2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

Volkswagen made subtle styling changes to the 2023 ID.4, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lights up. Despite these updates, the ID.4 didn't look particularly SUV-like, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance typical of traditional SUVs. This could be a drawback for buyers attracted to the rugged look of conventional SUVs. However, the ID.4's minimalist interior design and quality materials, including leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers, carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline models.

Lexus invited us to Santa Barbara, California, to drive the redesigned 2023 RX models, focusing on the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid versions. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle, with its Iridium (silver) finish and 21-inch wheels, looked identical to the standard RX 350, lacking any hybrid-specific badges or design elements. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint job, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Despite its popularity, the 2023 RX maintained a blunt-nosed design that carried too much visual weight over the front wheels, making it look smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, more minimalistic appearance with contemporary textures and detailing, featuring backlit ambient lighting and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh 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 models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. However, the ID.4's handling was not as sharp as its acceleration, allowing too much body roll on twisty roads. The regenerative braking system did not support one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350h featured a hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, with an expected average of 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds but with a lower fuel economy of 27 mpg. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering provided a more athletic driving experience. However, accessing drive modes required navigating through the infotainment system, which could be cumbersome.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. It provided more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 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, a better phone spot, and three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350h Luxury trim featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were placed under the back seat, resulting in excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded, an improvement over the previous model but still short compared to some rivals.

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 ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster and ID.Light ambient lighting system were also standard. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, making voice recognition a more practical option for controlling the system.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced a new infotainment system, requiring activation of connected services plans after trial subscriptions. The Lexus Interface included a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant. However, the system had some drawbacks, such as the inability to view multiple screen menus simultaneously, screen reflections, and the lack of a tuning knob. The available head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel was also problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

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' highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4 came with standard driver-assist features, including 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 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring new motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, automatically slowing the RX to maintain a safe following distance. However, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed, hands-free driving and Advanced Park for semi-autonomous parking.