2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, it offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than some competitors. The RX appeared smaller due to a reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines, complemented by a floating roof effect. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into a modern mesh texture, leading into an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's exterior styling was distinct yet familiar, ensuring it stood out from the previous generation and the smaller Lexus NX.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The Intelligent Assistant technology offered ease of use, though it required a subscription after three years. High-quality materials were evident, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather, genuine leather, and simulated suede. The RX was available in various trims, including hybrid and performance hybrid options, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650.

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. New wheel designs and a light-up rear VW logo were also introduced. While the ID.4 was easily distinguishable as an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its underpinnings with a range of models, including the upcoming ID.Buzz electric van.

The interior of the ID.4 carried over the minimalist design and quality feel of recent VW models. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres was standard, and the base model offered a similar experience to the higher-level Pro AWD. The ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with generous cargo capacity and towing capability. Small interior changes for 2023 improved functionality, including a conventional lid for the centre console and three-zone climate control.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. During testing, the RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. Both models had 21-inch wheels and all-season tires, with the F Sport 3 offering upgraded brakes. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with a combined fuel economy estimate of 9.9 L/100 km.

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-motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models 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, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivalled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but allowed too much body roll for spirited driving. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience rather than one-pedal driving.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3 package providing sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Executive featured premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport 3 had simulated leather seats and a sportier interior. Both models provided ample rear-seat comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,308 litres with them folded, an improvement over the previous generation.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kg and AWD models up to 1,225 kg. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and three-zone climate control.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface multimedia system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Drive Connect plan offered Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, though it required a subscription after three years. User profiles and streaming services were available, but the system lacked the ability to display multiple data panels simultaneously. The RX featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional head-up display.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen and software updates for improved responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting. The ID.4 also featured ID.Light, an ambient lighting system that provided navigation cues.

The 2023 Lexus RX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were available. However, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were not always intuitive.

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 received the IIHS's "Top Safety Pick+" rating. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, automated lane-change, and a 360-degree camera system.