2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a descendant of the original 1996 model, had evolved significantly over five generations. Initially embraced by young buyers as a compact alternative to larger SUVs, the RAV4 grew in size and sophistication, becoming a mature crossover SUV and a sales leader in the United States. The 2022 model, part of a 2019 redesign, featured angular flourishes in the wheel arches, crisp lines, and expressive headlights, creating a playful yet aggressive exterior. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, a touchscreen interface, and distinctive design cues like a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors, along with a light-up rear VW logo, were also introduced. The ID.4, based on VW’s MEB platform, lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, making it less distinguishable as an SUV. However, it offered a minimalist interior design with a feeling of quality, leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers, and a new center console with a conventional lid and better phone storage.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. Fuel economy for FWD models was 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for 217 horsepower and an EPA rating of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offered 302 horsepower, a 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined rating, and up to 42 miles of electric-only range with a 94 MPGe combined rating.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, with RWD only. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack, available with RWD or AWD. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models offered 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4’s regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting and a more aggressive “B” setting, but lacked one-pedal driving.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. It had a payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds and towing capacities ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the model. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with plenty of legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom in the front row. The second-row middle seat was less comfortable but manageable for short trips.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front and rear legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The ID.4’s towing capacity was 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console, improved phone storage, and three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and navigation. The RAV4 Prime added five USB ports, two 12-volt power outlets, an available 120-volt AC power outlet, blue ambient illumination, a wireless charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 made the 12.0-inch touchscreen standard on all models, with software updates for improved responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster remained standard. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics, natural-language voice recognition, and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a traditional split-screen view. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting. The ID.Light ambient lighting system provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota’s Star Safety System, including vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. It also had LATCH child-seat anchors, child-guard locks, Safety Connect, and eight airbags. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist. The RAV4 received a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick awards.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 earned a five-star NHTSA rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention, but an “Average” score for standard headlights. The ID.4’s standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, Travel Assist 2.0, and Emergency Assist 3.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, automated lane-change, and a 360-degree camera system.