2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the rugged Series I off-roader, the Range Rover was introduced in 1969 as a luxury SUV built on robust 4x4 underpinnings. By 2020, the Range Rover had evolved into a vehicle with multiple variations, including the HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic trims, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, while higher trims offered additional luxuries like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, on the other hand, 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, offering a modern aesthetic. 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 this segment. Its interior design combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-forward approach, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The ID.4 came standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while a plug-in hybrid powertrain offered a combined 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque with an electric range of 19 miles. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and off-road capability.

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 the return of rear-wheel drive (RWD) for Volkswagen passenger cars in the U.S. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version, with a second motor for the front wheels, increased power output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. While not a performance vehicle, the ID.4 offered a balanced driving experience with its RWD setup, providing good handling and a smooth ride. The AWD version added traction and power, making it more capable on twisty roads. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB). Both configurations provided standard seating for five, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to four for enhanced comfort. The SWB version offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet. Despite its luxury status, the Range Rover's cargo space was less than some competitors. The vehicle featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece design, facilitating easier loading and tailgating.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 felt spacious compared to other EVs, offering more front and rear headroom than its electric competitors, though legroom was average. 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 gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior featured a twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console, though storage was limited. Standard heated steering wheel and front seats efficiently maintained cabin warmth in cold conditions.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, and smartphone connectivity, while the lower screen controlled climate, seat settings, and vehicle configurations, including Terrain Response modes. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, though it required a learning curve and had occasional lag issues. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch upgrade) 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 lacked tactile feedback, complicating use while driving. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system, responding to prompts like “Hello ID,” though it was occasionally slow. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch, providing visual cues for various functions. Despite some gimmicky elements, the infotainment system was user-friendly, with well-positioned screens and intuitive menus.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

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, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2021, Travel Assist added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist could stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding effectively to speed changes.