2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a sleek and sophisticated appearance, with only a subtle “P400e” badge on the tailgate to distinguish it from other versions. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, making it nearly invisible unless pointed out. This design choice ensured that the PHEV retained the classic Range Rover aesthetic without any unnecessary styling changes.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 showcased a distinctive look, designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the rugged styling of its gasoline counterparts like the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4's design aimed to highlight its EV nature while maintaining a modern and appealing crossover appearance.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of up to 31 miles of all-electric range, real-world testing revealed inconsistencies, with the gas engine frequently kicking in. The SUV averaged 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a modest improvement over its non-hybrid counterparts. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, but its complex drivetrain and charging issues proved frustrating.

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-kWh battery pack. An AWD version with 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque became available later in 2021. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling and fun, instantaneous torque, while the AWD version offered additional power and traction. However, the ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes for a more familiar driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's higher price tag came with a compromise in cargo space. The battery's placement under the raised cargo floor reduced the already tight 27.5-cubic-foot space behind the back seat. Despite this, the SUV comfortably accommodated five passengers, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear-seat passengers. The interior featured quality materials and a panoramic glass roof, but practical storage was limited.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom compared to other EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing many EV competitors but falling short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4's interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The innovative twist-grip gear selector and efficient cabin heating solutions added to its practicality.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which, despite its advanced capabilities, could be frustrating to use. The system's touchscreens lacked haptic feedback, and the interface sometimes behaved unpredictably. Setting up and navigating the system required patience and familiarity with modern technology, making it less suitable for technophobes.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) and a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. The haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear, which proved challenging to use without tactile feedback. The natural-language voice-control system offered an alternative, though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch but was more of a novelty. Despite these quirks, the touchscreen was well-positioned, with intuitive graphics and menus.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included numerous advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane-keeping assist and a new steering-assist system. However, these features could be overly aggressive and distracting. The SUV's heavy weight and adaptive air suspension helped mitigate head-toss, but sudden steering motions could still cause discomfort. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the vehicle's substantial mass provided a sense of security.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 earned 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, and adaptive cruise control. The new Travel Assist and Emergency Assist features added to its safety credentials, with Travel Assist performing smoothly on highways.