2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Subaru Outback

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 shared a similar aesthetic. Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 was designed specifically for EVs, offering modularity for various models. The interior retained the quality and minimalist design of VW’s gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres as standard.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, particularly in the Wilderness trim, received a new front fascia and LED fog lights, while the rest of the lineup retained the look from the 2023 facelift. The dark grey cladding contrasted with the Autumn Green Metallic colour, creating an appealing aesthetic. Different trims featured varying levels of black and chrome fittings, with tasteful chrome accents on the Premier XT trim. Wheel sizes and designs varied, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black wheels. The interior of the top-trim model was luxurious, featuring Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback offered a range of seating materials across trims, from cloth to synthetic leather, catering to different preferences.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with RWD, while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack, available in both RWD and AWD. The single electric motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain 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 kg, enhancing acceleration and handling. Despite its comfortable ride, the ID.4 allowed too much body roll for spirited driving. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience rather than one-pedal driving.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque as standard. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 1,587 kg. Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD and a Lineartronic CVT were standard. The Premier XT’s turbo engine provided ample power, and the CVT mimicked eight distinct gears. The Outback offered a comfortable ride, with 22 cm of ground clearance, increasing to 24.1 cm in the Wilderness trim, which also included all-terrain tires and advanced X-Mode for off-road conditions.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample interior space, surpassing other affordable EVs in front and rear legroom, and headroom compared to the Kia Niro EV. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it was practical for an entry-level EV. The ID.4 had a towing capacity of 1,000 kg for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. Interior updates included a conventional lid for the centre console and three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, despite its sleek design, offered generous interior space. It provided more headroom up front than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and more front-row legroom than both. The cargo area measured 923 litres with all seats in place and 2,141 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat as standard. Higher trims offered additional features like a powered front passenger seat and ventilated front seats. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were standard from the Touring trim, and the roof rails with retractable cross bars were a practical addition.

For 2023, the 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 natural-language voice recognition, though the 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 during normal driving.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Premier XT featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with the Starlink multimedia platform offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Wireless connectivity was available from the Touring trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. Bluetooth and SiriusXM connectivity were standard, and most trims included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Convenience model had a four-speaker system, while the Touring trim had six speakers.

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. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies was standard, including adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane-keep assist. Reverse automatic braking was standard from the Touring trim, and a wide-angle camera improved cyclist and pedestrian detection. The Premier XT included a digital rearview mirror and a driver-attention monitor.