2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson presented a fresh design on a new platform, offering North American buyers a long-wheelbase model with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front showcased Hyundai's new vehicle face, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The side profile mirrored the Hyundai Elantra's design, featuring a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. The rear boasted distinctive LED-illuminated taillights, setting the Tucson apart from other compact SUVs. Depending on the trim, the Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain-resistant cloth seats, sport combination seats in the N-Line, and leather-trimmed seats in higher trims. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic contributed to a sense of spaciousness.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, including a gloss black front bumper trim and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. The ID.4, based on VW's MEB platform, was easily distinguishable as an EV but lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance. Its interior carried over the minimalist design and quality feel from VW's gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres. The base model featured a manual driver's seat, while higher trims offered more luxurious options. The ID.4's interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage. Despite its EV nature, the ID.4 aimed to provide a familiar driving experience with its regenerative braking system, which allowed coasting in its default setting.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain variants: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain, with a total system output of 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, provided a more engaging driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid was notably more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Tucson's AWD system, standard on the hybrid and optional on ICE models, performed well in off-road testing. Fuel efficiency varied, with the hybrid achieving 6.4 L/100 km combined, while the ICE models ranged from 8.2 to 9.0 L/100 km combined, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured 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 electric motor RWD models produced 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's regenerative braking system allowed coasting in its default setting, providing a more familiar experience for EV newcomers. While the ID.4's acceleration rivalled hot hatchbacks, its handling was less engaging due to body roll.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a budget-friendly compact SUV, offered a spacious and well-appointed interior. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and memory settings available. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with rear seats offering 90 millimetres more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with 1,095 litres of cargo space, comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space among affordable EVs, offering more front and rear legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the CR-V and RAV4 in interior space, it was the most practical SUV among affordable EVs. The ID.4 offered towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kilograms and AWD models up to 1,225 kilograms. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. The Preferred trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered a fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation. The touchscreen's flat surface and lack of physical buttons made it challenging to use while driving, relying more on steering wheel controls and voice commands.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen on all models, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The user interface offered sharp graphics and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a split-screen view. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, replacing conventional buttons, lacked physical feedback and were distracting. The ID.4's voice recognition system, though, made it easier to control functions. The ID.Light system, 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-keeping assist, automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, and rear occupant alert. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and remote parking assist. Hyundai offered a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty for the Tucson.

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's highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating. 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. For 2023, it added Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.