2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including 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 changes, the ID.4 maintained a distinct EV appearance, lacking the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance that many buyers find appealing. This design choice was not unique to VW, as other electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV also blurred the lines between hatchbacks and SUVs. Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its modularity with a range of models, including the upcoming ID.Buzz electric van. Inside, the ID.4 carried over the minimalist and quality-focused design of VW’s gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery and recycled fibre inserts standard for 2023.

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent its first major visual update since its 2021 debut, aligning more closely with its siblings, the Telluride and EV9. The Sorento's exterior featured a robust new grille, vertically stacked LED headlights, and wing-like daytime running lights, giving it a larger and more intimidating presence. The rear received subtle updates, with higher trims boasting LED taillights and new bumpers. The Sorento's trims included the rugged X-Line and the new X-Pro, both offering aggressive styling with blacked-out wheels and earth-tone paint options. Inside, the Sorento showcased a redesigned dashboard with a clean, horizontal layout, and higher trims featured twin 12.3-inch displays. The cabin materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching enhancing the interior's upscale feel.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack, available in both RWD and all-wheel drive (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 hot hatchback-like acceleration, the ID.4's handling was less engaging due to body roll. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, offering a more traditional driving experience.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EX and higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic. Turbocharged models achieved 0 to 100 km/h in the mid-seven-second range, offering lively performance. All Sorentos came with AWD, with ground clearance varying by trim. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim, with its all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions and offered a towing capacity of 2,040 kilograms.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample interior space, surpassing other affordable EVs in front and rear legroom and headroom. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, making it practical for an entry-level EV. The ID.4's towing capacity was 1,000 kilograms for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. Interior updates included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with available three-zone climate control.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was comfortable in the first two rows, though the third row remained tight. It offered more legroom in the front and second rows than many two-row SUVs. The third row provided 752 mm of legroom, suitable for occasional use. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 357 litres, but folding it down increased capacity to 1,090 to 1,274 litres, depending on trim. With all seats down, the Sorento offered up to 2,139 litres of cargo space. The interior featured ergonomic controls and ample storage, with higher trims offering a power liftgate.

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 interface included sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition, though the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation cues.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup, with all models featuring a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The gauge cluster varied by trim, with higher trims offering a second 12.3-inch digital display. The new infotainment system, "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), prioritized popular features and offered a user-friendly interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. Higher trims featured a Bose 12-speaker audio system, and Digital Key 2.0 allowed for keyless access and driving.

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 earned the IIHS's "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. Standard safety 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 Kia Sorento offered an extensive suite of standard and optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Advanced options included Highway Driving Assist 2 and surround-view cameras. The Sorento earned "Good" ratings in IIHS tests, though its LATCH system received an "Acceptable" rating. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.