2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in the U.S. with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front showcased Hyundai's new design language, featuring a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When lit, these lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The Tucson's side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported LED-illuminated toothy taillights, except for the base model, giving it a standout appearance among compact SUVs. The Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, depending on the trim, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, the Tucson's cabin was well-appointed, offering stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, with sport combination and leather-trimmed options available on higher trims. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered design contributed to a sense of spaciousness.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, with a gloss black front bumper trim and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo was illuminated. While the ID.4 was unmistakably an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV's upright profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its modularity with other EVs, like the upcoming ID.Buzz electric van. Inside, the ID.4 retained the minimalist design and quality feel of recent VW interiors. The base ID.4 Standard model, despite its manual driver's seat, didn't feel like a significant downgrade from higher trims. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts was standard for 2023, enhancing the interior's appeal.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly thrilling, it was competent and efficient, targeting 28 mpg combined. The hybrid powertrain, however, was the standout, delivering 226 total system horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, making it more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid's AWD system performed admirably in off-road testing, similar to Subaru's reactive AWD. The ICE-powered Tucson achieved an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while the hybrid models boasted 37 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined. The forthcoming Tucson PHEV promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, though its all-electric range was yet to be confirmed.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available only with RWD. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack, offering both RWD and AWD options. Single-motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivaled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but lacked the handling prowess. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience, allowing coasting in default regen mode. The ID.4's driving dynamics were comfortable and refined, though not particularly engaging on twisty roads.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a budget-friendly compact SUV, offered a well-appointed interior that rivaled its competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard, with an eight-way version available on higher trims, along with lumbar support. Heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings, and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat were also available. The Tucson's new platform provided more space for passengers and cargo, with rear seats offering two inches more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with 74.8 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V. A 60-40 split-folding rear bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor added versatility, while a hands-free liftgate was available on mid-grade models and up.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more front and rear legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the Kia Niro EV. With 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, the ID.4 surpassed most entry-level EVs in cargo capacity. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it was the most practical among affordable EVs. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, 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, improved phone storage, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with a robust set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and two USB ports. A 4.2-inch multi-information display was positioned in front of the driver. Upgrading to the SEL/Blue trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen was available, but required plugging in devices for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen was embedded in a black plastic head unit, housing climate control and media functions. While responsive, the touchpoints lacked physical differentiation, making steering wheel controls and voice commands more essential.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 made the 12.0-inch touchscreen standard across all models, 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 continued to be a standard feature. Despite updates, the user experience remained similar, with sharp graphics and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a split-screen view. The haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, however, lacked physical feedback, making them potentially distracting. The ID.4's voice recognition system, capable of understanding natural-language commands, often proved more convenient for adjusting settings. The ID.Light feature, part ambient lighting and part AI assistant, provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. It featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, driver attention monitor, rear occupant alert, speed limit assist, and leading vehicle departure alert. Additional safety options included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, and remote parking assist. Hyundai offered a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, and 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

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 crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4's standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, automated lane-change for Travel Assist, and a 360-degree camera system.