2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its pickup truck lineage, sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice allowed it to maintain its off-road prowess, appealing to those who venture off the beaten path. The 4Runner's exterior featured a high ride height, boxy proportions, and a sharply angled front bumper, all of which emphasized its adventurous spirit. Inside, the 4Runner's cabin was functional but showed its age, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 showcased subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. While it was easily distinguishable as an EV, the ID.4 lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, it was based on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, offering a modular and versatile foundation. The interior of the ID.4 carried over the best qualities of recent VW models, featuring a minimalist design and a sense of quality. 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 three-zone climate control.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While this engine was reliable, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations, except for its decent off-the-line performance. The power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4WD system with a low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), which was more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base model with RWD and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model, available with RWD or AWD. The single electric motor RWD models delivered 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 (240 pounds), improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivalled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but lacked the handling finesse. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience, allowing coasting in its default setting.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with 1,337 litres available with the second-row seats in use. The three-row version reduced maximum cargo space to 2,514 litres, with 1,311 litres behind the second row and 254 litres behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access. While not the most spacious SUV, the 4Runner provided ample storage for gear, though it could have been more efficient in cabin packaging.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more front and rear legroom than competitors like 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 Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it was the most practical among affordable EVs. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models rated at 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) and AWD models at 1,225 kg (2,700 pounds). Interior updates for 2023 improved functionality, including a conventional lid for the centre console and three-zone climate control.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring hard buttons and dials for easy operation. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. While not the most advanced system, it covered the basics and relied on tactile controls, which were useful for off-road driving. However, it lacked features like a head-up display, which could have been beneficial for trail navigation.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 upgraded to a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen on 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 was also standard. Despite the updates, the user experience was hampered by haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which lacked physical feedback. However, the natural-language voice recognition system made these controls largely redundant. The ID.4 also featured ID.Light, an ambient lighting system that provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. It earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with three stars for rollover testing. The 4Runner had not been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety but was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover tests. While IIHS ratings for the 2023 model were not available, the 2022 model received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.