2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, including piano black and matte plastic finishes. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim aimed for a rugged appearance but fell short in practical off-road enhancements. The XRT trim was priced between the SEL and Limited trims and included features from the SEL's Convenience Package. The test vehicle, painted in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, lacked visual contrast. However, the interior design demonstrated thoughtful design and high quality for its price point, even if it didn't match the upscale feel of the Limited or Calligraphy trims.

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. This setup made it 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 balanced handling experience and a smooth ride, though it lacked the aggressive regenerative braking found in other EVs.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine was adequate for everyday driving but struggled with more demanding tasks like climbing hills. An eight-speed automatic transmission handled shifting, and the SUV offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg. For more power, buyers could opt for the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine available in the Limited and Calligraphy trims, which produced 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.

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, more than several EV rivals but less than gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but its interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The center console offered limited storage space, but the heated steering wheel and front seats were effective in cold weather.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system and rear air conditioning vents. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered ample space for a family of four, with generous legroom and foot room. The Santa Fe provided 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The hands-free power-opening "Smart Tailgate" was convenient but could open unintentionally. Storage compartments were plentiful, though some were hard to access.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12-inch screen optional. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster. However, the haptic touchpads used in place of traditional switchgear were difficult to use without looking. The natural-language voice-control system was a helpful alternative but was slow to respond. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch but was easily forgotten. Despite these quirks, the touchscreen was well-positioned, with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services with a three-year subscription. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs for volume and tuning, clean graphics, and logical menus. The digital key technology allowed Android users to unlock and start the vehicle with their smartphone. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a thoughtful addition, alerting drivers when traffic ahead started moving.

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. The Travel Assist system added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist could bring the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding well to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Hyundai SmartSense banner. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist were also standard. The ultrasonic rear occupant alert system monitored the interior for movement, and Bluelink added features like automatic emergency assistance and vehicle speed alerts. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.