2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 had undergone some subtle styling changes for its new model year. The front bumper showcased gloss black trim, while the rear bumper adopted a more squared-off design to enhance aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now illuminated, adding a touch of modernity.

Though distinctly an EV, the ID.4 did not embody the traditional SUV aesthetics. It lacked the upright profile and higher ground clearance characteristic of most SUVs, a potential drawback given these features' appeal to SUV buyers. This was a common trait among many current electric vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

Built on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, it was versatile enough to support various models, similar to the MQB platform used for vehicles ranging from the seven-seat Atlas to the Jetta compact sedan. The interior featured a minimalist design, exuding a sense of quality. Even the base ID.4 Standard model felt plush, thanks to leatherette upholstery and recycled fiber inserts.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Seltos received a mid-cycle refresh. The changes, though not extensive, included updated headlight and grille designs, and a light strip connected the smaller taillight assemblies, giving the vehicle a contemporary look. Our test model, dressed in "Pluton Blue" paint, appeared striking.

Inside, two new interior color options—“Gentle Brown” and “Midnight Green”—were added to the Seltos lineup, though our test model sported the standard black interior. The most notable change was the digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dashboard, comprising a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. Trims included LX, S, EX, X-Line, and SX, each offering varying features, from cloth upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen in the base LX to a premium Bose stereo and digital key 2.0 in the SX.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available with rear-wheel drive (RWD). The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus trims retained the 82-kWh battery pack and offered both RWD and all-wheel drive (AWD).

Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain boasted 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, potentially enhancing acceleration and handling. The 62-kWh ID.4 Standard felt nimble during a short drive, though a more thorough comparison with the larger-battery RWD version was needed.

While the AWD ID.4 delivered hot hatchback-like acceleration, it did not match the handling prowess of vehicles like the Golf GTI and Golf R. Regenerative braking was present but did not allow for one-pedal driving, offering a more familiar experience for those new to EVs.

The 2024 Kia Seltos, on the other hand, featured a base engine— a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). AWD was standard on the LX trim, while the S and EX offered FWD with optional AWD.

The X-Line and SX trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered a noticeable performance boost, especially in the 40-to-60 mph acceleration range. The turbo engine occasionally exhibited lag but excelled in highway acceleration.

The Seltos handled various road surfaces well, with responsive steering, minimal body roll, and a comfortable ride over rough terrain. Its brakes, initially touchy, adapted over time, ensuring smooth stops. With 7.3 inches of ground clearance, it was capable of light off-road excursions, ideal for reaching remote destinations.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample interior space, surpassing smaller EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf in front and rear legroom. The ID.4 offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. Compared to gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the ID.4 fell short in interior space but remained practical among affordable EVs. It also offered some towing capacity, with RWD models capable of towing 2,200 pounds and AWD models up to 2,700 pounds.

The 2024 Kia Seltos boasted up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 26.6 cubic feet with the seats in use. The hands-free power liftgate, available in the top SX trim, added convenience. With an upright seating position and ample headroom, the Seltos provided solid driver visibility and adequate rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area featured in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the center console, though small, offered open storage. The SX trim included a removable cargo cover.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screens on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard, and the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster persisted.

Despite improved software, the infotainment system's haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were challenging, lacking the physical feedback conventional buttons provided. Voice recognition facilitated easier interactions, and the ID.Light offered ambient lighting and direction indicators linked to the navigation system.

In the 2024 Kia Seltos, the infotainment display varied by trim, with the base system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster with gauges. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Seltos retained physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate, preserving a tactile experience. Whether using Kia’s UVO system or Apple CarPlay, the screen was responsive. The SX trim included an upgraded eight-speaker Bose stereo system, and Digital Key 2 Touch allowed smartphone access and sharing capabilities.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with top marks in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover tests. The similar 2022 model earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention, though standard headlights received an “Average” score.

Standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. For 2023, Park Assist Plus automated parking was standard, along with a 360-degree camera system and automated lane-change features.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered standard driver assistance, such as forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-follow assist. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The top SX trim introduced smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist.