2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup. This design approach made the CR-V look more like a modern family station wagon than a traditional SUV. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials that didn't always harmonize. While higher trims featured upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these elements clashed with some lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were still upgrades of a commodity car rather than true luxury vehicles.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, eschewing the rugged styling of the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4 was part of VW's EV-specific MEB platform and was introduced to the U.S. market as a crossover, a strategic move given the popularity of crossovers in the region. While its styling didn't scream SUV, it was in line with other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The interior was spacious, with more front headroom than its gasoline counterparts, although rear visibility was somewhat compromised by thick rear pillars.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine across its lineup, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, despite some CVTs' reputation for sluggishness, performed well in the CR-V. The vehicle offered a car-like driving experience with nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable ride. Its low curb weight of 3,337 pounds for the FWD LX model contributed to its excellent road manners and fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 30 miles per gallon combined and AWD models 29 mpg. The CR-V also introduced a hybrid version for 2020, offering even better fuel economy.

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 VW's return to rear-wheel drive in the U.S. market, providing balanced handling and instantaneous torque for quick acceleration. An AWD version with a second motor increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, enhancing performance. While the ID.4 wasn't sporty, it prioritized comfort with a smooth ride and some body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, it didn't offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience with friction brakes.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was praised for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to the larger Volkswagen Tiguan. It provided ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers, thanks to its excellent seating position and low cowl. The cargo area was generous, with 75.8 cubic feet of space when the rear seats were folded. Clever storage solutions, like a deep center console and a two-position load floor, added to its practicality, making it easy to accommodate various items.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front headroom than its gasoline competitors, though rear headroom and legroom were less generous compared to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of the CR-V and RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. While forward visibility was good, rearward visibility was hindered by thick pillars. The interior featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats, which proved effective in cold conditions.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 5-inch screen on the LX trim that offered limited features. Higher trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, but it still felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, they felt tacked on. However, the CR-V did offer plenty of USB ports, with the EX trim and above providing two in the front and two high-powered ones in the backseat. The Touring trim added a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment basics were well-executed, with a well-positioned touchscreen and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" system, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. EX trims and above added blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic monitoring. The CR-V earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, although lower trims had marginal headlight ratings. A safety recall affected a small number of vehicles for a rear subframe issue.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. It included standard driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New features for 2021 included Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist, which stopped the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding to acceleration and deceleration.