2022 Jeep Wrangler 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 fake toughness of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. 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 Hyundai Kona Electric. The interior design blended Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic materials, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth seats on the base model.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a more rugged and traditional look, with options for two-door or four-door models and various powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions. Our test vehicle, the High Tide special edition, featured a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Wrangler’s interior was basic but durable, with cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials. The driving experience was unique and immersive, with a focus on off-road capability and open-air driving.

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 was tuned for comfort rather than handling, with a smooth ride over bumps and potholes but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many electric cars, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, relying more on friction brakes for a familiar driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory option, and our test vehicle included the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the eTorque V6, but our test vehicle averaged 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler’s driving experience was unique, with a rough-and-tumble feel, loud cabin noise, and touchy brakes. It excelled in off-road conditions, providing an immersive and adventurous driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though 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 seats folded, more than many EV competitors but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility and a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard. However, rearward visibility was substandard due to thick rear pillars and a small back window.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide’s raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some padded spots for arms and elbows. Visibility was mixed, with excellent views in some areas but compromised in others, such as small intersections and rearward due to the large spare tire. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. Storage options were limited, with small trays and compartments.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 10-inch touchscreen (a 12-inch screen was optional), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. Haptic touchpads replaced nearly all switchgear, which proved difficult to use without 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. While some features seemed gimmicky, the touchscreen was well-positioned with smart-looking graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

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 driver aids 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 to adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for small overlap crash-test protection and side-impact tests. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.