2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it quickly moved upscale, especially with the introduction of a four-door version. By 2021, the Range Rover was a luxury SUV with a starting price of $92,000, but with various powertrains and personalization options, it could cost upwards of $250,000. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, it exuded luxury with an Ivory-color interior and a mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, giving it a unique appearance. The ID.4 was part of VW's EV-specific MEB platform and was brought to the U.S. market as a crossover, a sensible choice given the popularity of this segment. While it didn't look like a traditional SUV, it offered a blend of Volkswagen's minimalism and a smartphone aesthetic inside. The interior was spacious, with a focus on comfort, although some design choices, like the twist-grip gear selector, were unconventional.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrain options, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices. The HSE Westminster special edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It came with a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its off-road capabilities. The Range Rover provided a commanding driving experience with a smooth power delivery and near-total cabin silence. Its adaptive air suspension offered a classic wafting sensation, although it required a more measured approach on winding roads due to its weight and tall center of gravity. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed an average of 18.5 mpg.

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 was the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car 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 pound-feet of torque. While not a performance car, the ID.4 offered a balanced handling experience with its RWD setup and instantaneous torque. The AWD version provided added traction and power, making it quick around town. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, it didn't offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit, which was necessary given its height. The front seats were decadently comfortable, wrapped in quality leather upholstery, but the second row lacked comfort and adjustability. Despite its luxurious appointments, the Range Rover's storage space was limited, with only 25 cubic feet of luggage volume and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but overall cargo capacity was less than some smaller vehicles.

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 them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of some gasoline crossovers. The ID.4 didn't have a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4's unconventional gear selector and narrow center console limited storage space, but it included standard heated steering wheel and front seats for efficient cabin heating.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, could be navigated with some practice. It required setup to avoid distractions while driving, and the touchscreens posed a significant distraction. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) and a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. Haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear, but they 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 to the driver. While some features felt gimmicky, the touchscreen was well-positioned with easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more advanced driver-assistance technologies. The HSE Westminster Edition included several safety packages, but the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. It came with standard driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features for 2021 included Travel Assist for automated lane centering and Emergency Assist for driver incapacitation. Travel Assist performed well, offering smooth lane-centering and responsive acceleration and deceleration.