2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered six distinct versions, each with unique styling cues. The base LS and popular LT trims featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST had a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier trim borrowed the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents and polished wheels, while the luxurious High Country boasted a chrome bar grille, 22-inch wheels with a bright finish, and body-color mirror caps. Standard LED headlights and expressive taillights added to the Tahoe's bold design.

Inside, the Tahoe's design focused on a larger 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, which improved storage capacity but compromised control layout. The interior featured cloth seats in the LS trim, with leather becoming standard in the LT trim and above. The Z71 trim we tested included numerous upgrades, such as a power panoramic sunroof and a power sliding floor console, enhancing both comfort and functionality. The overall quality met expectations, with exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces in the upper cabin, while the lower half was covered in hard plastic.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, designed as an EV from the ground up, showcased a distinctive look with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners. It shared its MEB platform with the European-market ID.3 hatchback but was brought to the U.S. as a crossover. The ID.4's design avoided the fake toughness of gasoline crossovers, opting for a more modern and sleek appearance. However, it didn't quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Inside, the ID.4 blended Volkswagen’s minimalism with a smartphone aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic surfaces. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while the Pro S and 1St Edition models offered leatherette upholstery. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility despite the steeply-raked windshield. However, rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The console was narrow and close to the floor, providing limited storage space for larger items.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The standard 5.3-liter V8, available in all trims except the High Country, produced 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel inline six-cylinder, delivering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was available for all trims except the Z71. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a four-wheel-drive system optional on most trims and standard on the Z71.

The major engineering change for the 2021 Tahoe was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality, handling, and interior comfort. The Z71 trim, equipped with adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades, provided a smooth ride over various terrains. The 5.3-liter V8 and 10-speed automatic transmission delivered ample power and a satisfying V8 rumble. The Tahoe's handling was commendable, with the adaptive and air-ride suspension upgrades controlling body roll and excessive motion.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive version, with a second electric motor, arrived later in 2021, increasing power output to 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered additional power and traction.

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. The electric motor provided instantaneous torque, making acceleration from stoplights enjoyable. However, the ID.4's regenerative braking system did not allow for one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes like a regular car. Volkswagen aimed to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with the power sliding storage console offering additional storage options. The second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort and easy access to the third-row seat, which offered substantial room for adults. The Tahoe's cargo space was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, 72.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, although legroom was average for the segment. The ID.4's cargo space measured 30.3 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, more than several EV competitors but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk" for extra storage, but the interior felt spacious from the driver’s seat. The console provided limited storage space for larger items, but the heated steering wheel and front seats effectively maintained cabin heat.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The system was easy to use, with fast Bluetooth pairing and effective wireless music streaming. The test vehicle included a mid-grade 9-speaker Bose audio system and the Rear Seat Media system, offering versatility for rear passengers. The Tahoe also offered an available 15-inch head-up display for added convenience.

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. The 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced nearly all switchgear. The touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback, but the natural-language voice-control system allowed for easier operation. The ID.Light feature communicated information to the driver through a light strip at the base of the windshield. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with smart-looking graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features such as Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trim levels or options added lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear pedestrian detection. Premier and High Country trims offered adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert Seat, and an upgraded blind-spot warning system with trailer coverage. The Tahoe's available surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering in tight spaces. As of the review's publication, the Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from NHTSA for the RWD version. 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. The ID.4 also featured Travel Assist for automated lane centering and Emergency Assist to stop the car if the driver is incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding to acceleration and deceleration.