2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

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 replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed out to the corners. The ID.4 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. While it boasted a slightly taller ride height and plastic body cladding, it didn’t quite look like an SUV, a common trait among many EV crossovers.

Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen’s minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic. The base ID.4 Pro featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while the Pro S and 1St Edition models offered leatherette upholstery. The interior materials included piano black and matte plastic, evoking a tech theme. Despite the modern design, the ID.4’s interior had some practical shortcomings, such as a narrow center console and limited storage space.

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained much of its exterior styling from its 2011 debut, maintaining a muscular stance and athletic design. Built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durango stood out with its unique look, especially in the new SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a distinct front end. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and exterior colors, enhancing its customizable appeal.

Inside, the Durango’s cabin received a new instrument panel for 2021, with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior became more premium and sophisticated as you moved up the trim levels, with options ranging from cloth upholstery to Nappa and Laguna leather. The updates to the dashboard brought the Durango in line with Dodge’s muscle cars, offering a blend of functionality and style.

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. This made it the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 wasn’t a performance car, its RWD setup provided balanced handling, and the instantaneous torque made city driving enjoyable. However, it was tuned more for comfort than sporty driving, with noticeable body roll in corners.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. The V6 produced up to 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the SRT Hellcat model produced a staggering 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. The Durango’s performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and responsive steering, though its chassis showed its age, especially on rough roads and tracks.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 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 gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but its interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The center console was narrow, limiting storage space for larger items.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, and the third row was more accommodating than many competitors. The Durango provided a good amount of cargo space, though it was average for its class. The interior quality had improved significantly, with better fit and finish compared to earlier models. The Durango’s midsize packaging made it a versatile and practical choice for families.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 10-inch touchscreen (a 12-inch screen was optional) featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most physical controls. While the setup looked modern, it was difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip at the base of the windshield. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned, with clear graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT models, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The larger screen ran the new Uconnect 5 system, which was faster and more customizable than its predecessor. It offered connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and responsive touch controls. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players and two 9-inch screens, enhancing its appeal for families.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS 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. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing its safety credentials.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind its rivals in safety features. It came standard with a rearview camera and federally mandated passive safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. The NHTSA gave the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash-test ratings were not available.