2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2023 Volvo XC60 presented a sophisticated and stylish appearance, with its design reflecting Volvo's longstanding reputation for elegance. The test model, a Recharge Ultimate with a Dark exterior theme, showcased a striking Thunder Grey paint and 20-inch wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the XC60 exuded luxury with its Scandinavian minimalist design, featuring black leather seats complemented by wood trim, metal accents, and ambient lighting. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of spaciousness, while the Orrefors crystal gear selector knob provided a touch of opulence. Despite the initial learning curve, the controls became intuitive over time, making the driving experience more enjoyable.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. The new wheel designs and illuminated rear VW logo added a modern touch. While the ID.4's design clearly distinguished it as an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, the interior maintained a minimalist design with a quality feel, offering leatherette upholstery with recycled fibre inserts. The ID.4's cabin provided a comfortable experience, with the base model not feeling significantly downgraded from higher trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 455 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed for an impressive 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds. The XC60 offered various driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD, accessible through a 9-inch touchscreen. The Pure mode enabled electric-only driving for up to 58 kilometres, while the Power mode enhanced performance and handling. The XC60's fuel economy averaged 4.3 L/100 km over a 105-kilometre route, showcasing its efficiency when driven in Pure mode.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a 62-kWh pack for the base model with RWD and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model with RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for energy recovery, though it didn't support one-pedal driving. While the ID.4 excelled in acceleration, it exhibited more body roll on twisty roads, making it less engaging for spirited driving.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, as a compact crossover SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five if needed. The front seats offered exceptional comfort with Nappa leather upholstery, heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The rear seats, while comfortable, had limited legroom for taller passengers. The XC60 provided 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,792 litres with the seats folded. Practical storage solutions included door panel bins and a glovebox, while a power liftgate and ski pass-through added convenience.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. With 858 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,818 litres with them folded, the ID.4 provided ample storage capacity. It also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models rated for 1,000 kilograms and AWD models for 1,225 kilograms. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, enhancing functionality.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system. The system offered four years of complimentary access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The voice-recognition system impressed with its accuracy, though it occasionally required specific phrasing. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivered exceptional audio quality, though the standard Harman Kardon system sufficed for most users.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite software updates, the infotainment system's haptic touchpads remained a concern due to their lack of physical feedback. However, the natural-language voice recognition system effectively mitigated this issue. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, though it was easy to overlook during regular driving.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, known for its safety innovations, offered a comprehensive suite of features, including Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane-centring capabilities. Oncoming Lane Mitigation helped prevent collisions with oncoming vehicles. While the XC60 Recharge hadn't been assessed by the NHTSA, the B5 and B6 models received top marks. The IIHS awarded the XC60 a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, with potential updates for 2023.

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 excellent crash-test results and advanced front crash prevention. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, automated lane-change, and a 360-degree camera system.