2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV. Its subtle yet effective design changes conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec trim, positioned in the middle of the trim hierarchy, added sporty interior features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges. However, the red markings on the gauge cluster were hard to read, except at night.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, boasting a distinctive look that set it apart from VW's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of traditional crossovers. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-forward aesthetic, including piano black and matte plastic finishes. The ID.4 offered a spacious cabin with good forward visibility, although rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars and a small back window.

The 2021 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with the option to add the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD system significantly improved handling, making the RDX fun to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim featured exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance all-season tires, enhancing its sporty appeal.

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. 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 rear-wheel-drive setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered additional traction and power. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, relying more on friction brakes.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though classified as a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were highly comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, leading to a lack of leg support. Cargo space measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Despite its modest official measurements, the RDX's trunk was accommodating and practical.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, although legroom was average. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, more than several EV rivals but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 did not have a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility. The center console offered limited storage space, with narrow nooks and crannies.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. While the TTI mirrored the screen, making it more intuitive than similar systems, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which delivered excellent sound quality. The RDX also offered smartphone projection, voice-recognition technology, and Key by Amazon In-Car Delivery.

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 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 and ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned and easy to navigate.

The 2021 Acura RDX came equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a 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, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing highway driving and safety.