2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX made a bold statement with its massive spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, standing tall at 1,885 millimetres. Its front end appeared ready to conquer the road, with large headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colours, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design seemed more suited for off-road adventures, with a short 2,789 mm wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, featuring heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, though it was let down by an abundance of plastic materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. The ID.4, while distinctly an EV, lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. Built on VW's MEB platform, it offered a minimalist interior design with a sense of quality. The ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with generous legroom and headroom. It also boasted a substantial cargo capacity of 858 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,818 litres when folded, making it a practical choice for those seeking an SUV-like experience in an electric vehicle.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to more modern engines, the GX's V8 offered a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. Its towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable handling, and its Torsen limited-slip differential made it user-friendly in various conditions.

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 version. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD variant delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's handling was comfortable but allowed for some body roll, and its regenerative braking system provided a familiar experience for EV newcomers. The ID.4's acceleration rivalled hot hatchbacks, but its handling fell short of being truly engaging on twisty roads.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, relying on older USB-A ports. The GX's physical controls were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders, while the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with both rows folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than many affordable EVs. Its cargo capacity of 858 litres with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded made it a practical choice. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with a capacity of 1,000 kilograms for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. VW made functional improvements to the interior, including a conventional lid for the centre console and a better phone spot, along with three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an improvement over the previous version, with standard integrations like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging graphics. The GX's off-road capabilities were a highlight, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a multi-terrain monitor. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and other off-road features added to its appeal for adventurous drivers.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and a choice of user interfaces. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, though voice recognition often made them unnecessary. The ID.Light system added a unique touch, changing colours based on drive mode and providing navigation cues.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ and other safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. While it lacked some advanced features, its safety technology was commendable for a vehicle originally engineered in 2010.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model earned IIHS's "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus and an automated lane-change feature.