2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

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 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 those features. However, the ID.4's minimalist interior design and quality materials carried over from VW's gasoline models, offering a premium feel even in the base model.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, starting at $33,700, featured a sporty exterior with black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The Sport-L Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid offered interior upgrades and higher price points. The CR-V's conservative styling, with a technical face and Volvo-adjacent taillights, gave it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Sport Touring trim featured leather seats with orange contrast stitching and numerous quality details, such as a soft-touch dashboard and metal mesh air vent covers. The CR-V's cabin exuded sophistication, making it a standout in the compact SUV segment.

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, with noticeable body roll on twisty roads. The regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, but did not offer one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system, combining a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This setup produced 204 horsepower and could power the front or all four wheels. The hybrid system worked transparently, with only low-speed acoustic warning noises and engine droning on hills being noticeable. The CR-V Hybrid was rated at 37 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle achieved 32.4 mpg on a mountainous route. The CR-V provided a compliant ride quality, predictable handling, and impressive grip, though the steering effort was unusually heavy even in Normal mode. Overall, the CR-V was easy to drive, but not particularly exciting.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample front and rear legroom and headroom. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it more practical than 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. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console, a better phone storage spot, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, with quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seats. All CR-V Hybrids featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, while the Sport Hybrid trim added power operation for the front passenger seat. The CR-V's back seat was roomy and comfortable, with a high bottom cushion and adjustable backrest angle. The rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees, making it easy to install child safety seats. The CR-V offered 34.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the Sport Touring trim, and up to 76.5 cubic feet with the back seat folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

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 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, though the voice recognition system mitigated this issue.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an available 9-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a premium sound system were reserved for higher trims. The Sport Touring trim included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was basic and less effective with conversational commands. The CR-V Hybrid also had a walk-away automatic locking feature, providing peace of mind.

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. The ID.4 came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0 with adaptive cruise control and lane centering. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included a rear-seat reminder, automatic high-beam headlights, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking control. The CR-V Hybrid performed well in real-world testing, with smooth and accurate adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The 2023 model received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and the 2024 model was expected to maintain similar safety ratings.