2021 Buick Envision vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Buick Envision had undergone a significant redesign after two consecutive years of facelifts. This two-row compact crossover, sold in China and North America, positioned itself between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave in Buick’s lineup. The 2021 model was lower and wider, boasting a more premium crossover styling that gave it a planted appearance. It featured three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim making its debut in the Envision lineup. The Avenir models were equipped with upgraded exterior elements, including a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific pearl nickel wheels. The interior of the Avenir trim featured leather-appointed seating with diamond perforated leather inserts and a head-up display (HUD). The Envision also came with LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, along with a welcome lighting animation.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle (EV), showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen’s gasoline models. The ID.4, based on VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners of the body. The interior design blended Volkswagen’s trademark minimalism with a smartphone aesthetic, incorporating piano black and matte plastic elements. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while the Pro S and 1st Edition models featured leatherette upholstery. The ID.4’s interior was spacious, with good forward visibility despite the steeply-raked windshield, although rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This was a downgrade from the previous model’s 252 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite shedding 200 to 300 pounds, the Envision’s performance was more about comfortable cruising than sporty driving. The front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The FWD models achieved an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined, while the AWD versions managed 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. The Envision’s drivability was comfortable but not particularly engaging, with noticeable engine and road noise.

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 AWD version, with a second electric motor, increased the power output to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4’s RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered additional traction and power. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with a smooth ride over bumps and potholes but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, instead relying on friction brakes in its default setting.

The 2021 Buick Envision’s redesign resulted in less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row compared to its predecessor. Rear-seat passengers also experienced reduced legroom and headroom, with nearly six inches less hip room. The Envision offered 25.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was less than many luxury SUVs. The driver-centric cockpit limited the front passenger’s access to climate controls and the infotainment screen. Despite these drawbacks, the Envision provided a comfortable ride with standard heated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, although 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, which was more than several EV competitors but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4’s interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, although rearward visibility was compromised. The center console was narrow, providing limited storage space for larger items, but included plenty of places to store a phone.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, which was responsive and displayed necessary functionalities clearly. The driver could use an available 8.0-inch driver information display for quicker access to information. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Available features included navigation, a surround-view camera, a HUD, and wireless device charging.

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 touchpads looked modern, they were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the ID.4’s touchscreen was well-positioned with smart-looking graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on the Avenir models. The Envision did not offer GM’s Super Cruise hands-free system or lane-centering technology.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level 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, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist, which brought the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding well to acceleration and deceleration.