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

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a mid-sized SUV that struck a balance between the sleekness of the Evoque and the boxiness of the traditional Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the upright stance of its siblings. The Velar's broad front end maintained the intimidating presence typical of Land Rovers, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar featured high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a luxurious, cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, 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 traditional SUV toughness for a more modern aesthetic. The ID.4's interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused approach, using piano black and matte plastic to create a contemporary feel. Despite its EV-specific design, the ID.4 maintained a spacious cabin with good forward visibility, although rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars. The interior was practical, with a focus on comfort and efficiency, including standard heated seats and a steering wheel for better energy management in cold weather.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in its SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift towards performance with the introduction of a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, but its size made it less agile on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's powertrain lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, both offering respectable performance. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although the Velar's road-focused design limited its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setup made the ID.4 the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version, introduced later in 2021, increased power output to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While not a performance vehicle, the ID.4 offered balanced handling and a smooth ride, with the AWD version providing added traction and power. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not emphasize regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience with friction brakes. This decision aimed to provide a familiar feel for drivers transitioning from gasoline vehicles, although it might have disappointed EV enthusiasts seeking one-pedal driving.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in the luxury SUV market, being larger than compact models like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, yet smaller than midsize counterparts such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not as generous as expected, with competitors offering more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats up and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's stylish design, including a chopped roof, contributed to a cramped and claustrophobic interior feel, with limited visibility. Towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, while designed as a crossover, offered more interior space compared to other EVs, with ample front and rear headroom. However, it fell short in legroom compared to gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Cargo space was generous, with 30.3 cubic feet available with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing many EV competitors. The ID.4's interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, although rearward visibility was hindered by design elements. The innovative gear selector and efficient use of cabin space contributed to a practical and comfortable driving experience, with standard features like heated seats enhancing comfort in colder climates.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. The system included a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While the graphics and menu layout were praised, the system's slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, which, while stylish, were prone to glare.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came equipped with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch screen) featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads were challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system, allowing drivers to bypass the touchpads. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch, providing visual cues for various functions. Despite some gimmicky elements, the ID.4's infotainment system was well-designed, with intuitive menus and smart graphics.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Optional features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, were available in a package that also enhanced the emergency braking system. However, Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with only basic lane-keep assist available.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS 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. New features for 2021 included Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, offering smooth handling and responsive acceleration and deceleration.