2022 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback in Europe. While it was a sensible choice for the U.S. market, the ID.4's design didn't quite convey the SUV-like styling that many crossover buyers sought. Its interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, with its retro styling and off-road prowess, quickly became a sought-after vehicle. It introduced new models like the Everglades, designed for swamp trekking with features like an intake snorkel and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. The Bronco lineup expanded to seven trims, each offering varying degrees of off-road capability. Despite its rugged design, the Bronco provided a surprisingly comfortable on-road experience, with better ride quality and steering precision than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler. The interior was utilitarian, featuring marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Bronco also boasted advanced technology, including G.O.A.T. modes for different terrains and a digital instrument panel.

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 marked Volkswagen's return to rear-wheel drive in the U.S. with a passenger car since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version arrived later, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 wasn't a performance car, it offered a balanced driving experience with its RWD setup. The AWD version provided more power and traction, making it suitable for quick city driving and highway speeds. However, the ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, it didn't offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter V6 engine producing 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the four-cylinder, featuring a crawl gear for low-speed torque. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with models like the Everglades conquering challenging terrains with ease. On-road, the Bronco provided a smoother ride than expected for an off-road vehicle, making it a versatile choice for both adventure and daily driving.

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. Its 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 on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console, though storage options were limited.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its generous interior space, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard top providing up to 52.3 cubic feet of space with seats folded, and the four-door hard top offering up to 77.6 cubic feet. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. Its removable doors and fender flares added to its utility, while external mounting points supported heavy racks or light bars. The Bronco's design prioritized both practicality and off-road capability.

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, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-designed, with easy-to-navigate menus and smart graphics.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. modes for different terrains and a forward-looking trail camera for navigating obstacles. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included off-road apps and a wireless charging pad, providing a modern tech experience while maintaining the Bronco's rugged appeal.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for its RWD model. It came with standard driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features included Travel Assist for automated lane centering and Emergency Assist for driver incapacitation.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control, with additional options available in higher trims. The NHTSA gave the four-door Bronco a four-star frontal crash rating, while the IIHS awarded it "Good" scores in most tests. The Bronco's safety systems performed reliably, enhancing its appeal as a versatile vehicle.