2021 Audi Q3 vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a design that embraced the era of "postmodern automotive styling," with its massive corporate grille fitting well with the vehicle's stout and chunky styling. This design suggested utility and dynamic handling, though it primarily delivered on the latter. Inside, the Q3's cabin mirrored this modern aesthetic, with a dash design that prominently framed the center touchscreen. When the interior debuted in 2019, it was a standout, but by 2021, Volkswagen's interiors had begun to catch up, making the Q3 feel modern and refined, though not as unique as before.

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 its gasoline counterparts. It replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of models like the Tiguan and Atlas with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners. The ID.4's interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist style with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. While the ID.4's design was innovative, it didn't quite convey the SUV-like styling that many crossover buyers sought.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The S-Line trim offered a more powerful version of the same engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a lively driving experience, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping. The Q3's handling was nimble, offering a comfortable ride that balanced engagement and refinement.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 initially launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor, generating 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version, with a second motor, increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 wasn't sporty, it offered a smooth ride and balanced handling, with the AWD version providing better performance on twisty roads. However, the ID.4's regenerative braking system didn't allow for one-pedal driving, focusing instead on coasting efficiency.

The 2021 Audi Q3 offered 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the cargo space was subpar for its class, the Q3 compensated with ample passenger space. The front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats provided impressive headroom and legroom, making it suitable for four passengers on a road trip, provided they packed light.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. This was more than several EV competitors but less than gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4's interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, though rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars. The cabin featured a unique gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats, which proved effective in cold conditions.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the MMI interface, offering standard Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with features like wireless device charging and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the traditional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

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 served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver.

The 2021 Audi Q3 included standard safety features like Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which offered forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control available.

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 features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were also included, enhancing highway driving and safety.