2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained look. The F Sport models added a performance-oriented appearance with 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia, enhancing the vehicle's athletic appeal. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury feel, with F Sport models featuring specific badging and sporty trim. However, the interior design felt somewhat dated, and the comfort of the NuLuxe seats was less than ideal, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 showcased subtle styling changes, including a gloss black front bumper trim and a squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. The ID.4, based on VW's MEB platform, offered a minimalist interior design with a quality feel, carrying over the best aspects of VW's gasoline-car interiors. The ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with generous legroom and headroom. The cargo space was substantial, and the vehicle offered some towing capability, making it a practical choice for SUV buyers. The interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, enhancing functionality.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid model combined the V6 with two electric motors for a total output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of sporty driving dynamics and a disappointing engine note. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and additional drive modes, but the changes in driving dynamics were minimal. The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, making it a pleasant companion for long drives. Fuel efficiency varied, with the RX 350 using 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice of battery packs, with the base model featuring a 62-kWh pack and the Pro model using an 82-kWh pack. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's driving dynamics were comfortable and refined, though it allowed too much body roll for truly engaging handling. The regenerative braking system provided a familiar driving experience, with the option to coast or use a more aggressive setting. The ID.4's performance was competitive with hot hatchbacks, but its handling fell short of more dynamic vehicles.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models provided a 2/3/2 seating arrangement, but space was limited for anything beyond groceries. Cargo space in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded. The three-row version offered 210 litres with all seats up, increasing to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the cargo area's load-in height was high.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 858 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4 also provided some towing capability, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kilograms and AWD models up to 1,225 kg. Interior updates for 2023 improved functionality, with a conventional lid for the centre console and better phone storage. The ID.4's interior was practical and spacious, making it a strong contender in the affordable EV segment.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The infotainment system was responsive, but the touchpad control was hypersensitive and frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options, such as remote engine start and vehicle settings.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, featuring software updates for improved responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and a choice of user interfaces, but the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting. The ID.4 included ID.Light, an ambient lighting system that also provided navigation cues. The voice recognition system was effective, reducing the need to use the touchpads for basic commands.

The 2022 Lexus RX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, but only with the optional triple-beam LED headlights. It scored four stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal crashes and 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 high 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, 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.