2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant shift in design for the model, presenting a more assertive and truck-like appearance compared to its predecessors. It was longer and wider, with a muscular stance that was visually evident. The classic D-pillar taillights were updated to feature three L shapes, contributing to a modern and aggressive look. The Hybrid Touring trim, driven in a deep Canyon River Blue, showcased sport elements like black roof rails and mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch black wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design cues of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a premium feel enhanced by high-quality materials and contrast stitching.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. The ID.4, based on VW’s MEB platform, was easily distinguishable as an EV but lacked the traditional SUV profile. Its interior carried over the minimalist design and quality feel from VW’s gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery and recycled fibre inserts. The ID.4 offered a spacious cabin, with more legroom and headroom than many affordable EVs, and a practical cargo space that was competitive with gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 185 km/h. The hybrid model included a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels, and the CR-V Hybrid was rated for towing up to 450 kg. A new “B” shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency with an estimated consumption of 6.0 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 combined.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a 62-kWh battery pack for the base model and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model. The single electric motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft 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 kg, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4’s regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive “B” setting that stopped short of one-pedal driving.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid’s larger exterior translated to increased interior volume, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 mm, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, wide-opening rear doors, and an improved LATCH system for car seats. The interior boasted eight cupholders and a console with best-in-class storage.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with 858 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. It offered more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. The ID.4 had a towing capacity of 1,000 kg for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and a better phone storage spot, along with three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the EX-L and Hybrid Touring trims had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. The CR-V Hybrid was well-equipped with USB ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors and seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Hybrid Touring trim included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a split-screen view. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital instrument cluster. The ID.4’s user interface featured haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which lacked physical feedback but were complemented by natural-language voice recognition. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Honda Sensing suite included improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

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. 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. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.