2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Lincoln Corsair

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair was introduced as a fresh replacement for the Lincoln MKC, which had been around since 2014. The Corsair, built on the new C2 platform shared with the Ford Escape, managed to distinguish itself from its Ford counterpart, unlike some other models in the Lincoln lineup. Its design was refined, with slab sides and blacked-out rear pillars, giving it a larger presence. Inside, the Corsair shared design elements with more expensive Lincoln SUVs, though it didn't quite match their fit and finish. The cabin featured a flowing dash and a floating center touchscreen, with a mix of materials that seemed to cater to both older and younger buyers. The Corsair offered trims like Standard, Reserve, and the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid, each with a range of features from alloy wheels to a premium stereo system.

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, giving it a unique appearance. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 was part of a series of electric cars, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it didn't quite look like an SUV, it offered a blend of Volkswagen's minimalistic interior design with a tech-focused aesthetic. The ID.4's interior was spacious, with more front headroom than some competitors, though rear visibility was limited. It provided ample cargo space, though it lacked a "frunk" for extra storage. The ID.4's interior was designed for comfort, with heated seats and a steering wheel, making it suitable for colder climates.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair offered a base 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided adequate power, but the optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, with 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, delivered stronger acceleration. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the 2.0-liter available in FWD or AWD, while the 2.3-liter was exclusively AWD. The Corsair featured unique drive modes like "Conserve" and "Excite," with the latter offering a sportier experience. The suspension was designed to absorb potholes, though road noise was noticeable. The Grand Touring trim introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with electric motors for a total of 266 horsepower, offering 28 miles of pure EV driving and 78 MPGe in electric mode.

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 RWD in the U.S. with a balanced handling experience. An AWD version, with a second motor, increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While not a performance car, the ID.4 offered a comfortable ride with some body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, it didn't emphasize regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience. The ID.4's AWD version provided better traction and power, making it suitable for various driving conditions.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair offered a spacious cabin with comfortable seating and ample storage. However, the design included a pronounced lip at the doorframe, which could be a tripping hazard. The rear seats were adjustable, providing impressive legroom for a compact SUV. The Corsair offered 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 57.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was average for its class. It came standard with a power liftgate and offered a hands-free option.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 felt spacious compared to other EVs, with more front headroom than some competitors. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of some gasoline crossovers. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk," prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior featured a unique gear selector and a narrow center console, providing limited storage for larger items. Heated seats and a steering wheel were standard, enhancing comfort in colder weather.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair came with an 8-inch touchscreen running the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a logical menu layout. The Reserve trim added wireless device charging, a 14-speaker Revel audio system, and a head-up display with crisp graphics.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with an optional 12-inch screen, 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 were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip for driver communication. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection, among other safety features. The Lincoln CoPilot360 Plus suite added advanced driver aids like adaptive LED headlights and a 360-degree parking camera. The Corsair earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus designation with the Reserve II package.

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, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing highway driving and driver incapacitation response.