2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The black molding strips on the roof were removed, and the windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip. The test model was showcased in a unique Nordic Forest Pearl colour, adding to its refined aesthetic. Inside, the HR-V's interior echoed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, featuring a metal honeycomb grille that concealed the vents, touch-sensitive lights, and a sculptural centre console. The EX-L trim offered perforated leather seats with additional shoulder support, although the eight-way power driver's seat was unavailable in Canada due to supply shortages.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. While it was easily distinguishable as an EV, the ID.4 didn't possess the traditional SUV profile, lacking the upright stance and ground clearance that many SUV buyers found appealing. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its modularity with various models, including the upcoming ID.Buzz electric van. Inside, the ID.4's minimalist design and quality materials carried over from VW's gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres. The base model featured a manual driver's seat, but the overall interior quality remained consistent with higher trims.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, marking an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds during acceleration. Drivers could choose from Normal, Snow, or ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available by pulling the shifter back. The HR-V's new front and independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, enhanced its driving dynamics, making it enjoyable on mountain roads. However, it lacked the power of some competitors, and the cabin remained noisier at higher speeds.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack with options for RWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while AWD models increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive "B" setting available. However, it didn't offer one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior despite its compact size. The centre console featured a shelf for drive mode controls, parking brake, and hill-descent control, with two USB ports for convenience. The HR-V's fastback design sacrificed a centimetre of rear-seat headroom, but it still provided ample cargo space, with 691 litres with the rear seats up and 1,559 litres when folded. The 60/40 split rear seats offered a higher seating position for easier entry and egress, creating a nearly flat floor when folded. Passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with the EX-L gaining some interior space.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. With 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres when folded, the ID.4 provided substantial cargo capacity. It also offered towing capability, with RWD models rated for 1,000 kilograms and AWD models for 1,225 kg. Interior updates for 2023 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 added to its practicality.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style touchscreen for its infotainment system, with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L. The EX-L also boasted a 9-inch infotainment display with Smart Shortcuts and a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. Standard features included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, three USB-A ports, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry, remote start, and a four-speaker audio system, with higher trims offering more speakers and additional features.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, 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.4's user interface featured sharp graphics, natural-language voice recognition, and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a split-screen view. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel lacked physical feedback, making them distracting. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Honda HR-V included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard on all trims. This comprehensive package featured adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Additional features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, automatic high-beams, and a blind-spot information system with rear cross-traffic alert. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. While IIHS ratings for the 2023 model were unavailable, the 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The ID.4 offered a robust suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New features for 2023 included Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.