2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Hyundai Palisade

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 modularity with a range of models, promising versatility in future EV offerings. Inside, the ID.4 carried over the minimalist and quality-focused design from VW’s gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery and recycled fibre inserts standard across the range.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, setting it apart from other family-friendly SUVs. Available in Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims in Canada, the Palisade offered a luxurious feel, especially in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which featured an artificial suede headliner and high-quality upholstery. The interior exuded sophistication with metal speaker grilles and striped dashboard and door trim, making it feel like a luxury SUV. The test vehicle, in the U.S.-only Night Edition trim, showcased the Palisade’s ability to blend style with substance, offering a comfortable and upscale driving experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with RWD and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model, 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 of torque, 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 spritely performance, the ID.4’s handling was more comfort-oriented, with noticeable body roll on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, offering a more traditional driving experience.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD was standard in Canada, providing a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. The Palisade offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, with the ability to lock the AWD system for off-road conditions. The V6 engine provided ample power and smooth acceleration, while the suspension offered a firm yet comfortable ride. The Palisade demonstrated unexpected agility on mountain roads, with predictable handling and reliable brakes. Fuel consumption was rated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres, though real-world testing showed an average of 15.0 L/100 km in Comfort mode.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 boasted more interior space than other affordable EVs, with superior front and rear legroom compared to the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the Kia Niro EV. It offered 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 terms of interior space, it remained practical for an EV. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with a capacity of 1,000 kilograms for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured artificial leather upholstery in the Urban trim and premium Nappa leather in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. Standard features included heated and ventilated eight-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added an Ergo Motion massage function for the driver. Configurable storage between the front seats offered versatility, with options for cupholders and wireless charging. Second-row passengers enjoyed excellent comfort, with a rear climate control panel and USB charging ports. The third row provided decent clearance and comfort, with standard heating and air conditioning vents. The Palisade offered 509 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded and 2,447 litres with the second row folded.

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 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 assistance, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. It supported Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a rear-seat Quiet Mode, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto requiring a USB-A cable. Wireless charging was included in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. Hyundai’s Bluelink connected services offered remote engine starting and emergency assistance. The standard 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror, semi-autonomous remote parking, and a head-up display with navigation instructions and safety feature status.

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. 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 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Highway Driving Assist paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, with lane-change assist on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The rear-seat reminder used ultrasonic sensing for alerts. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA crash tests were incomplete, with top ratings for side-impact collisions and rollover resistance.