2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a vehicle that appealed to those who loved the sleek, black-on-black aesthetic, despite the challenges of maintaining such a finish. The Black Line treatment removed almost all chrome from the exterior, giving the SUV a dark, imposing presence. However, it quickly accumulated dust, making it look worn and old. The design of the GX, with its signature spindle grille and LED headlights, was reminiscent of its predecessors, maintaining a somewhat dated appearance. Inside, the cabin quality was high, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere, save for the faint roar of the V8 engine.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more aerodynamic rear bumper design. The new wheel designs and colors, along with a light-up rear VW logo, added to its modern look. While it was clearly an EV, the ID.4 did not have the traditional SUV profile, lacking the upright stance and ground clearance. The interior was minimalist and high-quality, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibers. The base model, despite having a manual driver’s seat, did not feel like a significant downgrade from higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 5,126-pound curb weight, was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This setup allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds and achieve a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, distributing power 40% to the front and 60% to the rear under normal conditions. However, its boxy shape and high drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with the V8 engine and always-on 4WD, resulted in a fuel economy of 16 mpg in combined driving. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability, but the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the driving experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models. The single-motor RWD versions produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD versions delivered 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, enhancing acceleration and handling. Despite its comfortable and refined ride, the ID.4 allowed too much body roll for truly engaging driving on twisty roads. The regenerative braking system did not support one-pedal driving, which might have disappointed some EV enthusiasts.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it maneuverable in various environments, though the slow steering required extra effort. The interior featured comfortable seats and well-placed padding, but some controls were confusingly arranged. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The rear seats were heated, but accessing the third row was challenging, and the space was cramped. Cargo capacity was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row down. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in terms of space, it was the most practical among affordable EVs. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with RWD models rated at 2,200 pounds and AWD models at 2,700 pounds. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and a better phone storage spot, along with available three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, along with a CD player and a WiFi hotspot. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them difficult to use. The dual-screen view allowed simultaneous display of navigation and radio, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. Standard Intuitive Parking Assist and available surround-view and terrain-view cameras enhanced convenience.

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, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, however, were distracting and lacked physical feedback. The ID.Light system provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes. Standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0 with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its older structural design, lacked crash-test ratings. It came standard with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it missed several advanced safety technologies available in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.

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, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ rating, with high scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4’s 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 automated parking, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.