2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban had a polarizing front-end design, borrowing heavily from the Camaro's design language. This resulted in small headlights and large, busy grilles that didn't favor the Suburban's massive frame. Despite the aggressive exterior, the interior remained familiar with controls in their usual places, making it user-friendly. The High Country trim, which we tested, featured upscale elements like woodgrain and leather but lacked the soft-touch materials found in true luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 showcased a distinctive look, designed from the ground up as an EV. It replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of its gasoline counterparts with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-focused 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.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of powerful engines. The standard 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Our test vehicle featured the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, generating 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available four-wheel drive (4WD). The Suburban's independent rear suspension provided a more compliant ride, though it still exhibited some truck-like tendencies.

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 (AWD) version, with a second electric motor, increased power to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4's RWD setup offered balanced handling, while the AWD version provided added traction and power. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty performance, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, 93.8 cubic feet with the second row in use, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Passengers enjoyed ample head- and legroom, with the second-row captains' chairs providing impressive space. The control layout was similar to GM's pickup trucks, though the button shifter design was less intuitive. The power-sliding center console was a complex feature that added little value.

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 seats folded. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk" but made up for it with a spacious cabin. Forward visibility was good, but rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The twist-grip gear selector freed up some storage space, though the narrow center console limited space for larger items.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM's intuitive infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available navigation system and rear entertainment system with large touchscreens added convenience. The head-up display provided large, easy-to-read 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 screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced nearly all switchgear. The natural-language voice-control system allowed for easy adjustments, though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light strip at the base of the windshield communicated information to the driver, adding a futuristic touch.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, front parking sensors, and a surround-view monitor camera system. Unique options included the rear-view camera mirror and the Safety Alert Seat.

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 driver aids included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. New features for 2021 included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing highway driving and safety.