2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, with 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 being an electric vehicle, the ID.4 did not possess the traditional SUV-like upright profile and ground clearance, which could be a drawback for buyers seeking those features. However, this was a common trait among many electric vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, which also lacked distinct SUV characteristics. The ID.4 was built on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, and shared modularity with models like the Atlas and Jetta. The interior maintained a minimalist design with quality materials, including leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres, offering a premium feel even in the base model.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh, incorporating new lighting elements and light-up VW logos similar to the ID.4. The front logo shone white, while the rear logo was red, and a front light bar connected to new LED headlights, giving the Atlas a more Americanized appearance. The taillights blended into a full-width light bar, housing the illuminated logo. New wheel designs were introduced across all trim levels, with the Atlas Comfortline featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, Highline with 20-inch wheels, and Execline with 21-inch wheels. The Atlas Peak Edition added an outdoorsy flavour with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique exterior colours. The interior saw a revised look, with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a smaller shifter, creating more functional space. The interior aimed for an upscale feel with improved trim options, although some materials seemed more fitting for a base model than a top-tier one.

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 acceleration capabilities, the ID.4 allowed too much body roll for spirited driving on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience rather than one-pedal driving.

For the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, powertrain options were reduced to a single 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, part of VW's EA888 family, was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The Atlas was quicker than the previous six-cylinder model, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 8.5 seconds. However, the driving experience remained focused on comfort and practicality rather than performance. The Atlas retained a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, with the 4Motion AWD system designed primarily for on-road use.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample front and rear legroom and headroom. It provided 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 was a practical choice among affordable EVs. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models rated at 1,000 kilograms and AWD models at 1,225 kilograms. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional centre console lid and improved phone storage.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas featured more standard features, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a power liftgate. Seating for seven was standard, with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. Second-row captain's chairs were optional on higher trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The Atlas offered competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with the third-row legroom being the best in its class. Cargo space varied from 583 litres with all seats in place to 2,735 litres with the second and third rows folded, providing ample storage options.

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 featured sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition, although the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, but could be easily overlooked.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas also received more standard tech features, including a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six USB-C ports were standard, with up to eight available. A head-up display was standard on the Execline trim, and the premium audio system was upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, the reliance on haptic touchpads for certain functions remained a drawback.

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 highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features such as 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 Volkswagen Atlas also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The 2023 model received the highest "Good" score in most IIHS crash tests, except for a "Marginal" rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. Standard driver assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Execline trim added park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also featured emergency response systems to enhance safety in the event of a crash.