2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
$39,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
$39,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$24,945

MSRP

$39,995

Average price

$18,516

Average price

$21,838

Listings

781

Listings

580

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Poor handling
Pros
  • Quiet cabin
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unimpressive electric range
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor visibility

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews Summary

The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of only two compact crossover SUV’s that currently offer third-row seating. (And the other is the hopelessly outdated Mitsubishi Outlander.) To fit the extra pair of surprisingly spacious seats, VW made the Tiguan much larger than average for its competitive set—which suits a vehicle that fills big shoes in VW dealerships. With five trim levels and prices that stretch from just under $26,000 to a bit over $40,000, the Tiguan is the German brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S.

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Reviews Summary

The “Dieselgate” emissions scandal forced Volkswagen to double down on electric cars, and now we’re finally seeing the first result of that: the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover.

VW has made an electric car before, but its last attempt, the e-Golf, was built to satisfy emissions standards, not rack up sales. It was barely advertised, and it was sold only in certain states. That’s not the case with the ID.4, which will be available nationwide and will even be built in Tennessee starting in 2022. Volkswagen views the ID.4 as a rival not to other EVs, but to mainstream gasoline vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Being late to the party means there are already several other EVs trying to coax new-car buyers away from internal combustion, however. If you want a reasonably-priced EV, the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV already exist, and General Motors just announced the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV—a new variant of the Chevy Bolt EV with a crossover body style similar to the Volkswagen.

We tested an ID.4 1st Edition, which commemorates the car’s launch, and an ID.4 PRO S with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 1st Edition is a limited-edition model that has already sold out, but it’s mechanically identical to the ID.4 Pro S AWD, albeit with power sent only to the rear wheels.

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 184 hp I4

Engine

201 hp Electric

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

184 hp @ 4400 rpm

Horsepower

EV Battery Capacity

EV Battery Capacity

82 kWh

MPG City

22

MPG City

104

MPG Highway

29

MPG Highway

89

Battery Charge Time (240V)

Battery Charge Time (240V)

8 hours
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
$39,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
$39,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$24,945
$39,995
Average price
$18,516
$21,838
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.6
4.6
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Poor handling
Pros
  • Quiet cabin
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unimpressive electric range
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor visibility
Summary
The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of only two compact crossover SUV’s that currently offer third-row seating. (And the other is the hopelessly outdated Mitsubishi Outlander.) To fit the extra pair of surprisingly spacious seats, VW made the Tiguan much larger than average for its competitive set—which suits a vehicle that fills big shoes in VW dealerships. With five trim levels and prices that stretch from just under $26,000 to a bit over $40,000, the Tiguan is the German brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S.

The “Dieselgate” emissions scandal forced Volkswagen to double down on electric cars, and now we’re finally seeing the first result of that: the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover.

VW has made an electric car before, but its last attempt, the e-Golf, was built to satisfy emissions standards, not rack up sales. It was barely advertised, and it was sold only in certain states. That’s not the case with the ID.4, which will be available nationwide and will even be built in Tennessee starting in 2022. Volkswagen views the ID.4 as a rival not to other EVs, but to mainstream gasoline vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Being late to the party means there are already several other EVs trying to coax new-car buyers away from internal combustion, however. If you want a reasonably-priced EV, the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV already exist, and General Motors just announced the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV—a new variant of the Chevy Bolt EV with a crossover body style similar to the Volkswagen.

We tested an ID.4 1st Edition, which commemorates the car’s launch, and an ID.4 PRO S with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 1st Edition is a limited-edition model that has already sold out, but it’s mechanically identical to the ID.4 Pro S AWD, albeit with power sent only to the rear wheels.

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 184 hp I4
201 hp Electric
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
7
5
Horsepower
184 hp @ 4400 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
82 kWh
MPG City
22
104
MPG Highway
29
89
Battery Charge Time (240V)
8 hours
Look and feel
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
8/10
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
8/10

Volkswagen completely overhauled the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, introducing an all-new second generation of its compact crossover SUV. The redesign addressed the original Tiguan’s biggest shortcoming—its diminutive size—and aimed to make it more competitively priced against rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The result was a vehicle that maintained a stylish and conservatively German exterior, but showed some evidence of cost-cutting upon closer inspection. The Tiguan's design featured clean and simple lines, with a horizontal grille connecting the headlights, and a new flat logo. However, the interior was plain, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic, a far cry from Volkswagen's previous reputation for superior interiors. The focus seemed to have shifted to electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system standing out as highlights.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, showcased a distinctive look that set it apart from its gasoline counterparts. It replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed out to the corners of the body. The ID.4 was based on VW’s EV-specific MEB platform and followed the European-market ID.3 hatchback. While it didn’t look much like an SUV, it shared this trait with many other EV crossovers. The interior design blended Volkswagen’s trademark minimalism with a smartphone aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

Performance
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
7/10
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
8/10

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine drove either the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan’s powertrain offered a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag, but it was only moderately quick due to its substantial curb weight of 3,757 pounds for the front-wheel-drive model and 3,847 pounds for the all-wheel-drive version. The Tiguan’s handling was impacted by its larger size and longer wheelbase, making it less nimble than some competitors. However, it provided a comfortable driving experience with a well-insulated cabin and a quiet highway ride.

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. This made it the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the United States since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4’s handling was nicely balanced, thanks to the rear-wheel-drive setup, but it was tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, with noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many electric cars, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, relying more on friction brakes and coasting for efficiency.

Form and function
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
9/10
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
7/10

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, starting with its second-row seats that could slide up to seven inches fore and aft, making the third row more usable. Front-drive Tiguans came standard with a third row, while all-wheel-drive models offered it as a $595 option. The third row, though not spacious, provided enough legroom for shorter adults and was cozy for kids. The split second-row seats folded flat, offering 65.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row collapsed, and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The Tiguan’s interior felt roomy, with plenty of hip and shoulder room in the front seats, and a seating position that made it feel larger than it was.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor 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 the rear seats folded. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not have a front trunk, as VW prioritized cabin space. The interior felt spacious from the driver’s seat, with good forward visibility but substandard rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars and a small back window. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console, though the console itself was narrow and close to the floor, limiting storage for larger items.

Technology
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
9/10
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
7/10

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by MIB3 the following year. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, while SE and higher trims offered an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen with a glass surface, bright colors, and a responsive processor. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had two USB-A ports in the front and one in the second row. A wireless charging pad was available on trims above S. VW’s Digital Cockpit, a fully digital instrument panel, was available on top SEL trims, offering customizable displays and a panoramic map. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (a 12-inch screen was optional) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced nearly all switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system, allowing drivers to adjust settings by speaking commands. Additionally, the ID.4 introduced ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

Safety
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
6/10
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
7/10

For the 2020 model year, Volkswagen improved the Tiguan’s standard safety package, adding forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert to all models. However, features like adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and LED headlights with automatic high beams were reserved for the top SEL trim. All 2020 Tiguan models came with Car-Net, a telematics package offering remote locking and unlocking, status checks, and vehicle location. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, while most Tiguans with halogen headlights received a poor rating.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the rear-wheel-drive 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. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering to the adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding well to acceleration and deceleration.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is the better choice, offering a more practical and spacious interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a higher overall rating.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is the better choice, offering a more practical and spacious interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a higher overall rating.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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