2021 Ford Expedition 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 had SUV-like styling, it didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. The interior combined Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-focused design, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum greeted us at Los Angeles International Airport with its plush and roomy interior, a welcome sight after a long flight. The Platinum trim, the most luxurious in the Expedition lineup, included features like Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package. Despite its luxury, the Expedition struggled to accommodate our cargo, highlighting the utility of minivans. The Expedition Platinum boasted a chrome grille, 22-inch wheels, and brightwork, making it a good-looking vehicle. The extended-length MAX version would have solved our cargo issues, offering more space for passengers and luggage. The interior, while luxurious, had some hard plastic elements, reminding us of its origins.

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 Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque arrived later in 2021. The ID.4’s RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered more power and traction. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, relying more on friction brakes for a familiar driving experience.

Every 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in RWD or 4WD. The engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The Expedition’s towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and it offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer maneuvering. The twin-turbo V6 provided impressive acceleration, even with a full load, and the transmission operated smoothly. The Platinum’s 22-inch wheels affected ride quality, transmitting road shock into the cabin, but the independent suspension kept the vehicle stable. The FX4 Off-Road Package added off-road capabilities, but our Platinum model was more suited to pavement, averaging 17.1 mpg.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, more than some EV rivals but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. The unconventional twist-grip gear selector freed up some console space, but storage was limited. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, providing efficient cabin heat.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers, including adults in the third row. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and storage was plentiful. With the third-row seat folded, cargo volume expanded from 19.3 to 57.5 cubic feet, and the maximum volume behind the front seats was 104.6 cubic feet. The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet. However, the cargo floor’s high liftover height could be a challenge when loading heavy items.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) with 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 natural-language voice-control system allowed for easier operation, responding to prompts like “I’m cold” to adjust the temperature. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch, communicating information through a light strip at the base of the windshield. The touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, FordPass Connect, and a navigation system. Despite its age, Sync 3 remained user-friendly, though the display was small and sometimes slow to respond. The system included Amazon Alexa compatibility and enhanced voice recognition. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging. An available rear-seat entertainment system offered dual screens, a DVD player, gaming inputs, and streaming capabilities.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest 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. Travel Assist added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist could stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2021 Ford Expedition earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though the RWD model had a three-star rollover-resistance rating, while the 4WD model earned four stars. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, semi-autonomous parking assistance, and a 360-degree camera system. The lane-keeping technology was helpful in narrow lanes, though Ford’s more advanced BlueCruise system was not yet available.