2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a 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 that many buyers find appealing. This design choice was similar to other EVs 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, including the upcoming ID.Buzz electric van. Inside, the ID.4 carried over the minimalist and quality-focused design of VW’s gasoline models, offering leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres and a manual driver’s seat in the base model, which didn’t feel like a significant downgrade from higher trims.

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, receiving minor updates to its headlights, grille, and taillights, which were connected by a light strip. These changes, along with the new “Pluton Blue” paint, gave the Seltos a refreshed look without a significant price increase. Inside, the Seltos introduced a new Gentle Brown interior colour, though the test model featured a standard black interior. A notable interior update was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash, combining a digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The Seltos offered various trims, each with distinct features, from the base LX with 17-inch alloy wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen to the top X-Line trim with 18-inch alloy wheels and a unique grille design. The interior was designed for practicality, with ample headroom and a comfortable seating position, making it a strong contender in the subcompact SUV segment.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a new 62-kWh battery 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 lb-ft 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 kg, enhancing acceleration and handling. Despite its impressive acceleration, the ID.4's handling was less engaging due to body roll, though it provided a comfortable and refined driving experience. The regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive “B” setting that stopped short of one-pedal driving, offering a familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. The base LX trim came with FWD, with AWD optional, while AWD was standard from the EX Premium trim. The SX and X-Line trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 60 to 100 km/h scenarios, though there was some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll. The brakes initially felt touchy but settled over time. With 18 cm of ground clearance, the Seltos was capable of light off-road adventures, making it versatile for different driving needs.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered generous interior space, surpassing other affordable EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf in front and rear legroom, and providing more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. It boasted 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, making it practical for an entry-level EV. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it was a standout among affordable EVs. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kg and AWD models up to 1,225 kg. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console, improved phone storage, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls.

The 2024 Kia Seltos provided up to 1,778 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 753 litres with them in use. A hands-free power liftgate was standard from the EX Premium trim. The Seltos featured an upright seating position with ample headroom, offering good driver visibility and rear legroom. The front seating area included decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the front centre console had a small tray for essentials. A removable cargo cover was standard from the EX Premium trim, adding to its practicality. The Seltos balanced interior space and functionality well, making it a strong choice for those seeking a subcompact SUV with versatile storage options.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen across all models, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. Despite updates, the user experience remained similar, with sharp graphics and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a split-screen view. The haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, replacing conventional buttons, were a downside, lacking physical feedback and being potentially distracting. However, the natural-language voice recognition system mitigated this issue. The ID.Light feature, part ambient lighting and part AI assistant, provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent digital bezel across trims, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch digital screen with gauges, while upper trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. Both systems offered a logical layout with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Seltos retained tactile controls, including volume and tuning dials and hard buttons for climate control. The larger screen was well-sized and responsive, with USB-A and USB-C ports for phone connectivity. The SX and X-Line trims featured an upgraded eight-speaker Bose stereo system. The Seltos also offered Digital Key 2 Touch, allowing smartphone-based access and sharing, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

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. While IIHS ratings for 2023 were unavailable, the similar 2022 model earned a “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 with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0 with adaptive cruise control and lane centring. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, automated lane-change for Travel Assist, and a 360-degree camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came with standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist, lane-departure warning, lane-follow assist, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The EX Premium trim added smart adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and navigation-based curve prediction. The SX trim included traffic sign recognition, highway driving assist, and a junction-turning function for forward collision warning. The drive-away warning alerted drivers if they were stopped in traffic and the vehicle ahead moved without their response, addressing distracted driving concerns.