2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making it a familiar choice for those transitioning from internal-combustion engines to electric vehicles. From the outside, it closely resembled its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences like a solid panel in the grill and the absence of tailpipes. The XC40's design was marked by its elegant details, such as the Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion created by thin pillars. Inside, the XC40 boasted a spacious and airy cabin, characterized by harmonious lines and a premium feel, reflecting Volvo's Scandinavian design sensibility.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper 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. Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 offered a minimalist interior design with a quality feel, even in the base model. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres and a three-zone climate control system added to its appeal, making it a practical choice for those seeking an affordable EV with ample interior space.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, driving two electric motors for all-wheel drive. It delivered an impressive 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The XC40 Recharge featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal driving option, enhancing its efficiency and driving experience. With a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge and a DC fast-charging capability, it offered practicality for daily use. The gasoline XC40 models, in comparison, had slower acceleration times and higher fuel consumption.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro version. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower, while the dual-motor AWD version delivered 295 horsepower, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, providing a more familiar driving experience for newcomers to EVs. While it offered competitive acceleration, the ID.4's handling was less engaging on twisty roads, though it excelled in comfort and refinement.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. Its front trunk provided extra storage space, while the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks for modern essentials. The XC40's cargo area offered up to 1,628 litres of space with the rear seats folded, and it had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms. The front seats were comfortable, though the rear middle seat was less accommodating, reflecting the compact SUV compromise.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 stood out with its generous interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than many affordable EVs. With 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, it provided practicality for everyday use. The ID.4's towing capacity ranged from 1,000 to 1,225 kilograms, depending on the drivetrain. VW made functional improvements to the interior for 2023, including a conventional lid for the centre console and a better phone storage spot, enhancing its usability.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems, including Pilot Assist for highway driving. It featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. The system supported Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, with over-the-air updates for both infotainment and vehicle software. However, the XC40's range reporting by percentage rather than distance could cause range anxiety for some drivers.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. While the infotainment system received software updates, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel remained a concern due to their lack of physical feedback. The ID.4 also featured the ID.Light system, which provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes. Despite some interface challenges, the voice recognition system proved effective in minimizing distractions.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were pending. It boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane keep assist. The XC40's new sensor platform enhanced its active safety capabilities, while Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other connected vehicles.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with strong performance in crash tests. While IIHS ratings for the 2023 model were not available, the 2022 model received the Top Safety Pick+ rating. The ID.4 included a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus and an automated lane-change feature, enhancing its safety credentials.