2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Acura RDX

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, new wheel designs, and paint colors. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, built at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding destination charges. The A-Spec Advance package, priced at $53,645, showcased high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, although some design elements like the vertical air inlets were less appealing.

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 colors, along with a rear VW logo that lights up, were also introduced. The ID.4, based on VW's MEB platform, offered a minimalist interior design with a focus on quality. Despite its EV distinction, the ID.4 lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, it provided more interior space than other affordable EVs and featured a new center console design for improved functionality.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine delivered a spirited driving experience, although heavy-footed drivers would find it challenging to achieve the EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, as the test average was 20.6 mpg. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, and the drivetrain performed smoothly. The RDX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the option of Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX's driving dynamics, comfortable seats, and torquey engine made it enjoyable to drive, although it didn't qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models with RWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting and a more aggressive "B" setting, although it didn't offer one-pedal driving. The AWD model provided strong acceleration but lacked the handling finesse of hot hatchbacks like the VW Golf GTI and Golf R.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. However, the control layout required a learning curve, with transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system control pad being unconventional. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, and the new flat-bottom steering wheel was a pleasure to hold. The back seat, though, lacked support and comfort for adults. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

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 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the most practical entry-level EVs. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models rated at 2,200 pounds and AWD models at 2,700 pounds. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console, a better phone storage spot, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a sectioned touchpad controller. This system required a learning curve, as it introduced a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and the screen. Despite its complexity, the TTI became more natural to use over time. The RDX also included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. The Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

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. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which replaced conventional buttons, were distracting and lacked physical feedback. The ID.4 also featured ID.Light, an ambient lighting system that provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades to improve side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package and higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate but occasionally issued false warnings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating.

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. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS' Top Safety Pick+ rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4's standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. For 2023, the ID.4 added Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.