2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which dated back to the original Land Rover Series I in 1948. Over the years, the Defender evolved through various iterations, maintaining its iconic design elements such as round headlamps, a boxy cabin, and a rugged aesthetic. The new Defender aimed to blend this classic vibe with modern touches, featuring half-round LED headlights and a grille that appeared structural. Its design included callbacks like flat-topped fenders and a floating roof, while the spare tire on the tailgate added to its adventurous look. The interior was a testament to exposed structure, with a dash held between horizontal beams and beefy controls, offering a mix of luxury and toughness.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of traditional crossovers. The ID.4's interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a smartphone aesthetic, using piano black and matte plastic surfaces. While it offered more headroom than some competitors, its legroom was average. The ID.4's interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, although rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars. The unique twist-grip gear selector and efficient heating features added to its modern appeal.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful option was the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid setup, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like full-time 4WD, Terrain Response, and optional Terrain Response 2. It boasted a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a wading depth of 35.4 inches. On-road, the Defender was quick, with the 3.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It also had a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds.

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 motor increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While not sporty, the ID.4 offered a comfortable ride with balanced handling. It lacked aggressive regenerative braking, relying on friction brakes for a familiar driving experience. The ID.4's AWD version performed well on twisty roads, but body roll was noticeable. Despite not being a performance car, the ID.4 provided a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender utilized a unibody platform shared with other Land Rover models, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. Its independent multi-link air suspension improved ride quality and allowed for flexible interior configurations. The Defender offered a jump seat option for three-across seating in the front and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with up to 78.8 cubic feet available in the 110 model.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, while feeling like a crossover compared to other EVs, offered more front and rear headroom than some competitors. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk" but compensated with a spacious cabin. The interior featured a twist-grip gear selector and efficient heating elements, although the narrow center console limited storage for larger items.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, enabling remote software updates for 14 modules. The Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender offered multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view for off-roading. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 14-speaker Meridian setup. A head-up display and ClearSight rear-view mirror were available for added convenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional controls. While the setup looked modern, it was challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip for driver communication. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment basics were well-executed, with a well-positioned touchscreen and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features. These included a perimeter alarm, airbags, traction control, stability control, emergency braking, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its capability in challenging conditions.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard driver aids included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were new features for 2021, enhancing highway driving and driver incapacitation response. Travel Assist performed well, offering smooth lane-centering and responsive acceleration and deceleration.