2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

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 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. While it boasted more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, its SUV-like styling was less convincing compared to traditional gasoline crossovers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, was a more rakish version of the standard seven-passenger Atlas. By removing the third row, dropping the roofline, and shortening the SUV’s length, VW created a bold, sporty, and upscale appearance. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, emphasized the Cross Sport’s broad-shouldered stance. However, the interior featured hard, glossy plastic that dulled the impression of quality, and the numerous storage areas lacked VW’s typical rubber or fabric linings, leading to potential rattles and scraping noises.

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 Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive 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 over bumps and potholes, with balanced handling thanks to its RWD setup. However, it lacked aggressive regenerative braking, relying more on friction brakes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, paired with VW’s 4Motion AWD system, provided a more satisfying driving experience, especially in the two-row version. However, the V6 was aging, and the drivetrain occasionally lacked refinement. The Cross Sport’s suspension was too firm at lower speeds and too soft at higher speeds, leading to a harsh ride on imperfect pavement and a floaty feel on winding roads.

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 “frunk” for extra cargo storage, but the interior felt spacious from the driver’s seat. Forward visibility was good, but rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The console was narrow, offering limited storage space for larger items.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger model, resulting in an exceptionally roomy interior for five people. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, and the cargo area offered plenty of load-floor real estate. However, the numerous storage areas lacked rubber or fabric linings, leading to potential rattles and scraping noises.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 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 cool, 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 designed to communicate information to the driver.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch display, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity-sensing display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more USB ports. The upgraded infotainment system provided access to three Car-Net connected service subscription plans. The SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle had a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which was highly praised.

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. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were also standard, with Travel Assist providing automated lane centering and Emergency Assist bringing the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system as standard. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a low-speed automatic braking system. The SEL trim featured automatic high-beam LED headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and IQ Drive. The SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle included a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant system and an Area View 360-degree surround-view camera system.