2022 Ford Expedition 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 replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed out to the corners. The ID.4 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. While it had SUV-like styling, it didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Tesla Model Y. The interior combined Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-focused design, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth seats on the base model.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition received several updates, including a new grille, headlights, bumper, and redesigned wheels. It came in various trims, from the base XL STX to the luxurious Platinum, with prices ranging from just over $55,000 to nearly $84,000. The new Timberline trim catered to off-road enthusiasts with features like 4WD, all-terrain tires, and suspension modifications. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, a 12.4-inch digital instrumentation display, and leather-lined seats in the Limited Stealth Edition. The test model’s MSRP was $80,155, including several options like 4WD and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package.

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. While the ID.4 wasn’t sporty, it offered a smooth ride and balanced handling, with RWD providing a more engaging driving experience. However, it lacked aggressive regenerative braking, relying more on friction brakes for a familiar driving feel.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque (400 hp and 480 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel). The Stealth Edition Performance Package increased output to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered impressive power and a signature sound. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity of 9,000 to 9,300 pounds. The Expedition excelled on the highway, providing a comfortable and quiet ride, though its sport-tuned suspension in the Stealth Edition resulted in a sometimes harsh ride quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. Unlike many EVs, it didn’t have a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but subpar 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 steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior space and comfort, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs offered plenty of legroom and their own climate controls. The third-row seat was easy to access and provided good leg support, though headroom could be tight for taller passengers. Cargo space measured 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo space.

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 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 easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced the next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system included a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered a larger 15.5-inch screen. Both systems featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and natural voice recognition. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, HD Radio, and Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems. Sync 4A had an upgraded voice-recognition system and an adaptive dashcard user interface. The Expedition also offered a dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 for easier trailer reversing.

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

The 2022 Ford Expedition grouped its safety features into three Ford Co-Pilot360 packages. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a driver monitoring system, and automatic high beams. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, speed-limit-sign recognition, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. The Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package, standard on higher trims, included a surround-view camera system, rear automatic emergency braking, and Active Park Assist 2.0. The Expedition also offered BlueCruise hands-free driving technology for approved highways.