2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4
Overview | |
MSRP$32,295 | MSRP$39,995 |
Listings453 | Listings396 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 Subaru Ascent Reviews SummaryFew automakers have the brand loyalty enjoyed by Subaru—and with good reason. Its cars, wagons, and SUVs are safe, reliable, and provide features like standard all-wheel drive (AWD). A three-row SUV with all of these benefits seems like a no-brainer, and so the 2021 Subaru Ascent is ideally positioned to differentiate itself from the rest of this family-hauling segment. In addition to its spacious cabin and a long list of standard features, the Ascent gains a few key safety features as newly standard equipment. | |
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Reviews SummaryThe “Dieselgate” emissions scandal forced Volkswagen to double down on electric cars, and now we’re finally seeing the first result of that: the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover. VW has made an electric car before, but its last attempt, the e-Golf, was built to satisfy emissions standards, not rack up sales. It was barely advertised, and it was sold only in certain states. That’s not the case with the ID.4, which will be available nationwide and will even be built in Tennessee starting in 2022. Volkswagen views the ID.4 as a rival not to other EVs, but to mainstream gasoline vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Being late to the party means there are already several other EVs trying to coax new-car buyers away from internal combustion, however. If you want a reasonably-priced EV, the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV already exist, and General Motors just announced the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV—a new variant of the Chevy Bolt EV with a crossover body style similar to the Volkswagen. We tested an ID.4 1st Edition, which commemorates the car’s launch, and an ID.4 PRO S with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 1st Edition is a limited-edition model that has already sold out, but it’s mechanically identical to the ID.4 Pro S AWD, albeit with power sent only to the rear wheels. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.4L 260 hp H4 | Engine201 hp Electric |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity82 kWh |
MPG City21 | MPG City104 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway89 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)8 hours |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.4L 260 hp H4 | Engine Name201 hp Electric |
Torque277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)8 hours |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity82 kWh |
MPG City21 | MPG City104 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway89 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space17.8 cu ft | Cargo Space30.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight4430 lbs | Curb Weight4517 lbs |
Height71.6 in | Height64.4 in |
Length196.8 in | Length180.5 in |
Width85.7 in | Width72.9 in |
Wheelbase113.8 in | Wheelbase108.9 in |
Maximum Payload1570 lbs | Maximum Payload1347 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $32,295 | $39,995 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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Summary | Few automakers have the brand loyalty enjoyed by Subaru—and with good reason. Its cars, wagons, and SUVs are safe, reliable, and provide features like standard all-wheel drive (AWD). A three-row SUV with all of these benefits seems like a no-brainer, and so the 2021 Subaru Ascent is ideally positioned to differentiate itself from the rest of this family-hauling segment. In addition to its spacious cabin and a long list of standard features, the Ascent gains a few key safety features as newly standard equipment. | The “Dieselgate” emissions scandal forced Volkswagen to double down on electric cars, and now we’re finally seeing the first result of that: the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover. VW has made an electric car before, but its last attempt, the e-Golf, was built to satisfy emissions standards, not rack up sales. It was barely advertised, and it was sold only in certain states. That’s not the case with the ID.4, which will be available nationwide and will even be built in Tennessee starting in 2022. Volkswagen views the ID.4 as a rival not to other EVs, but to mainstream gasoline vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Being late to the party means there are already several other EVs trying to coax new-car buyers away from internal combustion, however. If you want a reasonably-priced EV, the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV already exist, and General Motors just announced the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV—a new variant of the Chevy Bolt EV with a crossover body style similar to the Volkswagen. We tested an ID.4 1st Edition, which commemorates the car’s launch, and an ID.4 PRO S with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 1st Edition is a limited-edition model that has already sold out, but it’s mechanically identical to the ID.4 Pro S AWD, albeit with power sent only to the rear wheels. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 260 hp H4 | 201 hp Electric |
Drive Train | AWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
EV Battery Capacity | 82 kWh | |
MPG City | 21 | 104 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 89 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 8 hours | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.4L 260 hp H4 | 201 hp Electric |
Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 8 hours | |
Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 82 kWh | |
MPG City | 21 | 104 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 89 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 17.8 cu ft | 30.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4430 lbs | 4517 lbs |
Height | 71.6 in | 64.4 in |
Length | 196.8 in | 180.5 in |
Width | 85.7 in | 72.9 in |
Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 108.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1570 lbs | 1347 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | |
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Subaru Ascent as 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 as 8 out of 10.
The Ascent fills a long-overdue gap in the Subaru lineup for a three-row SUV. It features a design reminiscent of other popular Subaru models, offering a familiar and practical look. The Ascent is available in Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring trims, each offering a range of features and amenities.
The ID.4 was designed as an EV from the ground up, boasting a distinctive look compared to its gasoline counterparts. It offers a more streamlined profile and a spacious interior. The ID.4 is part of VW’s electric car lineup and is available in RWD and AWD versions.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Subaru Ascent 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 8 out of 10.
The Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It features a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, offering a comfortable ride and impressive towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
The ID.4 is available in RWD and AWD versions, with the RWD model producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The AWD version offers 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. It provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, with an emphasis on comfort and efficiency.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Subaru Ascent 10 out of 10 and the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 7 out of 10.
The Ascent offers up to 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded down, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. It features a spacious and versatile interior, accommodating up to eight passengers in its base configuration.
The ID.4 offers a crossover-like feel compared to other EVs, with competitive cargo space and a spacious interior. It provides a comfortable and practical cabin, although rearward visibility is limited due to its design.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Subaru Ascent 9 out of 10 and the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 7 out of 10.
Subaru's StarLink infotainment system features logical menu layouts, large touchscreens, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offers a range of connectivity and entertainment features, including a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system.
The ID.4 comes with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although the haptic touchpads used for controls may require some adjustment for users.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Subaru Ascent 9 out of 10 and the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 7 out of 10.
The Ascent is an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+, equipped with Subaru’s comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
The ID.4 has also been awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and offers a standard complement of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Subaru Ascent is 8.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Subaru Ascent emerges as the recommended choice, offering a well-rounded package of performance, safety, technology, and cost-effectiveness. Although keep in mind that these vehicles are not direct rivals, so the choice will ultimately come down to what type of vehicle it is that you need.
Choose the 2021 Subaru Ascent if:
- You prioritize a spacious and versatile interior with ample cargo capacity.
- Safety features and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies are important to you.
- You seek a midsize SUV with a balanced combination of features and affordability.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 if:
- You are interested in an EV with competitive driving range and charging capabilities.
- A spacious and practical crossover design with a focus on comfort appeals to you.
- You value a distinctive and efficient electric driving experience.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Subaru Ascent is 8.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Subaru Ascent emerges as the recommended choice, offering a well-rounded package of performance, safety, technology, and cost-effectiveness. Although keep in mind that these vehicles are not direct rivals, so the choice will ultimately come down to what type of vehicle it is that you need.
Choose the 2021 Subaru Ascent if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious and versatile interior with ample cargo capacity.
- Safety features and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies are important to you.
- You seek a midsize SUV with a balanced combination of features and affordability.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 if:
Shop Now- You are interested in an EV with competitive driving range and charging capabilities.
- A spacious and practical crossover design with a focus on comfort appeals to you.
- You value a distinctive and efficient electric driving experience.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.