2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Toyota Venza

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, featuring a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more 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 updates, the ID.4 maintained a distinct EV appearance, lacking the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance. This design choice aligned it with other electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, which also blurs the line between hatchback and SUV. Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 shared modularity with various models, including the upcoming ID.Buzz electric van. Inside, the ID.4 boasted a minimalist design with quality materials, offering leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres as standard, even on the base model.

The 2023 Toyota Venza presented a sleek and sculpted design, setting it apart from the boxy midsize crossover SUVs. Its shape, with a tapering rear roofline, gave it a Lexus-like appearance. The contoured body harmoniously blended curves, reminiscent of a Mazda, avoiding the awkward bulges seen in other Toyota SUVs. Inside, the Venza borrowed elements from the RAV4 but elevated the cabin with higher-quality materials and integrated climate-control buttons. The interior approached Lexus's luxury level, offering a cohesive and graceful design. Overall, the Venza stood out as one of Toyota's best-looking vehicles, alongside the new Prius.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with RWD, while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack, available in both RWD and AWD. The single electric motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD variant 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 by 109 kilograms, enhancing acceleration and handling. Despite its hot hatchback-like acceleration, the ID.4's handling was less engaging due to body roll. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience, avoiding one-pedal driving.

The 2023 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing 219 horsepower. A CVT sent power to the front wheels, while a separate electric motor powered the rear wheels for standard AWD. The Venza accelerated to 100 km/h in just over 7.5 seconds, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The brakes combined regenerative and physical braking, providing a smooth experience. Prioritizing ride comfort, the Venza offered adequate handling for easy transportation, though maneuverability was limited. The ride quality was smoother than the RAV4 Hybrid's but not as plush as a Lexus.

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. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it remained practical for an affordable EV. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kilograms and AWD models up to 1,225 kg. Interior updates included a conventional lid for the centre console and three-zone climate control.

The 2023 Toyota Venza's front seats provided ample space, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. The Star Gaze panoramic roof, standard on the Limited trim, offered an opaque feature, though the fabric shade was more effective at blocking sunlight. Visibility was excellent at the front, but rear visibility was limited. The rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably, with materials matching the front seats' quality. The Venza offered 816 litres of cargo space, less than competitors like the Honda Passport and Jeep Grand Cherokee. It lacked towing capability but excelled in holding smaller personal items with a wireless phone charger and well-sized storage compartments.

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 user experience featured sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition, though the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, though it blended in with other alerts.

The 2023 Toyota Venza offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and above had a 12.3-inch display. The new infotainment system delivered sharp graphics and quick responses. The XLE and Limited trims included a one-year trial of Drive Connect services, activated by saying "Hey Toyota." The base audio system had six speakers, while the XLE and Limited models featured a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system.

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 received 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, automated lane-change, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Toyota Venza earned five stars in overall and side crash protection from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it "Good" scores, except for an "Acceptable" rating in the new side impact test. The Venza included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The XLE added parking sensors and reverse emergency braking, while the Limited trim featured a surround-view camera, head-up display, and digital rearview mirror.