and handling. Despite its acceleration capabilities, the ID.4 allowed too much body roll for spirited driving on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, offering a more traditional driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor/generator, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. A second electric motor provided AWD, resulting in a combined output of 219 horsepower and a 0 to 100 km/h time of approximately 7.5 seconds. The Hybrid powertrain was quicker than the standard RAV4 by about half a second, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid was faster still. The brakes operated smoothly, transitioning from regenerative to physical braking seamlessly. The suspension offered a comfortable ride over bumps and potholes, with confident cornering, though it wasn't particularly sporty. The RAV4 Hybrid's driving dynamics were satisfactory, aligning with its competitors in the compact hybrid SUV class.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample interior space, surpassing other affordable EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf in front and rear legroom, as well as headroom compared to the Kia Niro EV. Cargo space was generous, with 858 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it was practical for an affordable EV. The ID.4 offered towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kilograms and AWD models up to 1,225 kg. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with available three-zone climate control.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered spacious front seats and adequate rear seating for average-sized adults. Rear headroom was slightly more than the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage, but legroom was slightly less. Cargo capacity was 1,059 litres, nearly matching the non-hybrid RAV4, with no significant advantage over competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid or Kia Sportage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, though shorter individuals might find them hard to reach. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray for wireless charging, large cupholders, and a spacious centre armrest bin. Dual-zone climate control was standard on all trims except the base Hybrid LE.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The user experience was largely unchanged, featuring sharp graphics and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a split-screen view. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive than traditional buttons, though voice recognition often mitigated this issue. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new multimedia infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menu arrangements. Most trims featured an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional wireless charging pad. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle monitoring. Higher trims offered a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system, while most models had a six-speaker setup. The base display's small on-screen buttons required precise input, but the overall system was a significant improvement.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS's highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most tests, with an "Acceptable" rating in new moderate overlap frontal and side-impact tests, earning it a Top Safety Pick designation. The RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a digital rearview mirror. The safety systems performed reliably, with smooth adaptive cruise control operation.