2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Buick Encore GX was praised for its stylish design, which was a significant improvement over the original Encore, often referred to as “the shoe” due to its awkward proportions. The Encore GX offered a sleek exterior with no unsatisfying lines, available in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Buyers could opt for the Sport Touring package for a sportier look across all trims. The vehicle provided a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The 1.2-liter engine was exclusive to FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine was available with both FWD and AWD. Pricing ranged from $24,200 to $30,600, with our test model priced at $35,065, including upgrades and destination charges. Despite its premium positioning, the Encore GX's interior quality was typical for its segment, with some design flaws like hard-to-read gauges and a vibrating head-up display.

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, differing from the more rugged styling of the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4 was based on VW’s MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback in Europe. While it didn’t resemble a traditional SUV, it shared this trait with other EV crossovers. The interior combined Volkswagen’s minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims. The ID.4 offered a spacious cabin with good front headroom, although rearward visibility was limited due to thick rear pillars.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged engine options. The standard 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, providing adequate acceleration for the 3,000-pound SUV. The more powerful 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, available with both FWD and AWD. The FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite its premium branding, the Encore GX's ride quality was inconsistent, with a brittle feel over rough roads and excessive bounce over bumps. The vehicle handled corners well and had effective brakes, but the steering was light and effortless. Fuel economy averaged 28.2 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

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 was the first RWD Volkswagen passenger car in the U.S. since the Beetle. An AWD version with a second motor arrived later, increasing power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While not a performance car, the ID.4 offered balanced handling and a smooth ride, with body roll in corners. The electric motor provided instant torque, making city driving enjoyable. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 relied on friction brakes rather than aggressive regenerative braking, offering a more familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline vehicles.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating, but the rear seats were less comfortable, lacking thigh support and air conditioning vents. Interior storage was ample, with a trunk capacity of 23.5 cubic feet, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many EV competitors, though legroom was average. Cargo space measured 30.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of some gasoline crossovers. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow center console with limited storage.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth for two devices, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Advanced Technology Package added navigation, voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L, and a surround-view camera. Wireless charging was available through the Convenience Package. The system was user-friendly, with responsive controls and clear graphics.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured 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, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip providing visual cues. The infotainment system was well-designed, with intuitive menus and smart graphics.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick Driver Confidence, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, with adaptive cruise control available. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

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, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. New features for 2021 included Travel Assist, offering automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist, which could stop the car if the driver was incapacitated.