2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 GMC Yukon

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a striking presence on the road, especially for those with a penchant for chrome. Even the base SLE model boasted enough shiny elements to give it a premium appearance, but it was the Denali trim that truly embraced the chrome aesthetic. The front of the Denali was dominated by a vast, multi-dimensional grille, reminiscent of an industrial-sized cheese grater, flanked by GMC's signature C-shaped headlights. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, part of the optional Ultimate package, stood out against the dark Redwood Metallic paint, adding to its commanding presence. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin, with standard seating for eight and available second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven but enhancing third-row access. The Denali trim featured exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle showcasing the Teak/Light Shale colour combo, which added layers and textures for a premium look.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 presented a more subtle and modern design. VW made minor styling changes for the 2023 model year, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design. The ID.4, based on VW's MEB platform, was easily distinguishable as an EV, lacking the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance. Inside, the ID.4 carried over the best qualities of recent VW interiors, with a minimalist design and a feeling of quality. The base model featured leatherette upholstery with recycled fibre inserts, and the interior offered more space than other affordable EVs, with ample legroom and headroom. The ID.4's cargo space was also impressive, with 858 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, making it a practical choice among entry-level EVs.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-litre V8 engine standard on all trims except the Denali, which produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The Denali and AT4 trims featured a 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A new 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, available on all trims except the AT4, delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering excellent fuel efficiency. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard on the SLE and SLT trims, and four-wheel drive standard on the AT4 and Denali. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 3,810 kilograms, achievable with the 5.3-litre engine and Max Trailering Package. The independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, although some bouncing was noted over rough surfaces.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model, available only with rear-wheel drive, while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack with options for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The single electric motor rear-wheel drive models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain increased output to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet 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's regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive "B" setting available, though it did not offer one-pedal driving. The ID.4 provided a comfortable and refined ride, with the all-wheel drive model offering acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks, though handling was less engaging on twisty roads.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with a redesign that increased third-row legroom to 886 mm. Cargo space behind the third row expanded to 722 litres, thanks to a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding centre console with hidden storage, and power-retractable, illuminated assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package. The pushbutton transmission controls required some acclimation but offered a modern touch to the interior.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. With 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, the ID.4 was practical for an entry-level EV. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with a capacity of 1,000 kilograms for rear-wheel drive models and 1,225 kilograms for all-wheel drive models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with available three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch multi-colour head-up display, the largest in its class, offering driving speed, speed limit, and safety aid information. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system. The Denali Ultimate Package added a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 made the 12.0-inch touchscreen standard across all models, with software updates for improved responsiveness. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics, smartphone-like icons, and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel remained a concern, lacking physical feedback. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Safety Alert Seat and rear camera mirror enhanced safety, and the Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.

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, similar to the 2023 version, earned 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, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, automated lane-change, and a 360-degree camera system.