2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 showcased a sophisticated exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately presence just shy of 5 metres in length. In Canada, it came standard with 20-inch wheels, while the Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design echoed the quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. Despite its boxy hands-free liftgate, the matte Brunswick Green paint added elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim. The dash featured thin horizontal air vents, and the centre console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colours were introduced, and the rear VW logo was illuminated. While distinct as an EV, the ID.4 lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, similar to other electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. Built on VW’s MEB platform, it shared modularity with various models. The interior maintained a minimalist design with quality materials, offering leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres. The base model felt comparable to the higher-level ID.4 Pro AWD, aside from a manual driver’s seat.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, the GV80 excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. Its electronically controlled suspension scanned the road for roughness, enhancing comfort alongside active noise cancellation.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 introduced a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with rear-wheel drive, while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack, available with RWD or AWD. Single motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models offered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery reduced curb weight by 109 kilograms, improving acceleration and handling. Despite its comfortable ride, the ID.4 allowed too much body roll on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience over one-pedal driving.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered numerous luxury features, including heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The ventilated seats were adjustable in multiple ways, and the Ergo driver’s seat helped reduce fatigue. Nappa leather seats added to the luxury feel. A third row was optional, though legroom was limited to 76 centimetres. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control and 21-speaker Lexicon sound system enhanced comfort and entertainment. Cargo space was generous, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with seats folded. Towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample interior space, surpassing other affordable EVs in front and rear legroom and headroom. Cargo space was 858 litres with rear seats up and 1,818 litres with seats folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V in interior space, it was practical among entry-level EVs. Towing capacity was 1,000 kilograms for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. Interior updates included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats were available.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome. Handwriting detection on the dial was useful, but the menu structure was inconsistent. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, a standout feature.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, offering improved software responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The user interface included sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. Haptic touchpads replaced conventional buttons, which could be distracting, but voice recognition mitigated this issue. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video feed in the digital gauge cluster, enhancing safety. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation for hands-on driving aid, though it struggled in bright sunlight. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a "Good" rating from IIHS for crashworthiness.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While IIHS ratings for 2023 were unavailable, the 2022 model earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New features for 2023 included Park Assist Plus, automated lane-change, and a 360-degree camera system.