2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it shared some design elements with the ID.3, the ID.4 aimed to appeal to the U.S. market's preference for crossovers. However, its SUV-like styling was subtle, and it didn't quite resemble a traditional SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic. The interior featured piano black and matte plastic elements, with a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats on the base model. Higher trims offered leatherette upholstery. The cabin was spacious, with good forward visibility, though rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars. The ID.4's interior design aimed to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars, with features like a heated steering wheel and front seats for efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, exuded a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line package added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, enhancing the Sorento's already attractive design. The test vehicle featured the X-Line package with all-wheel drive, Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, and additional options, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310. However, the Sorento offered a range of trims, starting at $29,590 for the base LX with front-wheel drive.

The Sorento's interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and attention to detail. The SX Prestige trim featured a 14-way power driver's seat with a thigh support extension, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Second-row captain's chairs were standard from the EX trim, with heated seats in the SX Prestige X-Line. The third-row seat, while present, was best suited for occasional use due to limited space. The Sorento offered ample cargo space, with 38.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 75.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. A "smart" power tailgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

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 marked Volkswagen's return to rear-wheel drive in the U.S. market. An all-wheel-drive version with a second motor arrived later, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While not a performance car, the ID.4 offered balanced handling with its rear-wheel-drive setup, providing a smooth ride over bumps and potholes. However, it wasn't tuned for sporty driving, with noticeable body roll in corners. The ID.4's regenerative braking system didn't allow for one-pedal driving, as Volkswagen aimed to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered multiple powertrain options, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available from the EX trim, delivered a more satisfying 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, providing energetic performance. The Sorento's suspension, tuned for a blend of compliance and composure, offered a comfortable ride while maintaining good body motion control. The X-Line package's raised suspension improved ground clearance but was more for show than off-road capability. The Sorento's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed slightly lower figures.

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 them folded. While lacking a "frunk," the ID.4's interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was limited due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console, though storage options were limited.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with a 14-way power driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats in the SX Prestige trim. Second-row captain's chairs were standard from the EX trim, with heated seats in the SX Prestige X-Line. The third-row seat was best suited for occasional use due to limited space. The Sorento offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 75.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down. A "smart" power tailgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a 12-inch screen was optional. The control setup relied on haptic touchpads, which lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. A natural-language voice-control system allowed for hands-free operation, though it was slow to respond. The ID.4 also introduced ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. While some features felt gimmicky, the infotainment system offered well-positioned graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services, starting from the EX trim. The base LX trim retained an 8-inch screen with wireless smartphone integration. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the font style and colors might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line featured a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, while wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ designation 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, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist, comparable to Nissan's ProPilot Assist, provided automated lane centering and performed well in testing.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured Kia Drive Wise, with varying safety features depending on the trim level. The SX Prestige X-Line included a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, worked well in testing. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with the SX and SX Prestige trims earning the highest headlight rating. The NHTSA awarded the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating.