2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

2021 Volkswagen ID.4
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
$39,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Honda Odyssey
2022 Honda Odyssey
$33,040MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Volkswagen ID.4
$39,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Odyssey
$33,040MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Honda Odyssey scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is the recommended choice, offering a better overall package with its electric powertrain, advanced safety features, and distinctive design.

Overview

MSRP

$39,995

MSRP

$33,040

Average price

$24,127

Average price

$34,189

Listings

199

Listings

839
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Quiet cabin
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unimpressive electric range
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor visibility
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Needs better brakes
  • Outdated technology

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Reviews Summary

The “Dieselgate” emissions scandal forced Volkswagen to double down on electric cars, and now we’re finally seeing the first result of that: the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover.

VW has made an electric car before, but its last attempt, the e-Golf, was built to satisfy emissions standards, not rack up sales. It was barely advertised, and it was sold only in certain states. That’s not the case with the ID.4, which will be available nationwide and will even be built in Tennessee starting in 2022. Volkswagen views the ID.4 as a rival not to other EVs, but to mainstream gasoline vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Being late to the party means there are already several other EVs trying to coax new-car buyers away from internal combustion, however. If you want a reasonably-priced EV, the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV already exist, and General Motors just announced the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV—a new variant of the Chevy Bolt EV with a crossover body style similar to the Volkswagen.

We tested an ID.4 1st Edition, which commemorates the car’s launch, and an ID.4 PRO S with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 1st Edition is a limited-edition model that has already sold out, but it’s mechanically identical to the ID.4 Pro S AWD, albeit with power sent only to the rear wheels.

2022 Honda Odyssey Reviews Summary

If you are a minivan aficionado like we are, then you know that the 2022 Honda Odyssey is the most enjoyable one to drive. It has that light, effortless, responsive driving character that Honda bakes into every one of its cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans. But you also know that the Odyssey’s rivals are successfully outflanking it in terms of stylish design, all-weather capability, electrified efficiency, infotainment technology, and outright luxury.

In response to these new threats, Honda makes no changes to the 2022 Odyssey. Good thing its “original recipe” approach remains pretty tasty.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

201 hp Electric

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

EV Battery Capacity

82 kWh

EV Battery Capacity

MPG City

104

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

89

MPG Highway

28

Battery Charge Time (240V)

8 hours

Battery Charge Time (240V)

2021 Volkswagen ID.4
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
$39,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Odyssey
2022 Honda Odyssey
$33,040MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
$39,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Odyssey
$33,040MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Honda Odyssey scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is the recommended choice, offering a better overall package with its electric powertrain, advanced safety features, and distinctive design.

Overview
MSRP
$39,995
$33,040
Average price
$24,127
$34,189
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.3
Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Quiet cabin
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unimpressive electric range
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor visibility
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Needs better brakes
  • Outdated technology
Summary

The “Dieselgate” emissions scandal forced Volkswagen to double down on electric cars, and now we’re finally seeing the first result of that: the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover.

VW has made an electric car before, but its last attempt, the e-Golf, was built to satisfy emissions standards, not rack up sales. It was barely advertised, and it was sold only in certain states. That’s not the case with the ID.4, which will be available nationwide and will even be built in Tennessee starting in 2022. Volkswagen views the ID.4 as a rival not to other EVs, but to mainstream gasoline vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Being late to the party means there are already several other EVs trying to coax new-car buyers away from internal combustion, however. If you want a reasonably-priced EV, the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV already exist, and General Motors just announced the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV—a new variant of the Chevy Bolt EV with a crossover body style similar to the Volkswagen.

We tested an ID.4 1st Edition, which commemorates the car’s launch, and an ID.4 PRO S with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 1st Edition is a limited-edition model that has already sold out, but it’s mechanically identical to the ID.4 Pro S AWD, albeit with power sent only to the rear wheels.

If you are a minivan aficionado like we are, then you know that the 2022 Honda Odyssey is the most enjoyable one to drive. It has that light, effortless, responsive driving character that Honda bakes into every one of its cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans. But you also know that the Odyssey’s rivals are successfully outflanking it in terms of stylish design, all-weather capability, electrified efficiency, infotainment technology, and outright luxury.

In response to these new threats, Honda makes no changes to the 2022 Odyssey. Good thing its “original recipe” approach remains pretty tasty.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
201 hp Electric
3.5L 280 hp V6
Drive Train
RWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
82 kWh
MPG City
104
19
MPG Highway
89
28
Battery Charge Time (240V)
8 hours
Look and feel
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
8/10
2022 Honda Odyssey
7/10

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 crossovers with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed out to the corners of the body. The ID.4 was part of VW’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 design blended 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.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design, offered a sense of style with its kinked sliding doors and dramatic character lines. The Elite trim level featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels, adding a touch of sophistication. The Odyssey’s interior was designed for family convenience, with quality leather, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible seating arrangements, and the third-row seat provided ample comfort for adults. The Odyssey also boasted impressive cargo space, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

Performance
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
8/10
2022 Honda Odyssey
7/10

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 increased power and traction. 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 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. Despite this, the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill grades could lead to pedal vibration and an audible grumble. Overall, the Odyssey provided a pleasant driving experience, but its brakes needed improvement for better performance on mountain grades.

Form and function
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
7/10
2022 Honda Odyssey
8/10

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though its 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 rear seats folded. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but its 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 steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey made entry easy with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible seating arrangements, and the third-row seat was comfortable for adults. The Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The interior provided numerous storage spaces, including a handy floor tray and a center console tray.

Technology
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
7/10
2022 Honda Odyssey
5/10

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 traditional 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 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 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included navigation, HondaLink connected services, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk technology. The rear-seat entertainment system featured a 10.2-inch display with media inputs and a “How Much Farther?” app. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. However, the Odyssey’s infotainment system was increasingly outclassed by rivals, with a small screen and a lack of modern features.

Safety
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
7/10
2022 Honda Odyssey
8/10

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. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were new standard features, with Travel Assist providing smooth lane-centering and responsive acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with some features responding too sharply or abruptly.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
7/10
2022 Honda Odyssey
7/10
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