2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, moving away from the sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4, based on VW’s MEB platform, was introduced to the U.S. market as a crossover, although its design closely resembled the ID.3 hatchback. While it offered more front headroom than some gasoline competitors, its SUV-like appearance was debatable. Inside, the ID.4 combined minimalism with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative design, reflecting Buick's shift from sedans to SUVs. The Enclave, a three-row crossover, received a mid-cycle refresh with new grille designs, fascias, and wheel options. The Avenir trim stood out with unique styling elements. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled center console with push-button gears and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim offered climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Enclave's spacious interior accommodated six adults comfortably, with power-adjustable seats enhancing comfort. The Enclave's design updates and interior features aimed to elevate its status within Buick's SUV lineup.

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. It marked Volkswagen's return to rear-wheel drive in the U.S. with the ID.4. An all-wheel-drive version, introduced later in 2021, increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 wasn't a performance vehicle, its RWD setup offered balanced handling, and the AWD version provided additional traction and power. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, it didn't offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available. Its maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds. The Enclave's ride quality was enhanced by the Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave excelled in providing a quiet and smooth ride, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology. Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain was responsive, offering good acceleration and a pleasant engine sound.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its 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, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats, though the driver's seat lacked thigh support.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, offering ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room across all three rows. The Enclave's third row was comfortable for adults, and the second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears, with a covered compartment for cupholders. The Enclave provided 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97.4 cubic feet with both rows down. Power-folding third-row seats added convenience, making the Enclave a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and user-friendly, offering a choice between smartphone-like icons and a split-screen setup.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The system supported pairing up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot for up to four devices. The Enclave's interface was user-friendly, though some graphics appeared dated. The Premium and Avenir trims offered a 10-speaker Bose audio system, providing superior sound quality. The Enclave included six USB ports, a following-distance indicator, and Teen Driver technology. Available features included adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and HD surround vision.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation 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, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 introduced Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist, which stopped the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, and more. Additional features on the Premium trim included enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.