2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, moving away from the rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it shared some design elements with the ID.3, the ID.4 aimed to appeal to the U.S. market's preference for crossovers. Its interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover's redesign was more evolutionary, maintaining its iconic broad, rounded face and unadorned sheet metal. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the previous square taillights. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the Range Rover simplified its design with fewer buttons and a larger tablet-like touchscreen, enhancing its modern look. The interior boasted premium leather and rich wood trim, exuding luxury. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet cabin added to its premium appeal, offering a more refined experience than competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It marked Volkswagen's return to rear-wheel drive in the U.S. with a passenger car since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version arrived later, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While not a performance car, the ID.4 offered balanced handling and a smooth ride, with RWD providing a more engaging driving experience. However, it was tuned for comfort, with noticeable body roll in corners. Regenerative braking was less aggressive than in other EVs, focusing on coasting efficiency.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a mild hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, impressive for its size. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile, with well-managed body roll. Rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability. The ride quality was smooth, with minimal wind and road noise.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing some EV rivals but falling short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk," prioritizing cabin space. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick pillars. The unique twist-grip gear selector freed up console space, though storage was limited. Heated steering wheel and seats were standard, enhancing comfort in cold weather.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover excelled in interior space, with ample room in the first two rows and excellent visibility. Front seats offered long-distance comfort with available massage functions. Storage was abundant, with dual glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console. The second row provided generous space and power adjustments, while the optional third row was suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo space was limited with all seats up but expanded significantly with the third row folded. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension facilitated loading and unloading.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a 12-inch screen was optional. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional controls. The setup looked modern but was challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. A natural-language voice-control system offered an alternative, though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light system added a unique touch, communicating information through color changes. The infotainment system was well-positioned, with smart graphics and easy navigation.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complemented by a wireless charging pad. The screen's lower placement required more attention, but basic climate controls were intuitive. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and smartphone app connectivity.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist added automated lane centering, while Emergency Assist stopped the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, which was typical for luxury SUVs. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The cameras were particularly useful off-road. While adequately equipped, the Range Rover lacked some advanced features found in rivals, such as advanced high beams and emergency stop functions.