2021 Jeep Renegade vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Jeep Renegade, introduced in 2015, was inspired by the iconic Wrangler SUV, featuring a boxy profile, circular headlights, and an upright seven-slat grille. It shared its underpinnings with the Jeep Compass but maintained a distinct design identity. The Renegade's 2019 refresh carried over into 2021, with some previously optional features becoming standard. Inside, the Renegade offered a modern, functional cabin with an upright center stack reminiscent of the Wrangler, making controls easily accessible. It came in various trims, including Sport, Jeepster, Latitude, Upland, 80th Anniversary, Islander, Limited, and Trailhawk, each offering unique features and equipment.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners. It was part of VW's EV-specific MEB platform and followed the European-market ID.3 hatchback. The ID.4's design aimed to appeal to crossover buyers in the U.S., though it didn't quite resemble a traditional SUV. Its interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a smartphone aesthetic, featuring 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 offered leatherette upholstery.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade offered two engine options: a base 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and an upgraded turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder with 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). While neither engine was particularly spirited, the turbocharged option provided more torque and refinement. The Renegade's ride quality was solid, with good cornering stability and maneuverability in tight spaces. The Trailhawk trim, with its off-road capabilities, featured a terrain management system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

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 marked VW's return to rear-wheel drive (RWD) in the U.S. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version, with a second motor, arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll in corners. Regenerative braking was less aggressive than in other EVs, focusing on coasting efficiency and a familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade offered 50.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 18.5 cubic feet with them in use, above average for the subcompact SUV segment. Its tall, boxy design provided ample headroom in both rows, with good front legroom and adequate rear legroom for adults. The Renegade featured various storage solutions, including cubbies and trays, and the front passenger seat could fold forward for added space.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, more than many EV competitors but less than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4's interior felt spacious, with good front headroom but average legroom. It lacked a "frunk" for extra storage, prioritizing cabin space instead. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow center console, offering limited storage for larger items. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8.4-inch screen on mid-tier trims and standard on higher trims. Both screens ran the intuitive Uconnect infotainment system, featuring a logical menu layout, easy-to-read graphics, and a helpful dock for major functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a Kenwood premium audio system available.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with an optional 12-inch screen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade made several safety features standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection, except for the Trailhawk trim. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and parking sensors. Despite these additions, the Renegade received a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 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. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety, with Travel Assist providing smooth lane-centering and responsive acceleration and deceleration.