2021 Honda HR-V 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 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 design was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 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 aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth seats on the base model, with leatherette upholstery on higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda HR-V had a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda's larger SUVs like the CR-V, Passport, and Pilot. It featured distinctive design elements such as upper and lower window lines converging near the taillights, housing the rear door handles. Most trim levels came with 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Sport model boasting matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior was plain but functional, with good material quality and fit and finish. Higher trims like the EX and EX-L offered push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with leather upholstery on the EX-L.

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, with the front wheels steering and the rear wheels driving. The AWD version offered more power and traction, making it quick around town and capable on highways. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes for deceleration.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). AWD was available on all trim levels, with FWD as standard. The HR-V's powertrain was underpowered for highway driving, and the CVT was ineffective. Competitors like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek offered more powerful engine options. However, the HR-V's chassis provided a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads, living up to Honda's reputation for fun cars. The HR-V's AWD system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rough terrain, and it lacked towing capability.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though 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, but the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. The narrow center console offered limited storage space, but the heated steering wheel and front seats were effective for maintaining cabin heat in cold weather.

The 2021 Honda HR-V excelled in cargo space, thanks to the "Magic Seat" 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, offering 58.8 cubic feet with the seats down and 24.3 cubic feet with them up. These figures surpassed many competitors, though the Kia Seltos and Toyota Corolla Cross offered more cargo space. The HR-V led the segment in rear-seat legroom, though front-seat legroom and headroom were average. The interior featured sensibly-designed controls, including large knobs for climate control and an audio volume knob. The narrow center console was dominated by a large shift lever, but the standard tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position easier.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with a 12-inch option) featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced nearly all 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 feature, which communicated information through a light strip at the base of the windshield. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with easy-to-navigate menus.

The base 2021 Honda HR-V LX included Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. The Sport trim and higher offered a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the EX and EX-L added SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was plain but functional, with two USB ports located conveniently ahead of the shifter. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was small compared to competitors, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard across all trims.

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 features for 2021 included 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 well to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2021 Honda HR-V received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it got "Marginal" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA gave the HR-V a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover crash testing. Honda Sensing safety features were available only on the EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The LaneWatch feature provided a camera view when the turn signal was activated.