2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Ford Escape

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. This design choice aligned it more with other electric vehicles like 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, promising versatility akin to the MQB platform used in VW’s gasoline vehicles. Inside, the ID.4 boasted a minimalist design with quality materials, including leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres, offering a premium feel even in the base model.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Escape underwent a significant front-end redesign in 2023, which carried over into the 2024 model, giving it a more aggressive look. The rest of the SUV retained a soft, generic appeal. The Escape was available in various trims, including Active, ST-Line, and Platinum, with prices ranging from $33,049 to $46,999, excluding additional fees. The ST-Line Elite trim, tested with extra-cost features, reached $49,924. Inside, the Escape offered diamond-stitched leather and tech upgrades, but the glossy surfaces and stiff upholstery detracted from its upscale appearance. Despite these shortcomings, the Escape provided a comfortable and isolated driving experience, though it lacked the attention to detail that could elevate its appeal.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base model with RWD and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model, available with RWD or AWD. The single electric motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery reduced curb weight by 109 kilograms, enhancing acceleration and handling. Despite its hot hatchback-like acceleration, the ID.4's handling was less engaging due to body roll. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience, avoiding one-pedal driving.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite offered a choice between a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, allowed for a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The Escape's driving dynamics were more about comfort than sportiness, with a soft ride and nimble handling in typical situations. The brake pedal was responsive, but the steering felt sluggish. The turbo engine's potential was underutilized, and the hybrid powertrain was recommended for better fuel efficiency.

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 was practical for an affordable EV. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kilograms and AWD models up to 1,225 kilograms. Interior updates included a conventional lid for the centre console and three-zone climate control.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line featured a black interior with cloth inserts and artificial leather bolsters, accented by red stitching. Leather was optional but not recommended due to its uncomfortable feel. The test model included ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable seats, and heated front seats. The Escape's front seats were large and supportive, while the rear seats offered comfort when slid back. Interior storage was generous in the front, but rear passengers had less accommodation. Cargo volume measured 1,061 litres behind the back seat and 1,852 litres with the rear seat folded.

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 intuitive controls, though the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less user-friendly. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, adding a unique touch to the driving experience.

The 2024 Ford Escape featured digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 12.3-inch display on upper trims. The ST-Line Elite test vehicle had a 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system with a landscape format, offering an intuitive layout. However, the display's colour theme appeared washed out, and the climate controls were integrated into the screen. Sync 4 included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a larger screen offering connected navigation. The test vehicle had a Bang & Olufsen sound system, but the speakers were damaged. The voice recognition system was excellent, though the wireless charger heated the phone excessively. An optional head-up display was included in the Premium Technology Package.

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 earned the IIHS’s “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 2024 Ford Escape came with a standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The ST-Line Elite added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, lane-centring assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The lane-keeping systems were inconsistent, and the predictive speed assist was overly cautious. On highways, the Co-Pilot360 technology performed better. The NHTSA gave the Escape five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.