2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was characterized by its clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. While some might have found its understated styling boring, others appreciated the beauty in its design, which was expected to age well. The Tiguan was notably large for its class, with a roomy interior that could accommodate up to seven passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The interior featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, with some shiny detailing and a well-integrated touchscreen infotainment system. However, the presence of hard plastics and flimsy steering wheel stalks reminded users that it was not an Audi. The Tiguan was available in several trims, with pricing ranging from $25,245 to $39,095, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of traditional crossovers. The ID.4 was based on VW’s EV-specific MEB platform and was brought to the U.S. market as a crossover, a sensible move given the popularity of this vehicle type. While it didn’t quite look like an SUV, it offered a blend of Volkswagen’s minimalism and a smartphone aesthetic inside. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, though rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk" but made up for it with ample cabin space, and it included features like a heated steering wheel and front seats to efficiently maintain cabin heat.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels by default, with an optional 4Motion AWD system. While the powertrain was adequate, it suffered from turbocharger lag, making the engine feel breathless during passing maneuvers. The Tiguan's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to this perception of lethargy. The EPA rated the Tiguan at 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, though real-world testing showed an average of 22.6 mpg for the AWD model. Despite these drawbacks, the Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and refined braking action, though it struggled with suspension isolation over sharp bumps.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first RWD Volkswagen passenger car in the U.S. since the Beetle, with an AWD version arriving later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While not a performance car, the ID.4 offered a balanced handling experience with its RWD setup, and the instantaneous torque made city driving enjoyable. The AWD version provided additional traction and power, though the ID.4 was tuned more for comfort than sporty handling. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience with friction brakes.

Inside the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, comfort was prioritized with large doors and tall seating positions for easy access. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments, and the V-Tex leatherette upholstery provided a premium feel. The back seat was spacious, with generous legroom and foot space, and the optional panoramic sunroof added to the airy feel. The Tiguan's cargo space varied depending on the presence of a third-row seat, offering between 33 and 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 73.5 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 felt spacious compared to other EVs, with more front and rear headroom than its competitors, though legroom was average. It offered 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 gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk," but the cabin felt roomy, with good forward visibility. The interior featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow center console, providing limited storage space. Standard heated seats and a steering wheel helped maintain cabin warmth efficiently.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim, offering an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a suite of connected services. While the system was an improvement, it had some quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music. Higher trims offered a nine-speaker Fender audio system and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation, providing a more premium experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The control setup relied heavily on haptic touchpads, which were difficult to use without tactile feedback. A natural-language voice-control system allowed for easier operation, though it was slow to respond. The ID.4 also introduced ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver, though it was more of a novelty than a necessity. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with intuitive menus and smart graphics.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with the IQ Drive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, though the NHTSA had not published complete crash-test results.

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. It came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety, with Travel Assist providing smooth lane-centering and responsive acceleration and deceleration.