2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Lexus GX

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 could be a drawback for buyers attracted to those features, although it was a common issue among many electric vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

The ID.4 was built on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs with modularity to support various models. The interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline-car interiors, featuring a minimalist design and a sense of quality. Even the base ID.4 Standard model, with its manual driver’s seat, didn’t feel like a significant downgrade from higher-level trims. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts was standard for 2023, enhancing the eco-friendly appeal.

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 showcased a dramatic redesign compared to the 2023 GX 470, embracing geometric styling with a less pronounced spindle grille and standard triple-beam LED headlights. The front end stood more vertically, giving the car a more aggressive look, while the flat hood rose above each front wheel to aid drivers in maintaining positional awareness off-road. The GX’s side profile appeared as if carved from a solid metal block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline to improve visibility.

The GX was offered in six trim levels: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. The Luxury models focused on high-end features like 22-inch wheels and illuminated doorsills, while the Overtrail trims were geared towards off-roading with 18-inch wheels and 33-inch all-terrain tires. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions. The GX felt less luxurious than a Land Rover Defender or a Mercedes-Benz G-Class but was built for durability and hard use.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models with RWD, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models available with RWD or AWD. 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.

The ID.4’s AWD version rivaled hot hatchbacks like the VW Golf GTI in acceleration but lacked the handling finesse. It was comfortable and refined but allowed too much body roll on twisty roads. The regenerative braking system didn’t support one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts but provided a familiar experience for newcomers. The ID.4 was a solid performer for long drives but wasn’t particularly engaging on challenging roads.

The 2024 Lexus GX replaced its V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The torque was available low in the rev range, making it easier to navigate obstacles off-road. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX felt stable both on-road and off-road, with a 10-speed automatic transmission that operated confidently. Standard full-time 4WD and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential were included, with the Overtrail trims adding a locking rear differential.

The Overtrail trims also featured the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), which balanced off-road and on-road stability by adjusting the stabilizer bars. The GX accelerated well and had effective brakes, although the test conditions were favorable. Despite its size and weight, the GX demonstrated controlled and relaxed behavior on-road, a pleasant surprise given its off-road capabilities. Off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, but the GX showed promise in less aggressive environments.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered 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 provided 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. However, it fell short compared to gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models.

For 2023, VW made small interior changes, including a conventional lid for the center console and a better phone spot. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats was also available, enhancing functionality and comfort.

The 2024 Lexus GX’s interior was more minimalist and sophisticated than the previous model, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential ones. Rotary knobs for climate control flanked the touchscreen, and physical buttons for off-roading features were located lower on the center console. The GX provided 41.2 inches of legroom in the front seats and 36.7 inches in the second row, making it comfortable for six-foot-tall adults. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was tight and suitable only for children.

The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 76.9 cubic feet in total. Overtrail models provided even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total, making it a cargo-space king.

The 2023 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. Despite the updates, the user experience was hampered by haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which lacked physical feedback and could be distracting. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues but was easily overlooked.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen, USB-C ports, and a wireless charging pad. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, and an intelligent voice assistant through the Drive Connect subscription service. Remote Connect provided remote locking, unlocking, ignition, and vehicle diagnostics. A 10-speaker audio system was standard, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. The Lexus Interface was user-friendly but required subscription plans after the initial three-year trial.

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 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety, with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 now standard. This included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature was also included. While the GX hadn’t been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced safety features inspired confidence in its safety offerings.