2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

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, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 was designed to appeal to the U.S. market's preference for crossovers over hatchbacks. Despite its crossover classification, the ID.4's design did not strongly resemble an SUV, a common trait among many EV crossovers. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen’s minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid introduced a bold new design, characterized by sharp, angular lines and a wider, longer body. This dramatic styling set it apart from its predecessor and ensured it stood out in the compact SUV segment. The Tucson's exterior design was a gamble, with its aggressive creases and unique grille that seamlessly integrated with the LED lighting, offering a futuristic look. The interior of the Tucson Hybrid was spacious and airy, with a focus on comfort and convenience. The base Blue trim included heated front seats and an eight-way power driver seat, while the SEL Convenience trim added features like a panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting. The Limited trim further enhanced the interior with a 64-color ambient lighting system and ventilated front seats.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 initially launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setup marked the ID.4 as the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version, introduced later in 2021, increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 was not designed for sporty performance, it offered a balanced and comfortable ride, with smooth handling and a focus on comfort over agility. The ID.4's regenerative braking system was less aggressive than other EVs, prioritizing a familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline vehicles.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its performance, featuring a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided a noticeable improvement over the gas-powered Tucson. The Tucson Hybrid's steering was responsive and direct, complemented by a six-speed automatic transmission. Its suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections while maintaining balance through corners. The Tucson Hybrid delivered good fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 37 mpg city, 36 highway, and 37 combined, slightly better in the Blue trim. A plug-in hybrid version was anticipated, promising even greater efficiency.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. 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, opting instead for increased cabin space. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats, which proved effective in cold conditions.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid boasted a longer and wider footprint, offering substantial cargo space with 38.8 cubic feet in the trunk and 74.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This surpassed competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. The Tucson provided excellent front and rear legroom, with reclining rear seats for added comfort. Its cargo floor featured a dual-level system for flexible storage options. The interior included practical features like angled bottle holders in the doors and multiple cupholders, enhancing convenience for passengers.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came equipped with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with an optional 12-inch upgrade, 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 were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the innovative ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-designed, with a user-friendly touchscreen and customizable menu options.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface relied on touch-capacitive buttons, which could be frustrating to use. However, the Tucson offered ample USB ports and a premium Bose stereo in the test vehicle. Steering-wheel controls provided an alternative for managing infotainment commands, enhancing usability.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. It included a comprehensive suite of driver aids, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also featured Travel Assist, which provided automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came standard with a robust array of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot collision avoidance. The Limited trim added advanced features like a surround-view monitor and highway-driving assist. Unique to Hyundai, the blind-spot view monitor displayed video feeds of blind spots, enhancing safety. The Tucson Hybrid had not yet been tested by the NHTSA, but it received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.