2022 Subaru Forester 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 straight lines and sharp angles 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 finishes. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality and practicality. The Forester Wilderness model, in particular, sported a rugged look with a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding. Inside, the Forester focused on durability and ease of use, with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather upholstery and all-weather floor mats. The interior was designed for comfort and utility, with ample storage space and features like rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports for passengers.

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 instantaneous torque, making city driving enjoyable. 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 was tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, it offered a smooth ride and decent performance on twisty roads, thanks to the added traction and power of the AWD system.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and AWD, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply and a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds. The Forester's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg combined by the EPA, and it performed well in various driving conditions, including off-road environments. However, the lack of a turbocharger made the engine feel sluggish at higher altitudes.

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 up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, which was competitive among EVs but less than some gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4's interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The center console offered limited storage space, but the heated steering wheel and front seats were effective in maintaining cabin warmth.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness model featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The Forester's interior was comfortable, with ample storage space and a well-shaped cargo area. It offered 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The upgraded roof rails and full-size spare tire added to its practicality.

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 traditional switchgear. While the system looked modern, it was difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip at the base of the windshield.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its base trim, with an 8-inch screen available in higher trims. The upgraded system included navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Forester Wilderness featured a 180-degree forward-view camera, and the PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry after outdoor activities. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system had mixed effectiveness.

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 its RWD version. 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 detection.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, which offered improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.