2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a rugged-looking exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. The interior included functional touches such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, with material quality varying across trim levels. The TRD Off-Road model featured SofTex upholstery, which Toyota claimed was lighter and more durable than leather.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle (EV), boasting a distinctive look with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners. It was based on VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. The ID.4’s interior combined Volkswagen’s 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 higher trims offered leatherette upholstery. Despite its sleek design, the ID.4’s rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars and a small back window.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission often hesitated to shift, and the steering lacked feel, making the driving experience less dynamic. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity, enhancing their off-road capabilities.

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 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 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque became available later in 2021. The ID.4’s RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered increased power and traction. Despite its performance potential, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes for deceleration.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered competitive headroom in both rows, thanks to its tall, upright roof, but legroom was slightly behind some competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, above average but less than the Honda CR-V. The RAV4’s interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, making them easy to use even with gloves on. However, the center console storage was limited, and the cargo area lip was higher than in some rivals.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more front and rear headroom than many EV competitors, though legroom was average for the segment. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, more than several EV rivals but less than the CR-V and RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk (frunk), but its cabin felt spacious, with good forward visibility. The center console was narrow and low, offering limited storage space for larger items. Standard heated steering wheel and front seats helped maintain cabin warmth efficiently.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered 8-inch or 9-inch screens. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with well-positioned graphics and shortcut buttons, but it lacked the flashiness of some competitors. The gasoline RAV4 did not include a head-up display, which was available on the RAV4 Prime.

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, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light strip, which communicated information through color changes and light patterns. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned, with intuitive menus and smart graphics.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, park assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 earned the IIHS’s highest-level 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, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2021 were Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist, which could stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding effectively to acceleration and deceleration.