2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior appearance. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant design. The exterior boasted standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and modern look. Inside, the MDX's cabin was refined with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, though not a touchscreen, was strategically placed for safety, and the front seats offered exceptional comfort and adjustability.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 made subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. While it was easily recognizable as an EV, the ID.4 lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its modularity with other EVs, promising versatility. The interior maintained a minimalist design with quality materials, and the base model offered leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres. Despite its EV nature, the ID.4 provided a comfortable and spacious cabin, with a focus on practicality and functionality.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension upgrades included a double-wishbone front setup and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving sporty handling and ride quality. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly enhanced, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its cornering capabilities and highway cruising, standing out among competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base model and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model. The single electric motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight, enhancing acceleration and handling. While the ID.4's AWD version rivalled hot hatchbacks in acceleration, it allowed too much body roll for spirited driving on twisty roads. The regenerative braking system offered a familiar driving experience, though it lacked one-pedal driving capability.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX provided ample seating capacity for family needs. Cargo space ranged from 461 to 512 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,690 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing utility. Interior lighting was customizable with 27 themes, adding a touch of personalization.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with generous front and rear legroom and headroom. Cargo space measured 858 litres with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs. The ID.4 also provided some towing capability, with a capacity of 1,000 kg for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage. The ID.4's practicality and functionality made it a strong contender in the affordable EV segment.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System on higher trims, delivering exceptional sound quality with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering a configurable and user-friendly interface. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were included, along with a head-up display on the Platinum Elite trim. The MDX also offered a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air software updates, ensuring a connected and modern driving experience.

For 2023, the 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, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.4's user interface featured 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 assistance, adding a unique touch to the driving experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in all categories. The vehicle was engineered with a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure for collision protection. The front end redesign improved pedestrian safety, and the low-speed braking control system enhanced safety in urban environments. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, including collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. While IIHS ratings for the 2023 model were not available, the 2022 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating. The ID.4 offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.