2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but mundane, standing out among the sea of midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille gave it a commanding presence. The character line along its side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and Lexus-like taillights added to its unique appeal. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier look with a restyled front end and 20-inch wheels, although it was more about appearance than performance. Inside, the Limited trim exuded luxury with its near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and elegant wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 showcased a distinctive design as an electric vehicle, departing from the traditional styling of its gasoline counterparts. Its streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners emphasized its EV identity. The ID.4, based on VW's MEB platform, offered a spacious interior with more front headroom than its gasoline rivals, although rear headroom and legroom were average. The cargo space was competitive, with 30.3 cubic feet available with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet when folded. Despite lacking a "frunk," the ID.4's cabin felt roomy, and its forward visibility was commendable, though rearward visibility was hindered by thick pillars.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not a powerhouse, the Highlander provided smooth and reliable performance, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained more focused on comfort than agility, with a soft suspension that contributed to its comfortable ride.

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. It marked VW's return to rear-wheel drive in the U.S. with a balanced handling experience. The AWD version, introduced later, increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, enhancing its performance. While not sporty, the ID.4 prioritized comfort with a smooth ride, though it exhibited body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, it relied on friction brakes, offering a familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline vehicles.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and practicality. Its three-row configuration provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with adjustable seats to optimize space. However, the third row was best suited for children or shorter trips. Cargo space was limited to 16 cubic feet behind the third row but expanded to 48.4 cubic feet with it folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Highlander's interior featured convenient storage solutions, including shelves for devices and a wireless charging pad on higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a spacious cabin with more front headroom than its gasoline counterparts, though rear headroom and legroom were average. Cargo capacity was competitive, with 30.3 cubic feet available with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet when folded. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk," but its interior felt roomy, and forward visibility was good. However, rearward visibility was compromised by thick pillars. The ID.4's interior design included a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow center console, providing storage for smaller items but limited space for larger ones.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch option available on the Limited trim and standard on the Platinum trim. While the navigation system had limitations, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard. The 12.3-inch screen was bright and responsive, though it didn't fully utilize its size for all functions. The JBL audio system provided decent sound quality, and the interface was user-friendly.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with a 12-inch option available. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 5.3-inch display for the instrument cluster. The haptic touchpads replaced traditional controls, but they lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The natural-language voice-control system provided an alternative, though it was occasionally slow to respond. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch, but its practical use was limited. Despite some gimmicks, the touchscreen was well-positioned, with intuitive menus and smart graphics.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection support, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. It included standard safety features such as 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 its safety capabilities.