2022 Acura RDX 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. Inside, the ID.4 blended Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth or leatherette seats depending on the trim.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, including updates to the grille surround, bumpers, wheel designs, and paint colors. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior. The RDX lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300. Our test vehicle, the A-Spec Advance package, boasted high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin. The RDX's interior emphasized a sporty driving position and featured a thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel, though the back seat lacked comfort and support.

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, while the AWD version offered added traction and power. 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 offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, relying more on friction brakes.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The RDX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system available on higher trims. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing driving dynamics on twisty roads. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) provided distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension offered a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX also featured improved sound insulation for a quieter cabin, making it a comfortable and communicative SUV for everyday driving.

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 in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats 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 and substandard 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 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required a learning curve, with transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and a heated steering wheel. The back seat, however, was less comfortable, lacking thigh support and a natural backrest angle. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and included a power liftgate with available hands-free operation.

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 screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller on the center console. The touchpad's sections corresponded to the screen's sections, requiring a learning curve for users. The RDX also included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. Higher trims also included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

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 driver aids 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, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and new safety features like a rear seatbelt reminder system. The standard AcuraWatch suite included pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate but not as refined as some rivals. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.