2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

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, such as plastic body cladding and a slightly elevated ride height, the ID.4's SUV-like styling was subtle. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, embodying the brand's reputation for high-end SUVs. Its design referenced the larger Range Rover's profile, scaled into a sporty package with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive trapezoidal roof. The Velar's exterior was both blocky and streamlined, with special details like taillight lenses that created an illusion of depth. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The interior featured three screens with sharp graphics, and upper trims offered additional luxury touches like extra leather and softer headliners.

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. with a passenger car. 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 and a smooth ride, with RWD providing a more engaging driving experience compared to FWD rivals. The ID.4's regenerative braking system was less aggressive than typical EVs, focusing on coasting efficiency and a familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" experience. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered 340 to 395 horsepower, offering high performance while reducing emissions. The Velar's off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models, but it featured a standard Terrain Response system with multiple driving modes.

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, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk," prioritizing cabin space instead. 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 for efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with reduced headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was limited, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design choices included a controversial parking brake control integrated with the transmission button, which was criticized for being illogical and potentially dangerous. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a simplified layout and faster response. The Velar's interior featured high-quality materials, but some design changes, like the new shifter, were seen as less practical than previous models.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was praised for its reliability and user-friendly interface. It featured a simplified layout with customizable options and useful features like voice activation, air quality monitoring, and a heated windshield. The navigation system offered intelligent route suggestions and off-road capabilities, while the 360-degree cameras provided a comprehensive view. The instrument panel was versatile, though the driving assist display lacked detail compared to competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

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, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing highway driving and driver incapacitation response.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored five stars in the European NCAP tests, with a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.