2022 Lexus NX 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's 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX, available in four model series, offered a more traditional luxury SUV design with a bold spindle grille and refined styling details. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior featured NuLuxe simulated leather on most models, with real leather and open-pore wood trim on the Luxury trim. The F Sport trim added sport-bolstered seats, a unique steering wheel, and dark interior trim. The NX's dashboard design aimed for a minimalist look, but some controls integrated into the large touchscreen were challenging to use quickly.

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. This rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup provided balanced handling and fun acceleration from stoplights. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 wasn't sporty, it offered a smooth ride and decent performance on twisty roads. However, it lacked aggressive regenerative braking, relying more on friction brakes for a familiar driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, available with FWD or AWD. The NX 350 F Sport trim added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its sporty character. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury trim.

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. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk (frunk), but its interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The ID.4's center console was narrow, offering limited storage space for larger items. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed a 14% increase in cargo space, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The new dashboard design created a cozy feeling, with comfortable heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim featured better-bolstered seats and padded areas for bracing legs. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space.

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 screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was challenging to use due to the lack of 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 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring a 9.8-inch touchscreen (optional 14-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included Voice Assistant technology, cloud-based features, and readiness for multiple connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant responded to natural commands, and the NX offered a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for storing preferences and settings.

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, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.