2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban was a testament to Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a supersized appearance, with grille, fascia, and wheel designs varying by trim level. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, black-painted 22-inch wheels, and sporty monochromatic black grille. Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin, ranging from economically comfortable on the base LS trim to plush on the High Country. The RST trim featured 10-way power seats, Jet Black perforated leather with Victory Red stitching, and an optional Luxury package, though the predominantly black interior felt a bit dark.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design. It was easily distinguished as an EV, though it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance. Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 offered a minimalist interior design with quality materials, even on the base model. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres was standard, and the interior changes for 2023 improved functionality, such as a conventional lid for the centre console and a better phone spot. The ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample legroom and headroom, and a substantial cargo capacity of 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, provided effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing, with a maximum capacity of 3,765 kilograms. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased cargo space. The RST trim, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8 and Magnetic Ride Control, excelled in a 130-kilometre tow test, showcasing its capability and ease of use.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model, with RWD, while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack, available with RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 horsepower, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivalled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but lacked handling precision. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience, allowing coasting in default settings.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was notably spacious, with excellent access. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 1,175 litres behind the third row and 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power-sliding centre console and hidden storage drawer added practicality. However, its size made it challenging to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces, and the switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required adjustment for long-time users.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with generous legroom and headroom. Cargo space was substantial, with 858 litres with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. 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 provided some towing capability, with a capacity of 1,000 kilograms for RWD models and 1,225 kilograms for AWD models. Interior changes for 2023 improved functionality, with a conventional lid for the centre console and three-zone climate control.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured a range of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system was standard on LT and above. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a WiFi hotspot, were standard across the board. The audio system ranged from a basic six-speaker setup on the LS to a premium Bose 10-speaker system on higher trims.

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, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The user interface included sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, though voice recognition mitigated this issue. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban included standard safety features from the Chevy Safety Assist suite, such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection and five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS had not tested the current-generation Suburban.

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 received the IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus and a 360-degree camera system.