2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen’s gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its crossover classification, the ID.4’s styling didn’t scream SUV, much like other EV crossovers such as the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 blended Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-forward 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.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained much of the standard gas-only CR-V’s appearance, with subtle differences like "Hybrid" badges, blue Honda logos, and unique LED fog lights. The interior featured different trim and unique instrumentation to display battery-charge status and power distribution. The CR-V Hybrid was available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard all-wheel drive. Pricing ranged from $30,560 to $36,350. The Touring trim, which was tested, included features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and wireless smartphone charging. The test vehicle, priced at $37,920, featured Platinum White Pearl paint and ivory leather, though it suffered from fake wood trim that detracted from the overall aesthetic.

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 a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4’s RWD setup provided balanced handling, though it wasn’t particularly sporty, with a focus on comfort over performance. The AWD version offered better traction and power, performing well on twisty roads despite noticeable body roll. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 didn’t support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes for a more familiar driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid paired a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor and a generator/starter motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It featured three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most appropriate one. Additionally, drivers could choose from Econ, Sport, and EV modes. The CR-V Hybrid’s added weight from the battery pack and electric motors improved weight distribution and maintained the standard CR-V’s 8.2 inches of ground clearance. It offered a smooth and predictable driving experience, though it fell short of its EPA rating of 38 mpg, achieving only 33.7 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than 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 competitors but less than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, opting instead for more cabin space. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but poor rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow center console with limited storage space. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior space and comfort. The front seats were supportive, with the driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustment and heated front seats as standard. The rear seats provided ample legroom and comfort, with air conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports. The CR-V Hybrid offered 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly less than the standard CR-V due to the battery pack, but still accommodating. Maximum cargo space was 68.7 cubic feet, less than the standard CR-V but competitive within the segment.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch screen) 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 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 feature, which communicated information through a light strip at the base of the windshield. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid’s infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, featured a seven-inch touchscreen with a power/volume knob but lacked a tuning knob. The system was slow to start, and the voice-recognition technology was limited. The CR-V Hybrid supported wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a cluttered navigation map display. The Touring trim included a nine-speaker premium audio system and wireless smartphone charging, though the latter took up significant space on the center console. The infotainment system also supported text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora internet radio.

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. New for 2021 were Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding accurately to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control with full-stop capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. The CR-V Hybrid also featured blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. While the CR-V’s technology was effective, it lacked some of the more advanced features found in competitors. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.