2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

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 featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the straight lines and sharp angles 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. Despite its crossover classification, the ID.4's styling was more akin to a hatchback, which might have been a point of contention for buyers expecting a more traditional SUV appearance. The interior design combined Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-forward 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 Mazda CX-5 received subtle exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda’s premium aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, addressing previous complaints about the seating. The CX-5 also introduced a more confusing trim level lineup, with options ranging from the base 2.5 S to the 2.5 Turbo Signature, each offering varying levels of equipment and performance.

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 setup made it 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 powering the front wheels, arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4's RWD configuration provided balanced handling, with the front wheels steering and the rear wheels driving. However, the ID.4 was tuned more for comfort than sportiness, exhibiting significant body roll in corners but offering a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes for deceleration.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for more responsive performance. All CX-5 models came standard with AWD, achieving an EPA-rated 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant offered a turbocharged engine delivering 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. The 2.5 Turbo also included Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. The 2022 CX-5 benefited from increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, resulting in a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride. The improved driving dynamics nearly eliminated body roll and provided a blend of compliance and composure, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom compared to other EVs, though its 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, surpassing several EV competitors but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk (frunk), but its interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars and a small back window. 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 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The front passenger seat was height-adjustable in all trims except the base, a rarity among its rivals. The CX-5’s back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, centered around the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system, required acclimation but allowed for operation without looking away from the road. Storage space was adequate, with small bins and trays for personal items. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparing favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs but less so against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with an optional 12-inch screen) featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced nearly all switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system, though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light feature, a light strip at the base of the windshield, communicated information to the driver but was more of a novelty. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. Mazda believed touchscreens caused driver distraction, so the system relied on center console and steering wheel controls. The lack of natural voice recognition made the system less user-friendly, requiring smartphone integration for intuitive assistance. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial subscription. Higher trims featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed well in the CX-5, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (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. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Signature included Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. The CX-5 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals could match.