2022 Volvo XC60 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 design was part of Volkswagen'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 combined 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier appearance, a new rear bumper hiding the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to move sensors behind the heated Volvo logo. The XC60's interior remained largely unchanged, maintaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Overall, the XC60's interior was subdued compared to other Volvo models.

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 with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered more power and traction. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Regenerative braking was less aggressive than in other EVs, relying more on friction brakes for a familiar driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. The B5 combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The B6 added an electric supercharger, increasing output to 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD or AWD and the B6 available only with AWD. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 did it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features were its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by an optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

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 up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, more than some EV rivals but less than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility and substandard rear visibility due to thick rear pillars. The twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard freed up center console space, but the console itself was narrow and close to the floor, limiting storage for larger items. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained competitive, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom in both rows was average for the segment. Mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded, while plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch screen), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. Haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear, which proved difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The natural-language voice-control system responded to the prompt "Hello ID" and allowed for simple commands, though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light strip at the base of the windshield communicated information to the driver but was mostly a novelty. The touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air software updates were also enabled. The system was compatible with iPhones, though without the added functionality of syncing a Google profile. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the 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. Travel Assist added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist could stop the car if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding well to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering for highway driving.