2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo was illuminated. Despite being an EV, the ID.4 didn't have a traditional SUV look, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance typical of SUVs. It was built on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, offering a modular approach similar to the MQB platform for gasoline vehicles. The interior maintained a minimalist design with quality materials, including leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers, providing a premium feel even in the base model.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with prices ranging from $21,275 to $24,525. The Limited trim, tested with Ecotronic Gray paint, offered a mature appearance. Despite its affordability, the Venue's design was stylish, featuring hard plastics that didn’t look cheap, and unexpected style elements like seat stripes and white dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were highlights, with controls exhibiting typical Hyundai quality. The Venue was thoughtfully designed, offering a stylish and high-quality experience for a small SUV.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a 62-kWh battery for the base models and an 82-kWh pack for higher trims, with RWD or AWD options. The RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD version increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery reduced weight by 240 pounds, enhancing acceleration and handling. However, the ID.4 allowed too much body roll on twisty roads, despite its comfortable ride. Regenerative braking was present but didn’t support one-pedal driving, offering a familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds, it was paired with a CVT that maximized power for city and suburban driving. The Venue excelled in urban environments with its nimble handling and visibility. On highways, it maintained speed but struggled with additional weight. The suspension was unsophisticated on rough roads, and the lack of AWD questioned its SUV status. It offered 6.7 inches of ground clearance and achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, though real-world tests showed slightly lower efficiency.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample interior space, surpassing competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf in legroom and headroom. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with seats folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V in space, it was practical for an affordable EV. The ID.4 had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates included a conventional center console lid and improved phone storage, with three-zone climate control available.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue’s increased ground clearance made entry and exit easier. Despite its small size, it offered decent comfort with manual seat adjustments and heated front seats. The back seat was cramped for three, with limited storage and no rear air vents. Front storage was adequate, with a dashboard shelf for convenience. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet with seats up and 31.9 cubic feet with seats down, comparable to a compact car.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, featuring updated software for improved responsiveness. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and voice recognition, though haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, blending with driver aids.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with modern graphics and simple operation. Standard tech included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim added navigation, SiriusXM, and a wireless charger, though it required wired connections for smartphone integration. The infotainment system was sophisticated, with effective voice recognition and music streaming capabilities, though the sound system could be improved.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS for the 2022 model. It included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The SEL trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the Limited included cyclist detection. It lacked adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The Venue received Good ratings in IIHS crash tests and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.