2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Subaru Outback retained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models, yet with a fresher interior compared to its smaller sibling, the Crosstrek. The Outback's interior, especially in trims above the base, featured a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Onyx Edition XT stood out with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching, offering a unique and durable interior. Externally, the Outback maintained its smooth and plain styling, with high gray cladding for protection and a few chrome accents, emphasizing its identity as a lifted wagon rather than a typical SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 showcased a distinctive design, emphasizing its electric vehicle roots with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners. The ID.4's interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The cabin felt spacious, with good forward visibility, although rearward visibility was hindered by thick pillars. The ID.4's interior design choices, such as the twist-grip gear selector and narrow center console, aimed to maximize cabin space, though some elements like the lack of a "frunk" and limited storage options were notable.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination struggled with the Outback's weight, especially when fully loaded, resulting in sluggish performance. The XT trims, however, boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving acceleration and overall driving experience. The Outback's all-wheel-drive system was proactive, providing excellent off-road capabilities, especially with the X-Mode feature for challenging terrains.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 initially 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. This rear-wheel-drive setup offered balanced handling and fun acceleration due to the instantaneous torque. Later in 2021, an all-wheel-drive version was introduced, increasing power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While not a sporty vehicle, the ID.4 prioritized comfort with a smooth ride, though it exhibited body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not emphasize regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback excelled in interior space, offering 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cabin provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent outward visibility. Storage solutions were abundant, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and convenient console pockets. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were limited to higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering practical and easy-to-use storage solutions.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided a spacious cabin, with more front headroom than many competitors, though rear headroom and legroom were average. Cargo space measured 30.3 cubic feet 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," focusing instead on cabin space. The interior featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and narrow center console, offering limited storage options. Standard heated seats and steering wheel efficiently maintained cabin warmth in colder conditions.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. Despite this, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EyeSight system, standard across all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on cameras, which could limit functionality in certain conditions.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch upgrade) and a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the haptic touchpads for controls proved challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also introduced ID.Light, a light strip providing visual cues for various functions. While some features felt gimmicky, the system's graphics and menu navigation were well-executed.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags. It offered various driver assists, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars in specific tests.

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 safety.