2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Lexus NX

For 2021, Lexus offered three versions of the NX: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-focused F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's familial design and styling attributes, with sharp design lines and a sculpted exterior that gave it a familiar appearance akin to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels.

Opting for the NX F Sport added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior color schemes. The material fit and finish were excellent, though the gauge cluster and center stack design felt dated compared to newer competitors. The F Sport also included a G-Force meter, which, while interesting, seemed more gimmicky than practical.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle (EV), showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from VW's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was based on VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback.

The interior design blended Volkswagen’s trademark minimalism with 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 cabin felt spacious, with good forward visibility, though rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The ID.4 also featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console.

The Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind the smoother transitions offered by newer eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the powertrain becoming noisy under hard acceleration. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims, allowing up to 50 percent of torque to be transferred to the rear axle.

Fuel economy for the NX was average, with the FWD model getting an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. AWD models had similar city/highway numbers but dropped to 24 mpg combined. The NX F Sport featured an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, which influenced throttle response and power-steering assist. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph.

The 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 (RWD) Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque.

The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, with the front wheels steering and the rear wheels driving. The AWD version offered more power and better traction, making it quick around town and capable on highways. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, relying more on friction brakes and coasting for efficiency.

The Lexus NX's upscale interior was comfortable, with ample room for adults in both the front and second-row seats. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The NX also featured a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom compared to other EVs, though 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 seats folded, surpassing many EV competitors but falling short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk (frunk), but the cabin felt spacious, with good forward visibility. The center console was narrow, offering limited storage for larger items but plenty of space for phones and smaller items.

The Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available on higher trims. The NX also supported the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app and Enform Services Connect for maintenance alerts.

The 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. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield for driver communication. While the touchscreen was well-positioned and easy to navigate, the haptic controls were difficult to use without tactile feedback.

The Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating from the latter.

The Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS 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, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing highway driving and driver incapacitation detection.