2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colours were introduced, and the rear VW logo was illuminated. Despite these changes, the ID.4 maintained a distinct EV appearance, lacking the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance. This design choice aligned it more with other electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, which also blurred the lines between hatchback and SUV. Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its modular EV architecture with future models like the ID.Buzz. Inside, the ID.4 boasted a minimalist design with quality materials, including leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres, offering a premium feel even in the base model.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from the rugged, boxy aesthetic of its predecessors. The 2023 refresh replaced the cartoonish grille with a more traditional front end, featuring the Ford blue oval logo and a stylish LED light bar. As one of the smallest vehicles in Ford’s lineup, the Escape offered a range of trim levels, with the ST-Line Elite being the top-tier option. While not designed for off-road adventures, the Escape presented an upscale appearance, akin to a Mazda CX-5, with 19-inch wheels and sleek body-colour accents. Inside, the ST-Line Elite showcased diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt somewhat hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat provided excellent ergonomics for long drives.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base model with RWD and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model, available with RWD or AWD. The single electric motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery reduced curb weight by 109 kilograms, enhancing acceleration and handling. Despite its impressive acceleration, the ID.4's handling was less agile, allowing noticeable body roll on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, offering a more conventional driving experience.

The 2023 Ford Escape stood out with multiple powertrain options. The 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in FWD or AWD. Higher trims like the ST-Line Elite featured a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with AWD. Despite the four-cylinder's power, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters for manual gear changes. The brakes provided predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness common in some competitors.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more front and rear legroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the Kia Niro EV. With 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, the ID.4 surpassed most entry-level EVs in practicality. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it remained a practical choice among affordable EVs. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kilograms and AWD models up to 1,225 kilograms. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided a comfortable interior with supportive seats and excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt great to hold, and the armrests were well-positioned. The Escape's cargo space, at 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with it folded, was comparable to the Chevrolet Equinox and Mazda CX-5 but fell short of leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Passenger space was slightly less than some competitors, but the back seat offered good headroom, and the front-seat backs were padded to maximize space for taller passengers.

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.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. Despite updates, the user experience was hampered by haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which lacked physical feedback. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation cues but was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2023 Ford Escape featured the Sync 4 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims like the ST-Line Elite. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look, and Sync 4 was well-organized, with easy navigation between features like Android Auto and the native navigation system. A wi-fi hotspot was available with a subscription. While Sync 4 was slightly slow to respond, its layout and ease of use were impressive. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with a Bang & Olufsen system optional on higher trims.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. 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.

The 2023 Ford Escape also earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover tests. However, it did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to a Marginal score in the updated side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 2.0, available as an upgrade, added adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, and a surround-view camera.