2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

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 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's interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V had a more conventional design that blended in with other compact crossovers. While it had a few distinguishing features like the grille and some chromed plastic elements, its overall look was similar to its competitors. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were shades of gray, black, or white, with more vibrant options limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather upholstery, with wood panels and chrome accents available on higher trims. The seats had a modern, angular design, but the overall styling was less distinctive compared to some competitors.

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 rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup was a first for Volkswagen in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with a second motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 offered balanced handling and smooth acceleration, though it was tuned more for comfort than sportiness. Regenerative braking was minimal, with VW opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, regardless of trim, came with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its segment. The CR-V offered a smooth and predictable driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of some competitors with more conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with AWD available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, similar to other vehicles in its class.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom compared to other 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, which was more than some EV competitors but less than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk (frunk), 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 had limited storage space, though it included several places to store a phone.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's cargo area could be accessed via a manual tailgate on lower trims, a power tailgate on the EX-L, and a hands-free power tailgate on the Touring trim. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably fit five people and their gear, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (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 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 and easy to navigate.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and a wireless phone charger available on the Touring trim. The Touring trim also included a satellite navigation system with voice recognition.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (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 suite.

The 2021 Honda CR-V earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, though it missed the Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower scores in headlight evaluation and the updated side crash test. The CR-V's standard Honda Sensing system included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard from the EX trim upwards.