2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since its 2005 launch, continued to impress with its luxurious design and features. The 2018 refresh, which carried over into 2021, introduced a dual-screen center console that became a hallmark of Land Rover interiors. This model offered a variety of trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, to the high-end Autobiography with 22-way power-adjustable seats and power soft-close doors. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition trims catered to performance enthusiasts with a powerful V8 engine and sport seats.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 showcased a distinctive design as an electric vehicle, moving away from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. Its streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners gave it a unique look. The ID.4 was built on VW’s MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it didn’t quite resemble an SUV, it offered a blend of minimalism and modern tech aesthetics inside. The interior featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette available on higher trims, emphasizing a balance between comfort and futuristic design.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a range of powertrains, starting with the P360 mild-hybrid system in the SE and SE Silver Edition, delivering 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model upgraded to the P400 powertrain, providing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition also offered plug-in hybrid and diesel options, with the P400e plug-in hybrid producing 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The supercharged 5.0-liter V8 in the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims delivered 518 hp, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition boasted 575 hp. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with impressive off-road capabilities and a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds, except for the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 initially launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor, generating 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery. It marked the return of RWD for Volkswagen in the U.S. An AWD version, with a second motor, increased power to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. While not a performance vehicle, the ID.4 offered a comfortable ride with balanced handling, thanks to its RWD setup. The AWD version provided added traction and power, though it wasn’t as sporty as some competitors. The ID.4’s regenerative braking system was less aggressive, focusing on coasting efficiency rather than one-pedal driving.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven, though it reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet. The first and second rows provided ample space and comfort, while the third row was best suited for children.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet when folded. It offered more front headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, though rear headroom and legroom were less generous. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, though rear visibility was hindered by thick pillars. The unique gear selector and narrow center console offered limited storage, but the heated steering wheel and seats efficiently maintained cabin warmth.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen handling climate and vehicle settings, and the upper screen dedicated to infotainment. While the system had a learning curve and some bugs, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system’s dials provided versatile control over various functions, though the overall interface could be more intuitive.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with an optional 12-inch upgrade, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, complicating use while driving. The natural-language voice-control system offered an alternative, though it was occasionally slow. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch, though its practical use was limited. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with clear graphics and user-friendly menus.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. However, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. Additional features included a surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2021 were Travel Assist, offering automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist, which could stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and adjusting speed.