2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle (EV), 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 finishes, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth seats on the base model.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage featured Kia's tiger-nose grille, which, while effective on other models, looked somewhat out of place on the Sportage. Despite this, Kia nailed other design details, such as the four-dot running light signature and the symmetrical rear fascia. The SX Turbo trim boasted 19-inch wheels, giving it a planted stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted Germanic design cues with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and metal pedal covers. The interior offered a rich, high-contrast look with available black, gray, and beige colors. Buttons and knobs made it easy to adjust various settings, and the transmission shifter’s solid operation imparted a sense of quality.

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 (RWD) Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) 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 sporty handling, with noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes for deceleration.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The SX Turbo trim featured a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 240 horsepower (237 with AWD) and 260 pound-feet of torque. The Sportage’s acceleration was quick, especially in Sport mode, where it adopted a more aggressive personality. The SX Turbo trim included upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels. The ride was smooth and compliant, with some body roll and lateral rocking over uneven pavement. The Sportage felt athletic in turns, though the steering could have been quicker and sharper.

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 several EV competitors but less than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk (frunk), but the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was limited due to thick rear pillars and a small back window. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow center console with limited storage space. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller, offered a remarkably roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim featured perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated flat-bottom steering wheel. Rear seat legroom was generous, and the seats were comfortable, with air conditioning vents and a USB charging port for rear passengers. The Sportage provided 30.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 60.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than segment leaders like the CR-V and RAV4. The smart liftgate technology allowed hands-free access to the cargo area, though it could be turned off if not needed.

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 most switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads were 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. The touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Most trims included UVO Link connected services and satellite radio, while the SX Turbo added wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning, and logical onscreen menus. However, the UVO Link system lacked some advanced features, such as a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

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 automated lane centering and Emergency Assist stopping the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. Higher trims included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received good crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.