2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a full-size SUV that balanced ruggedness with refinement, positioning itself between Chevrolet and Cadillac in the General Motors lineup. It was available in standard and extended-length body styles and came in SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. The Yukon AT4 was new for 2021, designed for off-road adventures with features like an improved approach angle, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. However, the Denali trim was the most popular, offering a luxurious experience with a unique dashboard design, real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and a panoramic sunroof. The Denali Ultimate package added even more upscale touches, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, featuring a distinctive look that set it apart from VW's gasoline models. It had a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, giving it a modern and sleek appearance. The interior was a blend of Volkswagen's minimalism and a smartphone aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. 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 ID.4 aimed to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars, with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options. The standard engine for all trims except the Denali was a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8. The Denali came with an exclusive 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, providing robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble at idle. A 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine was also set to be available, except for the AT4 trim. The Denali's 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. However, fuel economy was not its strong suit, averaging 14.4 mpg on a testing loop with a passenger and 16.2 mpg on a shorter loop with just the driver. The Yukon Denali's towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with 2WD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD, slightly less than its predecessor and competitors like the Ford Expedition Platinum.

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. It was the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power 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 performance, 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, opting instead for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats offered leather upholstery with perforated inserts and special stitching, but they felt hard during long drives and lacked a massage function. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and collapse to fold flat, enhancing comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat provided actual thigh support, making it comfortable for adults. Cargo volume was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet. The extended-length Denali XL offered even more space.

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. This was more than what was available in EVs like the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona Electric but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 did not have a front trunk, or "frunk," but the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The center console offered limited storage space, but the cabin included standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which proved effective in cold weather.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with the Ultimate Package offered a comprehensive infotainment system. It featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and access to a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included wireless device charging, a navigation system, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreen displays. The rear-seat entertainment system did not play DVDs but allowed streaming through an iPhone and the Yukon's WiFi. The Yukon also featured a 15-inch color head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera vantage points.

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 setup looked modern, it was difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system that responded to the prompt "Hello ID," allowing drivers to adjust settings without using the touchpads. The ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield, communicated information to the driver but was more of a novelty than a useful feature. Despite these quirks, the touchscreen was well-positioned, and the menus were easy to navigate.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking (below 50 mph), and automatic high-beam headlights. The Yukon also had Teen Driver parental report card technology, a rear-seat reminder system, and automatic crash response and crisis assistance through an active OnStar subscription. Higher trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim included adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The ADAS operated smoothly, making the Yukon more enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the RWD model. Standard safety features 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 introduced Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering to the adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding effectively to acceleration and deceleration.