Volkswagen ID.4 vs Subaru Solterra

The 2024 Subaru Solterra, essentially a Toyota bZ4X with Subaru-specific enhancements, presented a familiar yet distinct appearance. It featured standard dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), increased ground clearance, and subtle styling changes, all adorned with Subaru's starry sky badges. The grey cladding extending to the headlights and the gloss black trim from the taillights added to its appeal, especially in the Harbour Mist Grey Pearl paint. Despite the potential range reduction from the 20-inch wheels, their aesthetic appeal was undeniable. The Solterra's interior was unique, with a squircle-shaped steering wheel, digital gauges against the windshield, and a futuristic centre console. It was functional, with traditional switchgear, though it lacked a stereo volume knob and a radio tuning knob.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 maintained a conservative yet timeless design, typical of Volkswagen's approach. The AWD versions came with standard 20-inch wheels, an upgrade from the 19-inch wheels on other trims. The lineup included the ID.4 and ID.4 Pro models, with battery capacities of 62 kWh and 82 kWh, respectively. The ID.4 Pro offered AWD for enhanced traction and performance. Prices ranged from $51,228 to $63,228, including a $2,100 destination charge. The ID.4 qualified for Canadian federal and provincial EV rebates and included four years or 1,400 kWh of free DC fast charging at Electrify Canada stations. The interior featured Galaxy or Cosmic artificial leather upholstery in S trims, with Nutmeg/Brown and Stone/Black fabric options in standard models. The ID.4's interior was less unusual than when it first launched, though quirks like dual-function power window controls remained.

The 2024 Subaru Solterra was equipped with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. Its range was estimated at 359 kilometres, powered by a 72.8 kWh battery. Subaru claimed improvements in cold-weather charging and DC fast charging performance. During testing, the Solterra consumed electricity at 18.8 kWh per 100 kilometres, better than the NRCan rating of 20.5 kWh/100 km. However, over a week, it averaged 22.2 kWh/100 km. The Solterra offered Normal, Eco, and Power driving modes, along with Subaru's Dual Function X-Mode traction system. Despite its standard all-season tires, the Solterra handled light off-roading well, though it was noisier at highway speeds. Acceleration was quick from a stop, but momentum faded as speed increased. The steering lacked engagement, and the Solterra occasionally exhibited odd body motions on uneven pavement.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, with its new rear electric drive motor, delivered 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque in the single-motor Pro models, achieving 96 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The 62-kWh models retained the previous motor, producing 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 Pro with AWD added a front motor, resulting in 335 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque, reaching 96 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The ID.4 Pro models offered a range of 468 kilometres with RWD and 423 kilometres with AWD. The 62-kWh models had an estimated range of 332 kilometres. The ID.4 supported 11-kW Level 2 home charging and DC fast charging, with the 82-kWh battery accepting up to 175 kW. During testing, the ID.4 Pro S with RWD achieved an efficiency rate of 17.8 kWh/100 kilometres. Acceleration was improved, and the ID.4 handled well on mountain roads, though road noise was noticeable at higher speeds.

The 2024 Subaru Solterra offered easy access due to its high ground clearance. StarTex artificial leather added a touch of class to the interior, with heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Solterra provided ample storage space, though some areas lacked lining, and the gloss black console surface collected dust. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom and comfort, with air-conditioning vents and USB-C ports. The Solterra offered 674 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded, though it lacked a front trunk.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4's interior improvements made it more user-friendly and comfortable. The transmission selector moved to a stalk on the steering wheel, and the wiper controls were relocated. The Pro models featured a new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with illuminated touch-sensing slider controls for volume and temperature. The Pro S models added ventilated front seats for enhanced comfort. The ID.4's front seats provided excellent visibility, with heated features standard in Canada. Rear passengers had adequate legroom and comfort, with air conditioning vents and USB-C ports. The ID.4 offered 858 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, though it lacked a front trunk.

The 2024 Subaru Solterra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Subaru Solterra Connect services. The Luxury and Technology packages upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a surround-view camera, wireless smartphone charging, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The system mirrored the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering safety services, remote vehicle access, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Solterra's infotainment system was superior to Subaru Starlink, with helpful camera-based systems and Advanced Park assist.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 introduced a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Pro models, improving user experience. The layout included a home screen with customizable data panels and always-visible climate controls. The navigation system featured battery preconditioning for DC fast charging. A nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in Pro S trims. The ID.4's infotainment system was easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and gesture control. Every ID.4 included a four-year subscription to Car-Net connected services, offering remote access and safety features, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2024 Subaru Solterra featured Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance systems, based on Toyota technology. It included front cross-traffic alert, proactive driving assist, and new features like hands-free driving and active lane-change assist. The Solterra's EyeSight package also offered intersection collision avoidance and emergency steering assist. However, the lane-centring assist struggled in curves, and the digital gauges displayed too much information. The Solterra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS in 2023.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 included a post-collision braking system and standard advanced driver assistance systems, such as Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Emergency Assist could bring the ID.4 to a safe stop if the driver became unresponsive. Travel Assist managed following distance and lane-centring effectively. The ID.4 received favourable ratings from the NHTSA, though IIHS evaluations were incomplete.