2024 Acura MDX 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 a more conventional SUV look. However, this was a common trait among many electric vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, which also blurred the lines between hatchback and SUV.

Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its modularity with a range of models, similar to the MQB platform used for VW’s gasoline vehicles. The interior retained the quality and minimalist design seen in VW’s recent gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery and recycled fibre inserts as standard. The base model offered a manual driver’s seat but did not feel significantly downgraded from the higher-level ID.4 Pro AWD, showcasing VW’s commitment to quality across the lineup.

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and a modern lower bumper design. Inside, the cabin was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the centre console that could be overwhelming. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering a sportier experience. Standard features included tri-zone climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and heated seats, with ambient lighting options increasing with higher trims.

The Type S Ultra trim added luxury touches like a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, which were firmer and more invigorating than those in other luxury SUVs. While the MDX’s cabin might not have matched the opulence of a Mercedes-Benz GLS, it excelled in comfort and practicality, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with RWD, while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack, available in both RWD and 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, though the ID.4’s driving dynamics were more comfort-oriented than sporty.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S Ultra variant boasted a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s SH-AWD system. The Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension enhancing its agility. The Integrated Dynamics System provided various driving modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode, catering to different driving conditions.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V in interior space, it remained a practical choice for EV buyers. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kilograms and AWD models up to 1,225 kilograms.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, though the third row was best suited for children. It offered 512 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,367 litres with the rear seats folded, and a maximum of 2,690 litres with all seats down. The Type S Ultra featured a second-row bench with a fold-down centre console, providing a captain’s chair experience. The centre console offered ample storage, though the centre stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad shifter that took some getting used to.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, featuring software updates for improved responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition, though the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2024 Acura MDX’s infotainment system was less intuitive, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The centre console cleverly integrated charging ports, though the touchpad interface detracted from the overall user experience. Acura’s newer models, like the Integra, featured more intuitive touchscreen setups, suggesting potential improvements for future MDX models.

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, with high scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0, which offered adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The 2022 MDX, similar to the 2024 model, received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Despite its strong safety credentials, the MDX’s infotainment system posed a potential distraction, requiring drivers to look away from the road to operate the touchpad.