2022 Toyota Venza 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 elements, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth seats on the base model.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, revived a nameplate that had previously faded away. Built on the proven Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, the Venza measured 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, with a 105.9-inch wheelbase. Its modern exterior design featured a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate with LED lighting. The Venza’s nose had a significant overhang, making it more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials, a layered dash, and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, and the rear seats could accommodate three adults easily.

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. While the ID.4 wasn’t sporty, it offered a smooth ride and balanced handling, thanks to its RWD setup. However, it lacked aggressive regenerative braking, relying more on friction brakes for a familiar driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance, with drivers able to choose between EV mode for short distances and Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, similar to the Camry, but its taller body and higher ground clearance discouraged aggressive cornering. It was designed as a midsize family hauler, delivering a comfortable and predictable ride.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor 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, more than some EV rivals but less than gasoline crossovers 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 subpar 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 steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both. The second row offered 45.2 inches of hip room, adequate for three adults. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof. Convenience features included an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The Venza had four cupholders, four bottle holders, and a spacious glove compartment. Its lithium-ion battery pack was located beneath the second-row seats, minimally impacting cargo capacity. The Venza offered 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. Toyota also focused on cabin quietness, adding sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (a 12-inch screen was optional) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced nearly all switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was difficult 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. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Toyota Venza’s hybrid powertrain required no special attention, making it ideal for drivers without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza featured a Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program that optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The LE and XLE models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while the Limited added a nine-speaker JBL audio system and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Both setups included Toyota Connected Services, with features like Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package was available for the Limited trim, including a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Venza also offered a digital rearview mirror and a 5-inch or 7-inch instrument cluster display screen, depending on the trim level.

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 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. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing highway driving and driver incapacitation detection.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. It also had eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) suite of driver aids, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.