2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colours were introduced, and the rear VW logo was illuminated. Despite its electric vehicle identity, the ID.4 lacked the traditional SUV profile, with less ground clearance and a more streamlined design. This was a common trait among many EVs, such as 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 other models, promising versatility in future EV offerings. Inside, the ID.4 maintained a minimalist and quality-focused design, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres, offering a premium feel even in the base model.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy silhouette with modern touches like angular headlights, aligning it visually with other Land Rover models. Inside, it leaned towards durability and adventure-readiness, akin to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with more refined materials. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered various trims, each with distinct features. The Defender 110 S, the most popular configuration, came with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof. Higher trims added features like larger wheels, premium upholstery, and even a centre console refrigerator. The Outbound trim, exclusive to Canada, provided extra cargo space by removing the third row, catering to those needing more room for gear.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery for the base model with RWD, while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack, available in both RWD and AWD. The single-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 reduced weight by 109 kilograms, enhancing acceleration and handling. Despite its spirited 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 Land Rover Defender offered multiple powertrains, starting with a 296-hp turbocharged four-cylinder in the P300. The P400 model featured a 395-hp mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six. Two supercharged V8 options, the P500 and P525, delivered 493 hp and 518 hp, respectively. All engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Defender excelled in towing, with the six and eight-cylinder models capable of towing up to 3,500 kilograms. The most powerful V8 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system enhancing its rugged performance. The P400 model provided ample power for highway driving, though off-road gearing caused slight lurching at low speeds.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered generous interior space, surpassing competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf in legroom and headroom. Cargo capacity was substantial, with 858 litres behind the rear seats and 1,818 litres with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V in interior space, it was practical for an affordable EV. Towing capacity was modest, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kilograms and AWD models up to 1,225 kg. Interior updates included a conventional centre console lid and improved phone storage, along with available three-zone climate control.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and practicality, featuring soft-touch materials, grip handles, and rubberized floors. Seating configurations varied, with the Defender 110 offering an optional third row for children, while the Defender 130 accommodated up to eight passengers. Cargo space was model-dependent, with the Defender 130 providing 433 litres behind the third row and up to 2,155 litres with seats folded. The Defender 110 offered 962 litres behind the second row in two-row configuration. The two-door Defender 90 provided 441 litres behind the second row. Practical features like hard plastic surfaces in the cargo area made it easy to clean.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, featuring improved software responsiveness and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and voice recognition, though haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting cues for navigation, adding a unique touch to the driving experience.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The straightforward setup included Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo. The touchscreen's simplicity complemented the Defender's utilitarian nature, with home buttons for easy navigation of features.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model earned IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with high marks 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 and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered extensive driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Lane-departure and lane-keeping assist were overly sensitive but could be deactivated. As of this writing, crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable.