2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Chevrolet Trax

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, though it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which could be a drawback for buyers seeking those attributes. The ID.4 was built on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, and shared interior qualities with VW's gasoline models, offering a minimalist design and quality feel. The base model included leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres, maintaining a high standard even at entry-level.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, with a design ethos of "longer, lower, wider," resulting in a vehicle 28 cm longer, 10 cm lower, and 5 cm wider than its predecessor. The Trax adopted styling cues from the Chevy Blazer, such as a prominent grille and distinctive body lines, giving it a strong presence. Base models featured 17-inch steel wheels, with larger aluminum options available on higher trims. The Trax offered Activ and RS trims for rugged and sporty styling, respectively. Inside, the Trax LS had cloth upholstery and a plastic interior, but higher trims featured Evotex upholstery and unique design elements. The interior design focused on functionality, with a freestanding touchscreen and accessible controls.

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 in RWD or AWD. The single-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, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery reduced curb weight by 109 kg, 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 over one-pedal driving.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a new 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, down from the previous model's 155 hp and 177 lb-ft. Despite the power reduction, Chevy claimed the new Trax was quicker to 100 km/h by about a second. The engine's flat torque curve provided strong response, with minimal turbo lag. The Trax retained the six-speed automatic transmission and was available only in FWD, differentiating it from the AWD Trailblazer. The Trax's handling was tuned for a car-like feel, with a wider track for stability. While not a hot hatch, it offered nimble handling and above-average refinement, aided by active noise cancellation.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered generous interior space, with more legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the Kia Niro EV. Cargo capacity was 858 litres with 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 in interior space, it was practical for an affordable EV. The ID.4 also had towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kg and AWD models up to 1,225 kg. Interior updates included a conventional centre console lid and improved phone storage, with three-zone climate control available.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax, despite its larger size, offered mixed interior space improvements. Rear-seat legroom increased by 7.6 cm, but headroom decreased by 1.7 cm, and shoulder room was reduced. The Trax had comparable passenger space to rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue, with the most rear legroom among them. The driving position was car-like, with low window sills for visibility. Cargo space increased by 12% to 725 litres with seats up and 1,532 litres with them folded, slightly better than the Kicks but significantly more than the Venue.

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, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The user interface featured sharp graphics and voice recognition, though haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, but could be easily overlooked.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw major infotainment upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and an 11-inch screen with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and phone charging were available. The system was user-friendly, with a logical menu layout, though the screen's driver-oriented tilt was less convenient for passengers. The digital instrument cluster was clear and modern, with information transferable from the main screen. USB ports were standard, with additional ports and wireless charging optional on higher trims.

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's IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating suggested strong safety performance, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. Standard driver-assist features included 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 2024 Chevrolet Trax's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it offered a solid array of driver-assist features. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which monitored driving behaviour and enforced safety measures for young drivers.