2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Mazda CX-30

Volkswagen made subtle styling changes to the 2023 ID.4, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design to improve 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 might have been a drawback for some buyers, although it was a common trait among many electric vehicles.

The ID.4 was based on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, offering modularity to support various models. The interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline-car interiors, featuring a minimalist design and a feeling of quality. Even the base ID.4 Standard model, with its manual driver’s seat, didn’t seem like much of a downgrade from higher-level trims. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers was standard for 2023.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two different models: the 2.5 S with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the 2.5 Turbo with a turbocharged version making up to 250 horsepower. All models had a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2.5 S came in various trims, with prices ranging from $22,950 to $31,500, while the 2.5 Turbo was available in Premium and Premium Plus trims, priced between $33,800 and $35,400.

Our test vehicle was a 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus with extra-cost Soul Red paint and an optional stainless steel rear bumper guard, with an MSRP of $37,505. The CX-30 had a nose-heavy look due to its long hood and stubby rear end, with excessive gray body cladding emphasizing its SUV identity. The upscale, elegant cabin featured quality materials, with all but the base trim offering leather upholstery. Our test car had a tasteful combination of off-white leather, a chocolate brown center console, and black dashboard, door panels, and carpeting, giving it an entry-level luxury SUV feel.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available only with RWD. 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 upped the output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The 62-kWh ID.4 Standard felt spritely during a short drive, though more seat time was needed for a proper comparison with the larger-battery version. The AWD ID.4 had acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks like the Golf GTI but lacked the handling finesse. The regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive “B” setting stopping short of one-pedal driving.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained five horsepower for a total of 191 hp and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in the 2.5 Turbo made 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30 had eight inches of ground clearance and an Off-Road traction assist function.

Weighing 3,525 pounds, the CX-30 2.5 Turbo provided robust acceleration and a pleasing engine sound. However, the powertrain could be caught flat-footed in heavy traffic, with Sport mode resolving this issue. The small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited range, requiring frequent refueling stops. The CX-30’s suspension had plenty of compliance, making it enjoyable on twisty roads, though it felt soft. The turbocharged engine, G-Vectoring Control Plus, trustworthy brakes, and excellent steering made it a rewarding drive.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. It had 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models.

VW made small interior changes for 2023, including a conventional lid for the center console, a better spot for a phone, and three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

Most 2023 Mazda CX-30 models had standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. Turbos added a heated steering wheel. The driver’s seat was comfortable, but the front passenger seat offered only four-way manual adjustment. Rear legroom was tight, though the seatbacks were padded and upholstered.

Storage space was reasonable, with a storage bin under the center armrest, a glove compartment, and helpful bins in the lower door panels. The CX-30 had 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, fitting two full-size suitcases side-by-side. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats down provided a maximum of 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which was unimpressive for the segment.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard.

The infotainment system had sharp graphics and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a traditional automotive split-screen view. Natural-language voice recognition was intuitive, but the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting. The ID.Light system, part ambient lighting and part AI assistant, changed color based on drive mode and navigation directions.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30’s Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws: no touchscreen display, lack of conversational voice-recognition technology, and no tuning knob. The controls on the center console required quick looks down, and the silver steering-wheel controls were hard to see. The voice-recognition system had a 50 percent success rate, even when following prompts.

Mazda Connect’s 8.8-inch display was integrated into the dashboard with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. All CX-30s had Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. Turbos added SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bose premium sound system. Wireless smartphone charging was an extra-cost accessory.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover crash tests. The 2022 model received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4 had a good complement of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with improved side-impact crash protection. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus had a surround-view camera, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist.