2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Acura RDX

The 2022 Acura RDX underwent subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround and front and rear bumper styling, along with new wheel designs and paint colours. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, named after Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup featured various trims, with starting prices ranging from $45,800 to $61,500, excluding a destination charge. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada, offered high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, justifying its cost. Despite some design quirks, the RDX maintained a stylish flair compared to its competitors.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colours, along with a rear VW logo that lights up, were introduced. While the ID.4 was easily distinguishable as an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. Based on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its underpinnings with various models, including the upcoming ID.Buzz electric van. The interior retained a minimalist design and quality feel, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres. The base model offered a manual driver’s seat, but overall, the ID.4 provided a comfortable and spacious cabin.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters, delivered an enjoyable driving experience. However, fuel consumption was higher than the rated 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres, averaging 11.4 L/100 km during testing. The standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system in Canada provided excellent torque-vectoring capabilities, enhancing the RDX’s driving dynamics. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness. Despite its dynamic prowess, the RDX didn’t qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, leaving driving enthusiasts to consider German alternatives.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with RWD, while the Pro variant retained the 82-kWh pack, 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 powertrain 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. The ID.4 provided a comfortable and refined ride, though it allowed too much body roll for spirited driving. Regenerative braking was present, but VW’s approach didn’t support one-pedal driving, offering a more familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2022 Acura RDX, a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position, though the control layout required acclimation. The True Touchpad Interface infotainment system and metallic gauge faces posed usability challenges. The RDX featured comfortable 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, with available ventilation and a heated steering wheel. Dual-zone automatic climate control and Iconic Drive ambient lighting were standard. The back seat, while spacious, lacked support, and the cargo area offered 835 litres of space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with generous front and rear legroom and headroom. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,818 litres with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in terms of space, it excelled among entry-level EVs. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models rated at 1,000 kilograms and AWD models at 1,225 kilograms. Interior updates included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage. Three-zone climate control and heated rear seats were available.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. While the system offered a direct one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen, it was complex and distracting compared to traditional touchscreens. However, the inclusion of Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto reduced reliance on the TTI. The RDX also offered three premium sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. A 10.5-inch head-up display was included with the A-Spec Platinum Elite trim.

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, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster and natural-language voice recognition were also standard. The user interface retained haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which lacked physical feedback and could be distracting. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and enhancements to the AcuraWatch suite, such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. While AcuraWatch’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were mostly accurate, they occasionally issued false warnings. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating.

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 weren’t available, the 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The ID.4 featured standard driver-assist features, including 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.